AVG has been removed, but is still there....HELP!

I really need help here, but kindly read my whole post

Windows XP ser pack 2

Okay.....first, I've read EVERYTHING in this forum and others about AVG. None of the solutions address my problem.

I've removed AVG with the uninstaller tool. There is no trace of it in C: program files. There is no trace of it in REGEDIT under HKEY_CURRENT_USER > software. I downloaded "perfect uninstaller" and found no trace of it.

Despite all this, windows security center identifies 2 virus programs running (VIPRE and AVG).

Symptoms:
Ever since I removed AVG, I've had to use system restore twice to fix errors involving:
1. cftmon.exe not responding
2. explorer.exe not responding
Oddly, I would get these errors after "right clicking" on any icon on my desktop. My mouse would indicate the comp. was thinking (hour glass). I was unable to do anything EXCEPT ctrl alt del to the task manager and shut down. The error messages showed up while windows was shutting down.

Upon restart (both times), I restored to an earlier point and ran Major Geeks malware removal (finding nothing suspicious). Things are running fine now (save the 2 virus programs identified in security center). I will, however, have these system errors again in the future. I am POSITIVE that AVG and the system errors are related in some way. I just haven't the slightest idea how or what to do about it. Any ideas????

Thanks a ton in advance

 

I have seen similar issues in the past, about the security center thinking it sees an antivirus program. Mostly due to the fact that the uninstaller didn't remove all entries. On that note.....

If the above (from DomLuc) does not work, I'd also check out the following registry keys:

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Security Center\Monitoring\

Within here you'll see multiple keys related to different antivirus program monitoring. I'd check to see if you have AVG or VIPRE, which aren't standard in the keys that I have mentioned. Either delete the keys, or delete what's within the keys. Yes, backing anything up.

 

Hi...thanks for the replies!

DomLuc, I ran CCleaner about 5 times. It did pick up on some AVG reg entry and removed it, but the problem persists.

I didn't find anything under HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Security Center\Monitoring\ pertaining to AVG or VIPRE.

I've posted this in the AVG help forum per the request of DomLuc and will post the solution here (if found).

Thanks!

 

g'day skibloke

another place to check for avg entries that may help is to open regedit navigate to hkey local machine then locate the systems folder in that you will find 3 controlset folders check in them all and find the services folder open and look for avg entries if they are there right click on them and delete them reboot the computer and see if this helps.