Fixing an ESET Kernel Error

Description: This is a technical article on the topic of fixing an ESET Kernel Error.

NOTE: Before you begin, we recommend running a system scan using the ESET Online Scanner to ensure that your machine is not infected, as the process will involve uninstalling and reinstalling your ESET program. Run a scan here: http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/

1. Locate the ESET Username and Password.
   • If this is not available, it can be re-sent to the registered email address here: http://go.eset.com/us/support/lost-license
2. Close any programs, including the browser window that was used for the renewal process. Keep your printed copy of the username and password available.
3. Click the Start button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
4. Select All Programs, located just above the start button.
   
   


5. Locate and open the ESET Folder
6. Open the ESET NOD32 Antivirus or Smart Security folder.
7. Click on Uninstall to begin the removal of the old software.
   
   


8. On the new ESET NOD32 Setup Wizard, click Next
9. Choose the Remove option if prompted.
   
   


10. If prompted with a questionnaire, select the "I Am Uninstalling ESET NOD32 Antivirus Only Temporarily and Plan to Install It Again" option.
11. Click Remove on the next screen to begin removing the program.
12. If the ESET NOD32 Setup displays a screen titled "Files in Use", select the "Do Not Close Applications. (A Reboot Will Be Required)" option and proceed.
13. Wait a few moments as the program is uninstalled.
14. When prompted, reboot the computer.
15. Click on the Start button in the bottom left.
16. Select All Programs located just above the start button.
17. Open Internet Explorer from that list.
18. In the address bar at the very top of the Internet Explorer window, erase what is in the bar and type in "www.eset.com/download" (without the quotes) and press enter.
    
    


19. On the ESET Download Page, click on "I have already purchased ESET security software. Take me to my download."
    
    


20. Click on the Download link next to ESET Smart Security 5 or ESET NOD32 5 depending on which program you have.
    • Note: Even if you had an earlier version of ESET Installed, you can still download and install Version 5 for free.
      
      
    
    
21. When prompted to run or save, choose Run. If not prompted, run the file once it has been downloaded.
    • If prompted to give permission from Windows, choose Yes/Allow to continue.
22. On the first page, select your language and click the Install button in the bottom left.
    
    


23. Wait a few minutes as the ESET Smart Security or NOD32 program is downloaded.
    
    


24. Read the license terms and click "I Accept" at the bottom.
    
    


25. On the next page, read the description of the two items and choose whether or not to check them, then click Next. It is recommended to check both items.
    • Note: For advanced users you can also change the installation folder on this page under the Destination Folder option.
    
    


26. Wait a few minutes as the program is installed.
    
    


27. Once it is completed, click Finish to complete the installation.
    
    


28. Once the program loads, choose Activate Using a Username and Password and click Next
    
    


29. Enter the username and password obtained earlier and click Next.
    
    


30. The ESET program will immediately attempt an update. If the username and password were entered correctly and the computer is connected to the internet, it will take just a few moments to update.
    
    


31. Once completed, check the Home section and ensure it says Maximum Protection. If there are any error messages, do a search for them at www.microcentertech.com or www.eset.com/support for information on how to resolve the errors.
    
    

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.