I am having a heck of a time uninstalling MSE. It all seems related to a permission issue. I have tried the following:
1. Control Panel > Uninstaller . I get an error message that I don't have needed permissions
2. Safe Mode > Control Panel > Uninstaller
3. Manually deleted the folder / files under "Program Files"
3. Found a 'fix it' tool in a support article - the fix it tool can't remove the service MsMpSvc
4. Tried removing the service MsMpSvc via SC tool in cmd window (yes, I ran cmd 'as administrator')
5. Tried removing the service via the registry. Also tried changing the ownership to my id (which is an admin id)
I am currently trying a repair re-installation of win 7, but don't have much confidence that will work.