McAfee Software Conflicts in Windows Vista
In the last post I talked about Alcohol 120% and Frostwire not working in my new Windows Vista Toshiba laptop. After doing much research it seems that the concensus is the problem is actually with the McAfee security suite. This thread over at gnutella forums (Limewire forums) is pretty telling…there are lots of replies from people that removed McAfee and got Frostwire working again.
I bought a new machine that came with Windows Vista Premium and Mcafee preinstalled.
Installed Limewire and it wouldn’t connect. Meanwhile, my internet connection was blocked while Limewire was running and even after I closed it, for about 5 more minutes. I tried all kinds of things: checked the router, used Windows Firewall, used Mcafee firewall, used none, etc. No solution!
So I uninstalled Mcaffee as suggested above and voilá: Limewire was download great…
I’m pretty sure this should work if you were having the same problem, because they were even getting the blocked Internet connection with Frostwire running – just like me. The threads did mention to have Java JRE6 installed – which I did. In addition – if you remove McAfee, make sure that your Windows firewall is activated.
I read on the c|Net Windows Vista forums that some of the off the shelf versions of Symantec Norton Security and AntiVirus 2007 are labeled “Vista Ready”, but once you install them (in Vista) they don’t work. That thread indicated that they retail box version sold in stores was coded to work with Vista (Longhorn) RC1 and not the final release. So a patch / update is on the way, but not ready yet. I’d be a little pissed if I bought that.
Last, for those of you that actually remove McAfee Internet Security, McAfee AntiVirus, or McAfee Privacy Policy (and turn on Windows Firewall) – you need to remember to get some alternative anti-virus protection. After reading the last paragraph, I’m sure you don’t want to install Norton Security or Norton AntiVirus (and I wouldn’t want you to). Believe it or not there are some free antivirus programs that you can download at no cost. They work well, and are used by tens if not hundreds of thousands every day. Here they are…
Avast Home Edition Free Anti Virus software download
AVG Free Advisor Anti-Virus software download
**UPDATE**
by the way – now that I’ve removed McAfee from my Vista Premium install – it runs muuuuuuch faster!!? Everything is so much more responsive on my laptop now!
February 24th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Thanks for your site, I found you on google. I’m so happy that we have identical problems and i’m not alone because I fixed my problem by removing mcafee and not only does limewire work now but the computer speeded up a little too
I put in AVG antivirus.
March 12th, 2007 at 11:20 am
I bought a new Toshiba laptop 3 weeks ago and I’ve been seeing seemed problem when I’m using uzureus or Emule.
Should I try unistall the McAfee too?
Thanks!
March 13th, 2007 at 10:53 am
yes – that should fix your problems…
March 14th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I think I’ll join the bandwagon and ditch the CrapAfee from my Premium running machine as well. My problem with it is how it interacts with Thunderbird. Even after crippling it and having it freak out about no protection, it still won’t let my email send. (I receive fine, oddly enough.)
I used to run Computer Associates EZarmor program and actually really liked that one. They’re supposed to offer a Vista-ready version at the end of the month. I think, though, I’ll check out the free AVG that you touted.
Thanks.
April 17th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
I would like to get rid of my Mcafee and d/l from one of the free anti-virus programs you mentioned, but how do you know these programs work??
April 17th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Both of these free antivirus programs have been around a long time. They are supported by a company, not someone in their basement. Both companies offer “pro” versions of their antivirus with more features in addition to the “free” version – but the free one works just fine if you don’t want to spend any money.
If you doubt me, just google “avast review” or “avg review” – or visit the support forums on their respective sites.
May 3rd, 2007 at 3:24 am
Ive found a P2P shareing program that works fine with mcaffe and its realy good 2. its called shareaza.
October 14th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Still can’t believe that McAfee and Norton are still managing to get their
crapwaresoftware onto new systems. The Microsoft discussion forums are full of issues caused by these two!AVG and Avast are the sensible option every day of the week. Been using both of these for years after the moment of truth revealed Norton to be a system resource hog and incapable of keeping viruses out!
December 27th, 2007 at 8:03 am
hi me2 had the sane problem with macafee and vista the problem was not just slow lime wire but also my media player not working so i rmove it and downloaded avg free edition evry thing go soo ezee now. but avg does not have a internet scurty is not that aproblem?