Help with anti-virus programs, PLEASE!

New Lenovo and it won't allow me to install AVG anti-virus. Download completed but when trying to install, after hours of waiting, I get an error message saying something about Microsoft, so I presume it's the bully response trying to make me accept Norton or some other anti-virus software they are pushing which I don't want.
How to make Lenovo accept MY choice of anti-virus software?
Moderator Note: Edited subject to match content.

Hello,
I have never had a problem installing another antivirus program onto a ThinkPad (or ThinkCentre) computer, so I think this may be some sort of error message about a missing component or patch level.  Here is what I would suggest that you try:
Download, and have ready to run, the Symantec Norton Removal Tool (assuming your computer came with a Symantec product).  If your computer came with a McAfee product, download the McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool, instead.
Download the full package for the latest version of your prefered anti-malware solution.
Run Microsoft Windows Update on the computer to ensure it is
up-to-date with respect to all know operating system service packs,
hot-fixes and updates.  Install the optional components, too.  Several
reboots may be required before the computer is fully updated.
After the computer is updated, uninstall the currently-installed anti-malware program via the Program ands Features Control Panel applet (filename: APPWIZ.CPL).  A reboot will likely be required to complete uninstallation.
Run the appropriate Removal Tool from step #1 to remove any orphaned drivers, services or leftover registry entries from the now-uninstalled anti-malware program.  Again, a reboot may be required to finish the operation.
Begin installation of your preferred security software.
At this point, you should now have your security software installed on your Lenovo computer.
Regards,
Aryeh Goretsky
I am a volunteer and neither a Lenovo nor a Microsoft employee. • Dexter is a good dog • Dexter je dobrý pes
S230u (3347-4HU) • X220 (4286-CTO) • W510 (4318-CTO) • W530 (2441-4R3) • X100e (3508-CTO) • X120e (0596-CTO) • T61p (6459-CTO) • T43p (2678-H7U) • T42 (2378-R4U) • T23 (2648-LU7)
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    Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
    London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
    You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in every email attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
    The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a free app will probably have all the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
    9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.
    10. As a Mac user, you don't have to live in fear that your computer may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

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