Are you struggling with leftover files from AntiCheatExpert (ACE) on your system after uninstalling a game? This guide will walk you through the process of completely removing ACE and its services, ensuring your PC is free from any residual traces of this kernel-level anti-cheat software.
A Complete Guide on Removing AntiCheatExpert (ACE) and Its Leftover Files in Delta Force
When it comes to anti-cheat software, many users have strong opinions. Some find them essential for fair gaming, while others dislike their invasive nature. AntiCheatExpert (ACE), in particular, has been criticized for its kernel-level access to your system. While it’s designed to protect against cheating in online games, it also raises concerns about privacy and system performance.
One of the biggest issues with ACE is that even after uninstalling a game that uses this anti-cheat software, remnants of ACE can still remain on your system. This can cause problems when launching other games, especially those using different anti-cheat services, such as Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC). If you’ve encountered errors like “Please close ACE-BASE before launching” or faced difficulties launching games after uninstalling ACE, this guide will show you exactly how to remove ACE and all its leftovers completely.
What is AntiCheatExpert (ACE)?
AntiCheatExpert, or ACE, is a kernel-level anti-cheat system used by some online games to detect cheating behaviors. Kernel-level anti-cheat systems operate at a low level in the operating system, meaning they have full access to your system’s resources. While this can enhance security and reduce cheating, it also means that ACE can be highly invasive, monitoring your system even when you aren’t actively playing the game.
While many players may initially accept ACE for the sake of fair play, some users have reported issues with its intrusive nature, especially after uninstalling games. The residual services and files left behind can interfere with other applications, particularly those relying on different anti-cheat software.
Why Should You Remove ACE After Uninstalling the Game?
After uninstalling a game, you might think that the associated software, like AntiCheatExpert, is gone for good. However, this is not always the case. ACE can leave behind files and services that continue to run in the background, causing several issues:
- Conflicts with Other Anti-Cheat Software: If you play other games that use different anti-cheat solutions (like Easy Anti-Cheat or BattlEye), ACE can interfere with their operation, causing errors or preventing games from launching properly.
- Invasive Software Residue: Kernel-level anti-cheat systems, such as ACE, may leave remnants behind that can affect system performance and privacy. ACE may continue running processes even after the game has been uninstalled, using up system resources.
- Security Risks: Leftover files or running services might pose security risks, as they could potentially be exploited by malicious software. Removing ACE ensures that your system is clean and free from unnecessary vulnerabilities.
How to Completely Remove AntiCheatExpert (ACE) from Your System
If you’re ready to completely remove ACE from your system, follow this detailed step-by-step guide. This process ensures that you eliminate all traces of the anti-cheat software, preventing conflicts and performance issues.
Step 1: Stop and Delete ACE Services
First, we need to stop the ACE services and delete them from your system. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator:
- Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the following commands one at a time and press Enter after each:
sc delete ACE-GAME
sc delete ACE-BASE
sc delete "AntiCheatExpert Service"
sc delete "AntiCheatExpert Protection"
These commands will stop the ACE services and prevent them from starting up automatically.
Step 2: Verify If ACE Services Are Still Running
To ensure the services are deleted, check if ACE’s services are still active:
- Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator again.
- Type the following commands:
sc query ACE-BASE
sc query "AntiCheatExpert Service"
If the services are still running, you’ll need to delete them again. Reboot your system and then run the commands once more.
Step 3: Delete ACE Files and Folders
Even after removing the services, there may still be ACE files and folders left on your system. To completely remove ACE, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the following locations and delete the ACE folders:
- C:\Program Files\AntiCheatExpert
- C:\ProgramData\AntiCheatExpert (Note: This folder is hidden by default, so ensure you select “Show hidden files” in the View tab of File Explorer.)
- In the C:\Windows\System32\drivers folder, locate the file
ACE-BASE.sysand delete it. This is the driver file used by ACE.
To permanently delete these files, use Shift + Delete instead of just pressing Delete.
Step 4: Final Cleanup
After deleting the ACE files and folders, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect. When your system reboots, ACE should be completely removed, leaving no traces behind.
Important Considerations
- Backup Your System: Before making changes to your system, especially when deleting files or modifying services, it’s always a good idea to create a system backup or restore point. This will allow you to recover your system in case anything goes wrong.
- Ensure No Conflicts with Other Anti-Cheat Systems: After removing ACE, you may encounter other games or services that use anti-cheat software. If you run into any issues, ensure the game’s anti-cheat system is functioning properly.
- Be Cautious with Kernel-Level Software: While it’s tempting to remove all traces of intrusive software like ACE, be aware that kernel-level systems may have more profound effects on your system’s functionality. Always take care when modifying services and drivers.
Conclusion:
Removing AntiCheatExpert (ACE) from your system after uninstalling a game can be a frustrating experience, especially when leftover services and files interfere with other applications. By following the step-by-step guide above, you can ensure that ACE is fully removed, freeing up system resources and eliminating any conflicts with other software.
If you value privacy, performance, and system cleanliness, it’s worth the effort to properly uninstall any leftover remnants of anti-cheat systems like ACE. By carefully following these instructions, you can keep your system optimized for gaming and everyday use.
Last Updated on December 20, 2024
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