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Resolve the McAfee/Dell Conflict

Denison Computing Services recently discovered a conflict with software on new Dell laptops and our recommended McAfee VirusScan software. Please note this conflict only applies to recently purchased Dell laptops with specific software installed. Please follow the steps below to avoid the problem or to repair the computer after it has crashed.

August 2006 Update

McAfee has released a new installer for Virus Scan 8.0i that includes the patch 13 and does not create the problem mentioned here. Simply use this new installer to avoid this conflict.

Avoid the Conflict: What to do Before Installing McAfee

You have successfully installed the patched McAfee Virus Scan software and avoided this conflict.

Repair the Crash: What to do After Installing McAfee

Disable then patch McAfee.

  1. Shut down the computer. Hold down the power button to force the computer off (may take up to 10 seconds).
  2. Restart the computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key repeatedly as your computer turns on. Select Safe mode from the options that appear.
  3. Click Yes to the Safe Mode notices that appear.
  4. Go to the Start menu and select Run.
  5. Type msconfig and click OK. This tool will allow us to disable McAfee temporarily.
  6. In msconfig, click the Services tab. Find these three services and uncheck the boxes next to them: Prevent Network Associates McShield, Network Associates TaskManager, and McAfee Framework Services from launching on startup. Click OK and Restart as prompted.
  7. Restart the computer in normal mode. You should notice the crashing behavior has ceased. A notice will appear, indicating the computer is operating in Diagnostic or Selective Startup mode. Click OK and Msconfig will automatically open. Leave it open - we will need it later.
  8. Download the McAfee Virus Scan Patch 11 to your desktop. Use your email name and password to authenticate.
  9. Right click on the patch file and select Extract All. Note the location of the extracted files and select View Extract Files
  10. Run the file named Setup.exe. Its icon is a computer with a CD.
  11. The patch will give an error, which occurs because we have disabled McAfee. Click Ignore and allow the installer to complete.
  12. Return to Msconfig and re-enable the three Mcafee services (see step 6). Click OK and Restart as prompted.

Your computer should now operate normally, with both McAfee and the Embassy software working as designed.

More Help

The following three web sites provide additional information about how to resolve this conflict. They suggest disabling part of or all of McAfee and then installing Patch 11. Patch 11 is included in our installer, but since it does not apply until after McAfee has installed, the computer crashes before McAfee completes and patches.

If you have trouble, call the Help Desk at x6395. Some of these steps can be difficult. We will gladly assist over the phone or via e-mail. We appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this unexpected conflict.