new laptop: how to remove nagging Mcaffe & replace with ?
 

Bought a Win8 based laptop for someone who isn't very pc literate. Now the version of Mcaffe on it is nagging to register with a popup. Is it just a straight uninstall and find something like MSSE to install?

I've never bought a new laptop before, I understand there is sometimes alot of bloatware preinstalled on them, but I want to leave some protection on it.

Instead of making a post why not just try and see what happens then come back if you need real help.

Search for removal tool similar to the Norton's one came up with several links which probably were the actual mcafee website, but without knowing for sure (domain was slightly different) I trust majorgeeks to have a legit link.....

|MG| McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool 6.0.152.0 Download

A straight uninstall might not get an AV cleanly removed so it's best to check for a manufacturer's removal tool prior to attempting to install another AV or you might bugger up the system because of incompatibilities.

In order to properly uninstall McAfee, first disable every one of its services through the Windows Services dialog (not sure what it's called under Win 8). Then use the included McAfee Uninstall Utility and you should be good to go.

Replace it with Microsoft Secutiry Essentials.

Thanks for the tip about the removal tool, thats exactly why I made the post, somebody here must have gone thru this at one point.

However, note that some "free" or "trial" versions won't have the utility. You will need to go into Remove Programs, go through that process and then delete the main McAfee folders from the Program Files, Local, etc.

Which is why I posted a link to the stand-alone removal tool. That should work for all versions.

Crap, I didn't check that majorgeek site before uninstalling it, so I don't know if I activated the subscription or if it was done, but does that only allow me to use McAfee products until the paid time is up? Is there even any good McAfee products?

Honestly, if it's brand new it's full of 'bloatware'. Clean install is best IMO.