Monitoring software installs using an uninstaller program...should virus protection be stopped?

[Licita]

I have rewritten the following with more detail to make it more clear what I am asking.

Instead of using "Add or Remove Programs” in Windows Programs and Features there are programs (some free, some not) that can do a more thorough uninstall of software by first monitoring the installation of the program when it is originally installed creating an installation log, taking note of all the changes to the computer while installation is taking place (such as in the registry, etc.).

One free program is “Advanced Uninstaller Pro” at: http/www.advanceduninstaller.com/
(“Total Uninstall” is another that does the same thing, and is more commonly known I believe, but it is not free.)

If, let’s say “Advanced Uninstaller Pro” (freeware) is used to uninstall software such as for example "Winamp," it uses the saved installation log from when “Advanced Uninstaller Pro” originally monitored the installation of "Winamp," doing possibly a more thorough uninstall avoiding leaving remnants of the software throughout the computer.

When reading the instructions to use the program “Advanced Uninstaller Pro,” it states that when “Advanced Uninstaller Pro” is being used to monitor the install of software, make sure that all other applications are stopped before monitoring begins. This is so that the program “Advanced Uninstaller Pro” does not include the changes the other applications are making in the background in the log it is creating for the software installation you are doing (avoiding a messy uninstall later or even causing problems to the computer).

Now for my question...When it says make sure that all other applications are stopped before monitoring a software installation (such as "Winamp") begins, (such as closing “VLC” player, “CCleaner” etc.), does this mean that I should also be stopping my antivirus program (Avast)? I don’t know if leaving my antivirus program running in the background would cause problems while “Advanced Uninstaller Pro” is creating an installation log of software (for example "Winamp) is being installed?

I hope I have explained myself better this time. I look forward to some advice. Thank you.

 

[Ralston18]

Even though your AV is a running application you should not need to nor want to stop or close it. Even for uninstaller/monitoring type applications.

Closing other applications is generally a good thing to do when both installing and uninstalling software. And maintenance functions as well for that matter.

I close all programs during installs and uninstalls - but I always leave the AV application running.

AV software is probably more critical during installs. But even uninstalls need to be watched should they attempt to disable some security function during the uninstall. Or leave behind some other vulnerability....

Avast should not cause any problems and if it does there will most likely be an error message should it conflict with your monitoring software and/or the new installation being monitored.

Turning off anti-virus during software installations is not the thing to do. Not even for the sake of monitoring and perhaps a cleaner uninstall.

 

[Ralston18]

Think about it:

If you were a bad guy and wanted to install malware one barrier would be AV protective software on the targeted system

How nice it would be to include "turn off AV" in the installation instructions. And people would do it......

Yes AV can and will interfere with or block software installations. That is its job.

Good, reputable software will not have such a requirement. And if a block happens they will fix their software. And under rare circumstances suggest trying the install w/o AV on. Then it is a matter of trust between you and the source vendor.

Short answer: No.

 

[Licita]

Think about it:

If you were a bad guy and wanted to install malware one barrier would be AV protective software on the targeted system

How nice it would be to include "turn off AV" in the installation instructions. And people would do it......

Yes AV can and will interfere with or block software installations. That is its job.

Good, reputable software will not have such a requirement. And if a block happens they will fix their software. And under rare circumstances suggest trying the install w/o AV on. Then it is a matter of trust between you and the source vendor.

Short answer: No.

Perhaps I did not explain myself clearly in my original write-up of my question because the answer I received was unrelated to what I wanted to know. If that is the case, I apologize. I have rewritten my original post above with more detail in hopes that it is more easily understood.

 

[Ralston18]

Even though your AV is a running application you should not need to nor want to stop or close it. Even for uninstaller/monitoring type applications.

Closing other applications is generally a good thing to do when both installing and uninstalling software. And maintenance functions as well for that matter.

I close all programs during installs and uninstalls - but I always leave the AV application running.

AV software is probably more critical during installs. But even uninstalls need to be watched should they attempt to disable some security function during the uninstall. Or leave behind some other vulnerability....

Avast should not cause any problems and if it does there will most likely be an error message should it conflict with your monitoring software and/or the new installation being monitored.

Turning off anti-virus during software installations is not the thing to do. Not even for the sake of monitoring and perhaps a cleaner uninstall.

 

[Licita]

Thank you for your quick response Ralston18. You have answered my question perfectly. I now understand that I should leave my antivirus program running.

Now this has made me think of one other thing in regards to this. When told to make sure that all other applications are stopped before monitoring a software installation. Should I be stopping a skin program such as "Classic Shell" for changing how a Start Menu looks in the bottom left corner of a Windows operating system? Perhaps it is safest to shut that down or maybe it would not make a difference?

 

[Ralston18]

I would shut it down as long as you are able to work on the computer without having the shell for a few minutes.

Just reduces the chances of a lockup or crash if there would happen to be a software conflict.

 

[Licita]

Thanks for your help again Ralston18. I appreciate it.