I have bought a new Lenovo laptop so that I can read easily my Kindle books away from the PC. Reading the Kindle itself can be done but the problem is they have become so sensitive that it seems a blow of air will change a page, and not always in the same direction.
It was going fine for a week or so and then I started to get McAfee and Avast pop ups on the right of the screen making it impossible to read what I want to.
I googled the problem and there are several people on YT with the same, apparently easy, solution to get rid. Trouble is the first step is to open Google Chrome and click on the 3 dots top right of the screen. Impossible, because the blasted popup completely takes over that side.
Any solutions anyone?
David, are you getting the pop-ups on y our kindle or computer, and if so, is it because you have Macafee and Avast installed?
I’d suggest you stop using Chrome and maybe switch to an alternative browser if the problem is on the laptop. Try Brave, Opera, even Microsoft Edge.
The popups are on my laptop which is in MS Edge.
There are no popups on my PC which is on Firefox and none on my Kindle which I think is something else, can’t remember it now.
I only switched to Chrome on the suggestion of all of the YT people in order to banish the popups, which seems to have worked with everyone who has commented on all 3 YT sites.
Get your friendly tech bod to remove both those pieces of crap and make sure Windows Defender is enabled.
3 Likes
I will, but to what 2 pieces of crap do you refer? Edge, Chrome or Firefox?
If you mean Macafee and Avast, that is the problem. I am signed up to neither and are what I am trying to get rid of.
Oh, I miscounted - four pieces of crap 
Or five if you are not a Firefox fan.
Actually I think Avast is OK but it’s not really needed when Windows Defender is more than adequate these days.
So, yes, I was specifically talking about McAfee and Avast - why both installed anyway??
2 Likes
They aren’t as far as I know, I certainly have have not done so. I asked Eddie about Mcafee before this started because I kept getting bombarded by it to sign up. He said no. The problem is I can’t get rid of them popping up and stealing my screen space, which is at the root of my inability to use the ridding methods suggested.
Gemini says
McAfee can be notoriously stubborn to remove completely. If you just use the standard Windows Settings, it often leaves behind leftover files, registry keys, and background processes that can slow down your PC or conflict with other antivirus software.
To completely wipe it from your system, follow this two-step process.
Step 1: The Standard Uninstall
Before using McAfee’s specialized cleanup tool, you need to run the initial uninstall through Windows.
- Click the Start menu and open Settings (the gear icon).
- Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features depending on your Windows version).
- Scroll down or use the search bar to find McAfee.
- Click the three dots next to it (or click the app directly) and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. If asked whether you want to remove all files and site advisor data, check all the boxes.
- Restart your computer when prompted.
Step 2: Use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) Tool
This is the crucial step. McAfee provides an official cleanup utility specifically designed to hunt down and destroy leftover registry entries and hidden files.
- Download the official MCPR tool directly from McAfee’s website.
- Run the downloaded file (
MCPR.exe).
- Click Next on the validation screen and agree to the Terms of Use.
- Enter the security CAPTCHA code exactly as shown (it is case-sensitive).
- The tool will begin scanning and removing all remnants. This can take a few minutes.
- When you see the “Removal Complete” message, click Restart.
Important Note: Once McAfee is completely removed, Windows Defender (Windows’ built-in security) should automatically turn itself on to keep your PC protected. It’s always a good idea to double-check this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security to ensure your system isn’t left exposed.
Mmm, wonder if they are fake then. Or pre-installed nagware if it is a new, new laptop (i.e neuf rather than just nouveau).
If you go to add/remove software (or I think it’s “installed apps” in W11) do you see anything which pertains to McAfee or Avast?
1 Like
Conversation with Gemini
How do I completely remove macafee from my Windows pc
McAfee can be notoriously stubborn to remove completely. If you just use the standard Windows Settings, it often leaves behind leftover files, registry keys, and background processes that can slow down your PC or conflict with other antivirus software.
To completely wipe it from your system, follow this two-step process.
Step 1: The Standard Uninstall
Before using McAfee’s specialized cleanup tool, you need to run the initial uninstall through Windows.
Click the Start menu and open Settings (the gear icon).
Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features depending on your Windows version).
Scroll down or use the search bar to find McAfee.
Click the three dots next to it (or click the app directly) and select Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen prompts. If asked whether you want to remove all files and site advisor data, check all the boxes.
