AVG 8.0 and LinkScanner

Have you installed the latest version of AVG Free (8.0).  If so, you will notice that there are a few new additional features than the previous version 7.5.  One of those is called LinkScanner.  When running a Google search, next to the results you will see a green check mark next to what are supposed to be ‘safe websites.’  However, some either have no use for this, or yet some have even noticed browsing slowdowns.  There is no way to remove the feature once installed, although you have two options.

The first is to disable the addon within the browswer(s).  In firefox you would go to Tools > Add-ons, choose the AVG Safe Search addon and disable it.  In IE, you need to go to Tools > Internet Options, then click the Programs tab at the top, then choose the button labeled Manage Add-ons.  In the list titled ‘Add-ons that have been used by Internet Explorer’ find the entry called AVG Safe Search, and choose the Disable radio button at the bottom left.

Your other option, is only if you have yet to install AVG.  These instructions are from the AVG web site FAQ.

How to install AVG without LinkScanner

If you wish to install AVG 8.0 Free Edition without the LinkScanner component, or uninstall this component from your program, please proceed as follows:

• Download the AVG 8.0 Free Edition installation package from our website.
• Run the installation with the parameters /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSurf /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSearch.

One way to achieve this is to:

• save the AVG Free installation file directly to disk C:\
• open menu Start -> Run
• type

c:\avg_free_stf_*.exe /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSurf /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSearch

• The installation will be started, and AVG will be installed without the LinkScanner component.