Modifying/Deleting files on a laptop from a desktop via usb cable

[Zack Moon]

First off, this is my first post on Tom's hardware and I'd just like to thank all the regular posters, so many threads on this site have solved my problems. Alas, I have encountered a problem so severe I cannot find a solution anywhere.

I need to delete McAfee from my laptop because it's using 100% disk usage, nonstop. People offer solutions but they require running and opening programs which can't happen when disk usage is 100%.

(Sidenote: I've tried to letting programs run for 4 hours and they don't finish starting)

So now brings my question on how to go about my solution. I recently have obtained a USB to USB cable. I'm wondering if I can connect my desktop to my, preferably off, laptop. From there would I be able to access the laptop's hdd? Could I use the control panel to uninstall McAfee or manually remove it?

(Sidenote: I know I can open the laptop and remove the hdd, and plug it into the desktop's motherboard, but I'm afraid if I open the laptop I'll void the warranty)

 

[Calculagator]

No-you cannot connect a drive like this. Certain macs support this using firewire or thunderbolt, but apple are the only ones I know of that build in support for this.
Opening your laptop and removing your hard drive will not invalidate your warranty, so long as you don't remove any warranty stickers. In the US, it's not legal for companies to invalidate warranties for such a basic modification that, if done correctly, cannot cause damage.

I think there is a good chance that McAfee is taking over your system because your drive is either corrupt or failing. You should backup everything important on it before you do anything else.

 

[Zack Moon]

Okay, so I think I'll open my laptop and try that then. When I have it connected, can I manually uninstall McAfee safely without it spreading to my other hdds and ssds?

 

[Calculagator]

It's not going to spread, but --seriously-- back up that drive before you mess with McAfee. As terrible a program as it is, your problem sounds more like failing hardware.

 

[Zack Moon]

Shouldn't be failing the damn thing is less than a year old. I'll pull some files off the hdd if I can to back them up. The SATA cable on a laptop hdd is the same as a desktop hdd drive right? I won't have to go buy a special adapter or cable?

 

[Calculagator]

Hard drives fail-especially in laptops. They don't have to be old. Sata Cables are identical to desktop ones for almost all laptop drives.

 

[Zack Moon]

As for interference, am I going to have any problems with administrator privileges on that hdd? I have administrator privileges on both pcs but I'm wondering if it won't let me delete program files on the laptop hdd

 

[Calculagator]

You may have to change file permissions (potentially breaking windows if you mess with the wrong things) but as long as you are logged in as an administrator, it will let you do so.

 

[boosted1g]

You wont be able to fully uninstall a program that way.


What you need to do is boot into safe mode and then uninstall mcaffe, which should not be running in safe mode.