It’s inevitable that some people would sign up for a beta test of a product without really thinking through the ramifications of running relatively untested software on their computer. Not necessarily a crisis if it’s a new Web browser or e-mail program (though losing data is never good!), but would you sign up to help Microsoft debug a new comprehensive anti-virus, anti-spyware management system for Windows if you knew you had to disable every other safety application on your computer to do so? Maybe. But then what happens when you decide you want to quit?

[Read How to Remove Microsoft Windows OneCare]

When this application ships, I’ll probably be one of the first to install it, but as a beta? That makes me far too nervous…

Q: I’m trying to uninstall WindowsOneCare Live. I got in on the beta test, which was a big mistake. When I uninstall it, my Internet won’t work. I’m using a cable connection. Is it just something in the settings?

I would GREATLY appreciate any help you can offer.

A: My main question to you is: how did you uninstall Windows OneCare? From exploring the different Web sites talking about this always-on antivirus, anti-spyware solution from Microsoft that’s still in beta (see What is Windows OneCare? for details), it appears that this program is darn difficult to correctly and completely remove…

Tags: spyware, beta test, virus, dave taylor, windows onecare, uninstall