Although I'm considering replacing McAfee with AVG, I haven't yet made a final decision, and uninstalling the Security Center seems a bit extreme. I had my Windows Firewall turned off, and simply disabling McAfee through the Security Center didn't allow the free version of ZA install to continue.

Anyone have any ideas about how to resolve this apparent conflict? Frankly, I'm kind of shocked that there is a conflict, unless it's an attempt on the part of the ZA to promote their own AV product.

What you see is totally as expected.

Malware is getting very complicated these days. So are the security packages.
ZA is not alone in wanting a clean slate. They include Kaspersky drivers. Kaspersky can't stand traces of previous antivirus or firewall. Few others are the same. If you read AVG instructions or AntiVir, or NOD32 you'll it as well.
Basically, most now require total, clean, uninstallation of previous things.

There is a clean uninstallation procedure for McAfee on their website. It is definitely not sufficient to stop or disable the firewall or AV. The drivers have to go as well. That's why most of the products have uninstallers bundled in. If they don't it's trouble.

ZA free is NOT an AV product. It's a firewall. But the free version 7 includes many more features normally included in the suite, and they are disabled in the free version. If you get yourself free version 6.5 it'll be a smaller product and fewer conflicts.

Hi tos. Thanks for your thoughtful reply.

Yep, I do know that ZA isn't an AV, but the company has its own AV suite for sale. That's why I thought they had created the conflict. But now that you've brought me up to date on the issue of clean uninstalls, I'll have to reconsider my plans.

You're certainly right about how much more complicated things are these days. I remember when I first got on the internet about 12 years ago that everyone said a firewall wasn't necessary for those on dialup, but I downloaded and used ZA anyway. Heh ... the first and only instance where I was ahead of the pack when it comes to computers. Still, in all these years, the only intrusion I've ever experienced was that my browser was once hijacked.

Well, enough lamenting about the good old days. Thanks again for your informative response.