Restart your computer when prompted.
Step 2: Use the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) Tool
This is the crucial step. McAfee provides an official cleanup utility specifically designed to hunt down and destroy leftover registry entries and hidden files.
Download the official MCPR tool directly from McAfee’s website.
Run the downloaded file (MCPR.exe).
Click Next on the validation screen and agree to the Terms of Use.
Enter the security CAPTCHA code exactly as shown (it is case-sensitive).
The tool will begin scanning and removing all remnants. This can take a few minutes.
When you see the “Removal Complete” message, click Restart.
Important Note: Once McAfee is completely removed, Windows Defender (Windows’ built-in security) should automatically turn itself on to keep your PC protected. It’s always a good idea to double-check this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security to ensure your system isn’t left exposed.
How do I completely remove avast from my Windows pc
Avast, much like McAfee, loves to leave behind deep-rooted files and registry entries even after you think you’ve uninstalled it. To completely purge it from your Windows PC, it’s best to use Avast’s official dedicated removal tool.
Here is the cleanest and most effective way to completely remove it.
Step 1: Download the Avast Clear Utility
Instead of relying on the standard Windows Settings (which often leaves remnants behind), you’ll want to use Avast’s official uninstallation tool.
Download the Avast Clear utility (avastclear.exe) directly from the official Avast website.
Save it to a place where you can easily find it, like your Desktop.
Step 2: Run Avast Clear in Safe Mode
The tool works best in Windows Safe Mode because it prevents Avast’s self-defense mechanisms from blocking the deletion process.
Double-click avastclear.exe.
A prompt will appear stating that it is recommended to run the tool in Windows Safe Mode.
Click Yes to allow the tool to automatically restart your PC into Safe Mode.
Once your PC reboots into Safe Mode, the Avast Clear window will open automatically.
Step 3: Wipe the Files
In the Avast Clear window, it will ask for the installation directories. If you installed Avast in the default location, leave these paths exactly as they are.
Select the specific version of Avast you had installed from the drop-down menu (e.g., Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Premium Security).
Click the Uninstall button at the bottom.
Once the process is finished, click Restart computer to boot back into normal Windows.
Quick Check: Now that Avast is completely gone, Windows Defender will automatically take over to keep your PC safe. You can verify it’s active by going to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security.
Yes, definitely make sure pop-ups and notifications are disabled.
There used to be a scam by which these pop-ups would appear on websites that had either been hacked, or deliberately created to server malware. The unsuspecting user gets a pop-up warning them about McAfee, avast or some other brand of antivirus, and pretends to serve the user a free download tool to rid themselves forever (sic) of those pesky pop-ups. Patatras ! - those evil no good scum of the earth have now installed any number of Trojans and are laying in wait to siphon off the user’s bank accounts and anything else of value they can lay their grubby hands on.
Well the good news is (I think) that accidentally I got rid of the popups last night. Can’t remember exactly what I did but I believe it was along the lines of settings searching the list presented and uninstalling it.
For the first time in 2 nights I was able to read the Kindle story on my new laptop, but if it re-occurs I will remember this well entitled thread with all its useful advice, so thank you all for for that.
I only found McAfee in the search, not Avast, so fingers crossed, but as I say, I think I am well armed now.
One question, is Windows Defender automatically installed on a brand new laptop running Windows 11?
Yes it should be - but may not be activated if the laptop has had other so-called anti-virus shit such as the programs mentioned above pre-installed by the supplier.
Have a snoop through what’s on there (or ask Eddie to take a look) and have a bit of a clear-out of anything you’re not sure about or never going to use.
A good idea, as ever, thank you. 
I find that most software challenges I have can be resolved in partnership with gemini and/or https://chatgpt.com/
A nice thing about a new machine is that you can nuke the installed OS and start again with the minimum of drama if the machine has a load of pre-installed bloatware.
This is true - however David is somewhat technophobic (though we are gradually training him…) 
1 Like
Understated as usual 
but don’t think it isn’t something I haven’t considered.
The good news is that I have found a good use for my recently purchased roller ball mouse which I can’t get used to with the PC because my fingers can’t operate the right and left clicks without disturbing the ball and missing the target.
Another pet hate of mine is the laptop’s need for a mouse pad but in bed at night reading my newly repaired ( 
) machine I can scroll easily with the ball mouse resting on the covers under my hand. Not all bad news then. 