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How To Uninstall/Delete ESET Smart Security/NOD32 Completely

by | Friday, 15th May 2009 | 11 Comments | Share

I have been using the ESET Smart Security trial for sometime now, however I wanted to install a new version of the software, so I uninstalled the earlier version of the software and tried to install the new version.

However due to some problem, I was unable to uninstall the software completely and it left me wondering what I did wrong, no matter what I tried or what I did, the older version could not be uninstalled, and while trying to overwrite the software with the never versions, I kept coming across permission denied error every time.

However I was able to remove the older version of ESET manually and then reinstall a fresh version, for those who are interested, here are the steps you need to perform.

Step 1: Boot the computer in safe mode, press the F8 key while rebooting and choose Safe mode from the list.

Step 2: Make sure that ESET service or any related services  are not running, or else you will not be able to perform the next steps.

To do that go to Start > Run and type in services.mscwithout the quotes.

In the services window, search for services that begin with ESET, stop the services if they are already running, and delete the services. There will be possibly two services related to ESET named ESET Service and ESET Http Server.

delete_services_from_command_prompt

If you are not aware of how to delete the services, read our tutorial: Deleting Services In Windows XP and Vista.

Step 3: Go to C:Program Files and delete the ESET folder, if you have multiple ESET products installed, only delete the one that you want to uninstall from within the ESET products. Change the drive letter to the drive where windows is installed. 

Step 4: Go to Start > Run and type in Regedit to open the registry editor, in the registry editor, navigate to HK_LOCAL_MACHINESoftware and delete the entire ESET key.

delete_eset_registry

You will be shown a prompt, click yes on it to complete the deletion.

Step 5: Reboot your computer and boot in normal mode.

The ESET Smart Security or NOD32 application should now be deleted, you can install a newer version of the software or install another Antivirus software with ease.

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I am the editor-in-chief and owner of Techie Buzz. I love coding and have contributed to several open source projects in the past. You can know more about me and my projects by visiting my Personal Website.I am also a social networking enthusiast and can be found active on twitter, you can follow Keith on twitter @keithdsouza. You can click on my name to visit my Google+ profile.

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  1. Duncan on May 29th, 2009 at 1:39 pm #

    There are simpler ways to cleanly uninstall programs without having to go into the registery and doing it manually. There are freeware available through which you can uninstall programs cleanly.

    None the less this was a good article I stumbled upon.

  2. fred on June 5th, 2009 at 1:17 am #

    to delete any program cleanly and safely download revo uninstaller. It also comes in a portable version.

  3. arabo on October 22nd, 2009 at 11:38 am #

    Thank you so much (Keith Dsouza) for your great easy
    explanation becouse i’ve faced the same problem.
    Thanks again and waiting for your new

  4. andy on December 26th, 2009 at 5:20 am #

    good job man!!!!!
    thanks,,,,

  5. Parvs on February 15th, 2010 at 9:42 pm #

    Hi was reading your instructions for this problem and i tried it out.

    I was able to delete ekrn but unable to delete EhttpSrv, this error came after:
    [SC] Open Service FAILED 1060:
    The specified service does not exist as an installed service

    The ESET SERVICE was gone from the services applet.
    but when I try to install AVG Antivirus, i still get a notice to uninstall ESET NOD32 v4.0.

    help please?

  6. Zoli on May 5th, 2010 at 10:07 am #

    Fred, Yes Programs like revo uninstaller or zsoft uninstalleris are more esay, but this programs , not unistall the nod perfectly. this article is very usefull. thx !

  7. Minnie1601 on September 30th, 2010 at 9:50 am #

    I have tried doing these steps, and i have done all that is said, BUT now i can not load windows (Win 7 ) has black screen with pointer before Log On Screen, and Now WONT even load into safe mode

    PLEASE help

    • Glen on July 5th, 2011 at 4:27 am #

      Looks like you may have erased the wrong files or took something out if the registery that you shouldn’t have.. that sucks! Try re-installing Windows, it may work! GOod luck!!

  8. Glen on July 5th, 2011 at 4:18 am #

    AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!! I’m SO glad I stumbled upon this article, worked great!!! (Running Win 7 64bit)

  9. john on October 1st, 2011 at 12:00 pm #

    thanks my friend.
    i am very lucky that i found this article.