Mea Culpa - I Installed Bit Defender

(Windows 7)

Now I can't uninstall Bit Defender (no uninstaller file), can't shred (every single file - even shortcuts - is always "being used") and can't delete (popups that do nothing).

Worse yet, it makes uninstalling Avast Free give me the same problems - I wanted to uninstall because the scanner never went past 17% - something was wrong. Now I'm sure it is. I must have installed a tainted version of Avast. It might be that other programs have been tainted, too. Wish there was a way to find out.

My question: is there a program that forces uninstall? I'd rather uninstall, to get rid of registry entries that deleting or shredding won't.

Also, is Bit Defender a program known to be infected, and is there a "fix" for it? Was it always bad, or did I download a bad version?

I haven't tried removing Avast and Bit Defender in Safe Mode, but that'll be next if you don't have any advice or solution. Somehow, I suspect it won't work.

Thank you!

 

Thanks, pal! It did a good job, but only on traces.It's based on the assumption that you've already uninstalled the program. The program folders remain, and can't be shredded or deleted (in use, they say). Is it safe to assume they can't make that claim?
Some Avast files are in a partition I can't access (prior user's).
I find it hard to believe Avast is pushing malware, so the installer file I downloaded was either already tainted, or something on my system tainted it. I'm going to get it again directly from Avast's URL.

Can you educate me a bit? Are there malware things that can taint the installation files from WITHIN my PC? That would mean that even a clean download and install would promptly turn rotten.

 

Oh, sweet guy! Do I suspect malware? Honey, I'm positively dripping with it. The only anti-virus that seems able to do even a basic job is Clamware. The others find nothing or only PUPs.

I'll take your suggestion, but I have a lot of things to do first. Like regaining access to my email, reinstalling Firefox and hoping it isn't tainted... I only just reinstalled Zone Alarm, and am already having doubts about its purity.

 

Something very BAD happened yesterday. I am sure it is connected to this problem, but it can knock almost any program out of service. I couldn't even shut down last night - had to hit the power button.
I think I should start a new thread. Which do you think best?
It may be necessary to use a restore point. I've never done it before.
What am I likely to lose? And if the infection is already IN my computer, can a restore point get rid of it? If that's uncertain, why bother?

 

I need to take you up on your kind offer. I have a new problem. The forum page won't let me start a new thread - the button is gone.
I am thoroughly under attack. An hour ago, I had to shut down abruptly when I saw that something had "un-launched" my Zone Alarm. What in the world has the power to do something like that? Whoever did it had at least an hour to breeze into my system without ZA stopping them.
Needless to say, I find this very alarming.
C0uld you take this message and plunk it into a new thread for me:? Call it "ZoneAlarm compsomised." I'd really appreciate it because I can't do it. Do you know what might have removed the button for a new thread? I'm compromised by more than just ZA.
I need guidance here.
Thanks,
Holly B.