Kaspersky Internet Security 2017

Fix Anniversary Update error messages, restore a lost file and speed up your browser

‘License not found’ error message

Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 (KIS 2017) remains our favourite antivirus software (see our new Reader Offer, page 68), but it seems Kaspersky wasn’t totally prepared for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (AU). The AU has caused its software a few problems – Kaspersky has an entire web page dedicated to explaining how the Anniversary Update might adversely affect its products (see www.snipca.com/21888). To nip the fairly common ‘License not found’ problem in the bud, Kaspersky suggests updating its antivirus database before installing the AU. To do that, click Database Update in the main menu, then ‘Run update’.

Unfortunately, this is rather like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted – if you’re already seeing this error message it’s too late for this solution to work. There are two other fixes you can try. First, restart your PC, open Kaspersky and click the ‘License: remaining link’ at the bottom right. If you don’t see it, look for ‘Enter activation code’ instead. In the pop-up window, click ‘Enter activation code’, then enter the code supplied when you bought Kaspersky. If this doesn’t work try uninstalling Kaspersky, then reinstalling it (see next tip).

‘Installation files are corrupted’ message

This is another common problem caused by the AU, and the only fix is to reinstall

KIS 2017. Because of how deeply intertwined antivirus software is with Windows, you’ll need to do this in stages. The first step is to download the removal tool for Kaspersky Lab products (the download will start automatically if you go to www.snipca.com/

21890). Double-click the ‘kavremvr.exe’ file to start the uninstaller and follow the onscreen instructions.

Next, you need to delete any lingering traces of KIS 2017. Press the Windows key+r to open the Run command box, type C:\programdata\kaspersky Lab, then press Enter. Delete every file in this folder (see screenshot below left). You can now install Kaspersky afresh. To download the latest version go to www.

snipca.com/21891 and click the green Download Trial button under Internet Security 2017. Open it, click ‘Enter activation code’ (bottom right) and enter the activation code supplied when you bought KIS 2017.

File mistakenly deleted during scan

We all make mistakes from time to time and KIS 2017 is no different. If a file you use has vanished from your PC (and it isn’t in your recycle bin), Kaspersky may have mistakenly identified it as a threat (known as a false positive) and removed it from your computer. If so, the file has probably been moved into quarantine. Open Kaspersky’s main menu, then click the More Tools button at the bottom. Click Quarantine on the left, then look through the list of files to see if your missing one is there. If it is, click it once to highlight it, then click Restore (see screenshot above).

Activation code not recognised

Depending on the nature of the fault that stopped Kaspersky working in the first place, your activation code may not be recognised when you type it into a fresh install of the program. In this case (or if you’ve simply lost your code), you’ll have to contact Kaspersky’s customer support on 0203 549 3495 and request it (open weekdays only 8.00am-5.30pm).

Browser slow after installing Kaspersky 2017

KIS 2017 is in a constant battle to stop banner adverts appearing as you browse the web. In doing so, it may be conflicting with other ad-blocking software you may be using, such as Adblock Plus. This will slow your browser. To speed things up again, click Settings (the gear icon on the bottom left of the main screen), then click Protection and switch the AntiBanner slider off (see screenshot left).