Deleting Reg Keys

Hello- I have an issue with various malware tools recognizing a 'MSSE Scanner' running on my system. I can't find it anywhere. The only thing I have found regarding any MS security is in 'HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MicrosoftAntiMalware', and am not allowed to delete this string. A couple of weeks ago, I was able to eliminate everything having to do with this MS AntiMalware thing in C:.
Can anyone help me out here, please?
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

I'm not sure what OS you're using, but I recommend creating a system restore point before deleting any registry keys.

The 'HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MicrosoftAntiMalware' key only has read permissions for all accounts except SYSTEM. To delete it, right click on the key and select 'Permissions...'. Assuming you are on an administrator account, select Administrators from the 'Group or use names' box, then drop down to the lower Permissions box and put a check mark in 'Allow' for 'Full Control'. Press Apply > OK.
You should now be able to delete the key.

 

Thanks, 'nullptr', your advice worked fine. I am using XP Pro x86 on this machine. How this all transpired was one of the malware experts here had me run a series of scans because of some system issues I was experiencing- nothing too serious. Anyway, one of them was ComboFix and this prog reacted to a supposed Microsoft Security Essentials scanner that was still showing up. At one point, when my avast! Internet Security 2011 subscription ran out I installed the Security Essentials. It started acting up, so I re-upped the avast!. For whatever reason, the MSSE doesn't completely uninstall when using their uninstall tool.
That's pretty much it- Thanks for your input!
tim

 

Rather sounds like a conflict between Avast and MSSE resulting from your not completely uninstalling Avast when your subscription expired and before installing MSSE. Having two AVs running invariably results in conflict and system instability.

 

Nope!...avast! has a special downloadable utility to uninstall, which I did implement. I have used them for a long time. MSSE is rather notorious for numerous issues- a simple Google search will verify that statement.
I am looking for another AV program on this machine, as avast! Internet Security 2012 that is installed right now is rather heavy on system resources.
From what I have been reading lately, the latest Bitdefender and Webroot progs are the way to go- they say Webroot is far lighter and faster than anything else. I know, opinions vary!
That's what I like about these 'geek forums'- it's kinda sorta like goin' fishin', ya never know what yer gonna catch!
Thanks for your reply!
tim :wave