What to do before installing a virus software

Step 1: Update Microsoft Windows

Follow the basic instructions below to make sure your computer is up to date:

1. Open your web browser and go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
2. Follow the instructions and make sure you have all critical updates and Service Packs installed.


Step 2 - Delete Temporary Internet Files and Cookies
Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click Tools and select Internet Options.
3. Under Browsing History, click Delete (for Internet Explorer 6, this is on the General tab of the Internet Options dialog).
4. Under Cookies, click Delete cookies.
5. Under Temporary Internet Files, click Delete files.
6. Click Close, then OK.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Click Tools and select Clear Private Data.
3. Select the boxes next to Cache and Offline Website Data and Delete cookies, then click Clear Private Data Now.


Step 3 - Enable SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 certificates
Internet Explorer

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools and select Internet Options.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. In the Settings box, scroll to the bottom of the list under the header item Security.
4. Select both Use SSL 2.0 and Use SSL 3.0.
5. Click OK.

Mozilla Firefox

1. In Firefox, click Tools and select Options.
2. Select Advanced.
3. Select the Encryption tab.
4. Under Protocols, select Use SSL 3.0.
5. Click OK.


Step 4 - Disable Script Debugging (Internet Explorer only)

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools and select Internet Options.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. Under Browsing, select Disable script debugging (Internet Explorer) and Disable script debugging (other).
4. Click OK.


Step 5: Disable popup blockers

Popup blockers can prevent important installation windows from opening and allowing the Software product to install correctly. Turn off all popup blockers to avoid any difficulties while installing.
Internet Explorer

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools.
2. Click Popup Blocker.
3. Select Turn Off Popup Blocker.

Browser Toolbars

Most toolbars such as the Google Toolbar or Yahoo Toolbar have a built-in pop-up blocker. These should also be turned off or disabled temporarily before attempting to install McAfee products. Each toolbar has different settings for turning off the pop-up blocker, but most can be accessed from the Settings or Options menus on the toolbar.
Other Popup Blockers

Most pop-up blockers can be disabled temporarily by holding the Control key (CTRL) on your keyboard while clicking the button or link to begin the download and installation process.

Step 6: Uninstall any existing security software

Some security software (anti-virus, firewalls, etc.) will not function correctly with other similar programs installed. Uninstalling previous security software, including any existing McAfee programs, should prevent any conflicts from occurring during or after installation.

Note: Common security software to look for (not a complete list): Norton, Symantec, Panda, Zone Labs (or Zone Alarm), Trend Micro, AVG, and PC-cillin. If you encounter any issues while uninstalling software from companies other then McAfee, please contact the software manufacturer for support.
Windows XP

1. Click Start.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
4. Locate and click the application you want to remove.

5. Click Remove.
6. Follow the prompts to uninstall the software and restart your computer if necessary.
7. After restarting, check Add or Remove programs again to ensure that no other applications need to be removed.

Repeat these steps for all installed security applications.
Windows Vista

1. Click the Windows button.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double-click Programs and Features.
4. Locate and click the application you want to remove.

5. Click Uninstall.
6. Follow the prompts to uninstall the software and restart your computer if necessary.
7. After restarting, check the Programs and Features list again to ensure that no other applications need to be removed.

Repeat these steps for all installed security applications.