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The Definitive Method for How to Uninstall Smadav So It Never Comes Back

Review Security - Wondering how to uninstall Smadav and make sure it never sneaks back into your system? This guide lays out the definitive method for not only removing Smadav completely, but also ensuring every trace folders, services, registry entries is wiped out for good. Whether you're dealing with software conflicts or just want to streamline your antivirus setup, here’s how to do it right the first time.

Smadav has long positioned itself as a reliable second-layer antivirus tool. For years, it was especially popular in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia, where USB-based threats were common and offline antivirus protection was still relevant. Its compact file size and simple interface made it appealing, particularly to casual users and PC rental centers.

But in today’s cybersecurity environment, what once was a strength has become a burden. Modern systems already come equipped with robust defenses Microsoft Defender being a prime example that work best when not burdened with redundant tools. Yet Smadav lingers. Even after uninstallation, many users report that it continues running, starts up with Windows, or interferes with other antivirus software.

Take the case of Faizal, a small business owner in Surabaya. After upgrading to Windows 11 and installing Norton 360, he noticed scan interruptions and driver conflicts. “I thought I’d removed Smadav last year,” he said. “But there it was still active in the background.” His struggle is common, and avoidable, if you follow a complete, methodical removal strategy.

Why Smadav Is Difficult to Remove Permanently

More Than Just an App

Smadav installs more than what’s visible on the surface. It adds system services, inserts registry values, and creates scheduled tasks that can cause it to restart automatically. Worse, many of its traces are stored outside the traditional installation path, which is why uninstalling through the Control Panel often leaves the job half-done.

No Integration With Windows Security Center

Unlike major antivirus providers, Smadav is not recognized by the Windows Security Center. This means it doesn’t register itself for easy management and deactivation. As a result, Windows cannot automatically deactivate or prevent it from interfering with other protective software.

Smadav Is Designed to Be Persistent

This isn’t inherently malicious. Smadav’s protection mechanisms are built to resist termination by malware, but they work just as aggressively when users try to remove it. It continues operating unless you specifically shut down its services and clean its registry entries.

Step-by-Step: How to Uninstall Smadav So It Never Comes Back

Step 1: Disable Smadav Before You Do Anything Else

The first step in learning how to uninstall Smadav permanently is to make sure it’s not running. You need to disable all of its active services.

  • Open Smadav via the system tray icon.

  • Navigate to Settings or the Protection tab.

  • Turn off Real-Time Protection and Auto-Start options.

  • Exit the application completely.

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), locate any process named “smadav.exe” or similar, and end it manually.

This step prevents the software from resisting removal while you're uninstalling or cleaning.

Step 2: Uninstall Smadav Through Windows Settings

Next, remove the main program files:

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features).

  • Scroll to find “Smadav Antivirus.”

  • Click the three-dot icon, select “Uninstall,” and follow the prompts.

Once completed, this removes the user-facing portion of Smadav, but deeper cleanup is still necessary.

Step 3: Remove Smadav's Hidden Files and Folders

After uninstalling, residual files may still exist in the following directories:

  • C:\Program Files\Smadav

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Smadav

  • C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Smadav

Open File Explorer and delete these folders manually. If you’re denied access, change folder ownership via Properties > Security > Advanced. Make sure to empty the Recycle Bin afterward.

Step 4: Clean the Windows Registry Thoroughly

This step is essential to prevent Smadav from starting again or reinstalling itself through residual settings.

Before editing the registry, back it up. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter, then go to File > Export to save your registry backup.

Now begin the cleanup:

  • Press Ctrl + F in the Registry Editor and search for “Smadav.”

  • Delete all keys and entries related to Smadav.

  • Focus particularly on:

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Smadav

    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Smadav

    • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Smadav

    • Any entry under “Run” or “RunOnce” with Smadav in its name

Press F3 repeatedly to find all matches. Be cautious not to delete unrelated entries.

Step 5: Delete Scheduled Tasks and Startup Scripts

Smadav often creates tasks that can restart its services on boot.

  • Open Task Scheduler (type taskschd.msc in Start).

  • Look under the Task Scheduler Library for “Smadav” tasks.

  • Right-click and delete any matching entries.

Also open the Run dialog (Windows + R), type shell:startup, and delete any remaining Smadav shortcuts from the startup folder.

Post-Uninstall: What to Expect

Better System Performance

Without Smadav’s background processes running, your CPU usage will decrease slightly. File transfers, especially those involving USB drives, may also become faster due to reduced interference.

Fewer Conflicts With Trusted Antivirus Tools

Now that Smadav is gone, your primary antivirus will function without conflict. Features like real-time scanning, web protection, and scheduled scans will operate more smoothly, with no error messages or system lag.

Cleaner Windows Registry and File System

With Smadav fully removed, your registry will be lighter and more accurate. This can prevent installation issues with new security software and even reduce random system errors caused by obsolete or broken references.

What If Smadav Still Reappears?

In rare cases, users report Smadav processes restarting even after removal. This could be due to:

  • Corrupt uninstallers: Use tools like Revo Uninstaller to force clean the leftover files.

  • System restore points: Rollback systems can bring back Smadav files. Clear old restore points post-cleanup.

  • USB autorun infections: Smadav sometimes places helper files in USB drives. Scan them manually and delete autorun.inf or similar files.

If all else fails, boot into Safe Mode and repeat the uninstall and registry cleaning process. Safe Mode disables non-essential services and can help in removing stubborn components.

Expert View: Why Complete Uninstall Matters

According to Mariah Ishikawa, cybersecurity consultant at VirusBulletin, “Leaving registry keys or startup scripts behind after uninstalling antivirus software isn’t just untidy it’s a security risk. Ghost processes can create vulnerabilities or unexpected behavior when installing new tools.”

She emphasizes that a clean uninstall helps maintain the integrity of your system’s security infrastructure, and recommends quarterly audits of installed security software for redundancy or legacy conflicts.

Final Reflection: Clean, Confident, and Conflict-Free

Learning how to uninstall Smadav so it never comes back is more than just an exercise in digital housekeeping. It’s about reclaiming control of your system, removing outdated tools that no longer serve you, and making space for more intelligent and efficient cybersecurity solutions.

Once Smadav is gone, your system will breathe easier, run faster, and respond better to the tools you actually use and trust. There’s peace of mind in knowing no hidden process or leftover registry file is lurking in the background.

And best of all, now you know how to keep it that way.

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