Unable to reinstall Bitdefender on Windows 10

eastfizz

The Bitdefender software (free) on my PC somehow changed to "Version 1.0.21.1099, Updated 12/31/1969" and is not currently working. When I tried to uninstall it so I could install a new version, the result was "unstalled with errors, contact Bitdefender Support to finish the uninstall." So now I am unable to install any version of Bitdefender untill this is fixed. How do I fix it?

Appreciate any help that can be provided.

Flexx

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/99448/unable-to-reinstall-bitdefender-on-windows-10

Kindly perform the following steps and see if they help you in any way:

1) Uninstall the Bitdefender product using the Add/Remove Programs option in Windows.

2) To remove any remaining files, download and run the Bitdefender product uninstaller from this link: https://www.bitdefender.com/files/KnowledgeBase/file/Bitdefender_2023_Uninstall_Tool.exe

3) Restart your PC in safe mode. You can follow this guide: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234

4) As soon as the desktop opens, assuming your Windows drive is 'C,' open the following locations in the 'Run' command (Windows icon + R) one by one:

C:\Program Files (delete any folder with the name bitdefender)

C:\Program Files (x86) (delete any folder with the name bitdefender)

C:\ProgramData (delete any folder with the name bitdefender)

C:\Users{your PC name}\AppData\Local (delete any folder with the name bitdefender)

5) Open the Run command and execute the following commands one by one:

temp - delete all the files in the folder

%temp% - delete all the files in the folder

prefetch - delete all the files in the folder

6) Open the registry editor through the 'Run' command (Windows icon + R) and then type 'regedit.' Once the registry editor opens, click on 'Edit' -> 'Find,' and make sure to checkmark 'Match whole strings only.' Type 'bitdefender' in the search box and click 'Find Next.' If any file or folder with the name 'bitdefender' is found, delete it. Continue searching the registry and deleting until the search reports no registry keys found. Restart your PC in normal mode by unchecking the option you selected to run the system in safe mode, and then click 'Apply.'

7) Remove devices from your online Bitdefender Central: https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/2795/

8) Download the online installer of Bitdefender free from https://download.bitdefender.com/windows/installer/en-us/bitdefender_avfree.exe

Once your respective Bitdefender product is installed, a Bitdefender dialogue box will open. You will need to log in with your registered Bitdefender Online Central details, and after a successful login, your product will be synchronized with your Bitdefender Online Central account. Therefore, your product will be registered and activated with Bitdefender Online Central automatically.

Regards

eastfizz

Thank you, Flexx

Since I did not want to get into the Registry unless absolutely necessary, I tried another approach. I removed the icon for Bitdefender, ended the task in the Task Manager, and tried the uninstall tool again. Surprised that the uninstall worked this time and I was able to go with just a reinstall of Bitdefender which worked fine.

All is well now.

Thanks again. Will keep your solution for reference in the future. - eastfizz

Flexx

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/337724#Comment_337724

Nice to know your issue has been resolved.

Regards