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General discussion

SpyBot Search and Destroy 1.2 wont totally uninstall...

by LMonte Dec 22, 2005 3:55AM PST

First, I could never update to the newer versions by clicking Updates.
I went to remove it using their uninstall button from the file drop down list. It tells me that uninstall is not complete until I go to register key. I was also told under help, which doesn't help that much, that I could go drive C:Programs/Spybot, well I did, and it doesn't let me delete program, it keeps coming up with a message SpybotSDhelper.dll or something similar and it doesn't allow me to access it.
I want to remove this since it's not user friendly to me, and maybe causing me problems, at least a headache. Help, Merry Christmans!
I have an HP Pavillion 7900 XP Home Edition

Discussion is locked

9 Posts
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Re: SpyBot Search and Destroy 1.2 wont totally uninstall...
by Tufenuf Dec 22, 2005 4:15AM PST

Follow the instructions at the link below which has a link to the reg file youmay need to download & run.

"If you want to completely get rid of Spybot-S&D 1.4 (also earlier versions) and the Add/Remove doesn't help, you can delete the installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\), then download "this very small fix" and execute it (important! - this will remove all remains from the registry) (this also applies to earlier versions)".


http://www.safer-networking.org/en/faq/27.html

Tufenuf

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SpyBot 1.2
by LMonte Dec 22, 2005 6:30AM PST

It wouldn't let me remove it from the Programs due to a helpsd or sdhelp.dll file not being able to be removed.
Also going into tools, it didn't have any of the other suggestions I was given after undo-ing and unchecking.
Now my PC has a Windows Installer box which keeps trying to come up. It cancels itself out automatically, but my system is not running right.
I tried a system restore and it's not allowing me to do anything. I'm really stuck and I need simple advice. If I knew that much I wouldnt' be in this spot to begin with. A little less showmanship and simple directions for a simple mind please.
Thanks to you both for your support! Need help, cant even open up a Word document now!!!

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Try this
by roddy32 Dec 22, 2005 6:39AM PST

The SDhelp.dll is the BHO that Spybot uses to block bad addresses in internet explorer. Open Spybot IF you still have the main program and go to the ''immunization'' page and at the bottom, UNcheck the box that says ''enable permanent blocking in internet explorer''. That SHOULD make it possible to go back to the .dll and delete it.

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Spy Bot is still there..
by LMonte Dec 22, 2005 7:46AM PST

Now, after I uncheck that, do I immunize, close or what. I'm not an expert. Delete it, doesn't help me since I had not been able to delete before. Since there is no "DELETE" button at this phase, I'm stuck, lost, frustrated, now my Windows Installer box keeps coming up as if wanting to install something. Word docs are not opening up now either, saying that there's something missing!!! Totally devasted and not been able to use my PC since earlier on.
Anyway I can just Uninstall Office, XP and start over. If it's easier and takes care of all of this, that's where I'm at. Any help will be gratefully appreciated.

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The file that Tufenuf
by roddy32 Dec 22, 2005 8:29AM PST

told you to download SHOULD have worked and also BugBatter's advice SHOULD have worked. I do NOT know why you are getting the Windows Installer box now. By doing what I said UN checking the immunize would release the sdhelp.dll file so you should be able to delete it now the same way that you tried before your original post.

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Maybe try..
by Carol~ Dec 22, 2005 8:40AM PST

restarting and if you haven't already.. Go to Control Panel>Folders>View. Under ''Hidden folders and files'' tick where it says ''show hidden files and folders''. It will allow you to get to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Spybot - Search & Destroy. Perhaps you can delete the necessary files.

Did you try what Tufenuf suggested?

Just a shot in the dark..
Carol

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Uninstalling Spybot
by Bugbatter Dec 22, 2005 4:20AM PST

Perhaps you will find the latest version, 1.4, more ''User Friendly'' that can be downloaded here:
http://safer-networking.org/en/news/2005-05-31.html

First remove your outdated version:

Go into Spybot > Immunize
Click ''Undo'' button (at the top)
Uncheck (if checked) the following:
''Enable permanent blocking of bad addresses in Internet Explorer''

Go into Spybot > Mode > Advanced Mode > Tools > Resident
Uncheck (if checked) the following:
Resident ''TeaTimer'' (Protection of over-all system settings) Active.

Go into Spybot > Mode > Advanced Mode > Tools > IE Tweaks.
Uncheck (if checked) any of the following ''Miscellaneous locks'':
Lock Hosts file read-only as protection against hijackers
Lock IE start page setting against user changes (current user)
Lock IE control panel against opening from within IE (current user)


Go into Spybot > Mode > Advanced Mode > Tools > Hosts file
Click the ''Remove Spybot S&D hosts list'' button (at the top)

Exit Spybot-S&D
Make sure that TeaTimer is not running by checking for the TeaTimer System Tray Icon. If the icon is there:
Right click Spybot's TeaTimer System Tray Icon > click Exit Spybot-S&D Resident. TeaTimer should close.

Go to Windows > Control panel > Add or Remove Programs > Locate ''Spybot ? Search & Destroy 1.2'' > Remove.
Using Windows explorer, verify that the following folder has been deleted. If not, delete it:C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy

Optional (not needed of you are installing the new version) - If you want to make sure that all the registry entries that Spybot-S&D added during installation are removed, there is a .reg file available on the safer-networking.org WEB site that can do that. See the following article:
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How to uninstall?
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/faq/27.html
The direct download link is:
remove-spybotsd-settings.reg (http://www.safer-networking.org/files/remove-spybotsd-settings.reg)
Download the file.
Double click on it
Answer Yes then OK

Optional (not needed of you are installing the new version) - Delete the Configuration.ini fileThe Configuration.ini file is stored in one of the following folders:
Windows 95 or 98:
C:\Windows\Application Data\Spybot - Search & Destroy
Windows ME:
C:\Windows\All Users\Application Data\Spybot - Search & Destroy
Windows NT, 2000 or XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Spybot - Search & Destroy

Install Spybot-S&D 1.4:
Execute spybotsd14.exe downloaded above.
Do not change the default installation path of:C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy

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Okay, last time...
by LMonte Dec 22, 2005 6:32AM PST

Tools, doesn't allow me to see IE Tweaks or at least mine doesn't have it.
THen from there, forget it!
I have the 1.2 which didn't even let me Update during the past year, which is why I was going to take it off. Now I'm stuck, read previous response.

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Okay, last time...
by Bugbatter Dec 22, 2005 8:56AM PST

Version 1.2 did not let you update because it is obsolete, so in order to get updates, you will need version 1.4 which is the current version.

''read previous response.'' Which one is that? My reply was posted as #2 according to the times. Several of us have told you how to release that .dll. There IS a certain sequence to be followed in removing Spybot. That was not followed, so we are trying to help you by going back to where you made your error.

''Since there is no ''DELETE'' button at this phase...'' Are you saying that you cannot browse to the the file SDhelp.dll and delete it? Go into Safemode and try deleting it that way.

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