Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: MARIO 58 on October 25, 2012, 07:24:39 PM
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Hi Guys
I have a worrying issue with the new Free A V --- I am currently on issue 7.0.1466
My A V asked for me to update program – I did as it asked and it ----- firstly locked me out from the desk top – after a couple of tries I got to desk top and lost all my icons – then the next re boot it got to the blue screen of Death ( AGGG __ LOL )
I tried a clean install of the new program – namely I did a restore first then --- uninstalled old Avast -- installed new one a And next reboot it froze on me
Each time I had an issue === I did a restore via safe mode to get back to a working point and tried again
I have had Avast free since 2005 and never had so many problems I am currently running Avast on old program and it works fine – all AV updated ok its just the program giving issues
Im on win 7 pro – zone firewall – intel I3 C P U – 4 gig ram – 32 bit opp system
I really don’t want to ditch Avast – as I think it’s the best one out there and wondered if anyone can help me sort this out -- before I go elsewhere
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- OS..?? (32/64 Bit..? - which SP..?)
- Other security related software installed..??
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Hi Asyn – thanks for your reply – sorry I didnt give full information -- Im a Newbe on this foram ---- as to your Questions --- Im on Windows 7 Professional -- 32 Bit ---- S P 1 – and 4 GB of Ram ---- No other Security software installed – and I forgot to Mention windows Defender and firewall are both off as I personally feel that Avast Free AV and Zone Alarm Free firewall are better and give me full coverage – do you think you can help or have an Idea of what may be wrong ????
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1. Download avast! Free Antivirus: http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
2. Follow instructions: http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed avast! versions..!!)
3. Reinstall avast! with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.
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Same situation here... update to avast free 1473 appeared to go fine. I was asked to restart and when it did I got Windows welcome screen and then a black screen with white cursor that just sat there. I forced power off and tried to start again with same result. I forced power off for second time and brought Windows up in Safe Mode and uninstalled avast. Restarted system and it came up normally with no avast. I did a download & reinstall of avast and it seemed to go fine but when I did a restart I was back at the black screen with white cursor again.
Windows 7 Home Premium SP 1 32-bit
Intel Core 2 Duo E7500
4.0 GB RAM
Zonealarm Free
(I updated my second system running Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit also running Zonealarm Free and all is well with it.)
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Same problem here. Update to new avast version seemingly worked fine till next reboot when system hang after displaying half the toolbar icons. Attempt to launch any program after that results in complete system freeze requiring power-off. Tried this several times. Rebooting in safe mode and uninstalling avast with cleanup utility fixed the problem. Fresh re-install of avast worked until next reboot when problem reappeared exactly as before.
XP SP3 32bit, Zonealarm Pro, SAS 5.6.1012
Have to move to other AV solution I suppose.
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just disable the behaviour shield for right now...they will release a fix soon...so just wait and switching to another AV is not the solution >:(
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just disable the behaviour shield for right now...they will release a fix soon...so just wait and switching to another AV is not the solution >:(
What makes you think that disabling the shield fixes the problem? FYI it doesn't. Also, angry faces don't have any place in such a discussion. "Just waiting" as you suggest certainly isn't a solution or an option. Having an unprotected system till avast release a fix for a problem which, afaik, they haven't even acknowledged yet may sound reasonable to you but it certainly doesn't to me nor I suspect to the majority of security conscious users.
If you have something more constructive to suggest to resolve the problem, I would be happy to try it.
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Hi MARIO 58, DennyM, Serendip,
At least with MARIO 58 and Denny M, I spot what could be a common link between two different OS's and systems.
When I install or upgrade an important security program such as Avast!, I make it a point to turn off (disable) any other security programs that provide real-time protection before attempting to install, and only re-enable this sort of program when all appears to be clear and well.
Reason is, programs that actively scan your system will allow the install, but during the rebooting process, Avast! files are replaced with new, and if certain features in these other programs are enabled, they then do not know what to make of these changes, block them, and that action will sometimes lock up a system.
I think ZoneAlarm, and possibly SUPERAntispyware Professional, might fit the bill here. Maybe, maybe not, as I am not in front of your systems. Just a thought.
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just disable the behaviour shield for right now...they will release a fix soon...so just wait and switching to another AV is not the solution >:(
Having an unprotected system till avast release a fix for a problem which, afaik, they haven't even acknowledged yet may sound reasonable to you but it certainly doesn't to me nor I suspect to the majority of security conscious users.
If you have something more constructive to suggest to resolve the problem, I would be happy to try it.
Thats the solution avast team has asked to try until a fix...disabling the behaviour shield wouldnt even affect anything as it isnt the signature scanner...if you dont want to try that...try a repair:
control panel>>add/remove programs>>select avast>>click uninstall>>select repair>>allow it to complete>>reboot.
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just disable the behaviour shield for right now...they will release a fix soon...so just wait and switching to another AV is not the solution >:(
It isn't a solution, but a workaround and one only in certain situations (relates to winXP Pro 64bit as far as I can recollect), which is why people are reporting it doesn't work. So please don't give advice if you don't know what it is likely to do.
<snip quotes>
Thats the solution avast team has asked to try until a fix...disabling the behaviour shield wouldnt even affect anything as it isnt the signature scanner...if you dont want to try that...try a repair:
<snip>
No it isn't a solution, but a suggestion/workaround avast has asked to try, there were distinct conditions to be met before this should be tried as I said they related to XP Pro 64bit not being able to run 32bit applications.
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I installed Avast Version 7.0.1473.755 and it locked up my computer. Windows XP Pro SP3 Version 2002, Intel Pentium 4 2.60 GHz, 2 GB Ram. On reboot Windows Opened, Desktop with Icons, Booting stopped at Avast. Start Menu does not work, none of my programs will Open. Avast said they are working on the problem. Mouse icon shows it is trying to Open. Had to hard shut down my computer.
Avast has said they have a software design problem. Avast is the only program that runs all the time on my computer. I have Malaware but that only runs when I run the program. I also have ZoneAlarm Free which does run all the time and that works fine with the old version.
To download version 7.0.1466 use this link http://www.oldapps.com/avast_antivirus.php?old_avast=8127?download
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Same situation here with this system:
Windows XP SP3 32-bit
Pentium 4, 3.00 GHz
4 GB RAM
Updated Avast Free. Asked to restart and when it did I got Windows welcome screen and then messed up desktop with a frozen cursor. I forced power off and tried to start again with same result. Attempt to launch any program after that results in complete system freeze requiring forced power-off. Tried this several times. Brought Windows up in Safe Mode and uninstalled Avast. Restarted system: system and all software works normally without Avast. No hanging, no freezing, no problems. Then downloaded full install of Avast, reinstalled and it seemed to go fine but when I did a restart I was back to frozen cursor. Start Menu did not work. No applications would open, nothing would launch - not even Control Panel.
Rebooting in Safe Mode and uninstalling Avast temporarily fixes the problem. As I said, a fresh re-install of Avast only worked until next reboot and then the same problems reappeared exactly as before.
I installed a different antivirus program until Avast gets this one straightened out.
Carol
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Same issue but more....
Thurs night (10.25.12) Updated from within Avast Free to 7.0.1473 and lost all icons on desktop plus could not shutdown or restart. Only Cursor still active. Could launch Task Manager. Safe Boot was not working reliably...but once I could access network and copy some files for safety...but don't rely on it.
Solution:
1. Launch Task Manager (cntrl>alt>delete)
2. Under Process Tab locate explorer.exe and click End Process (ignore the warning message....hit Yes to continue)
3. While still in Task Manager, go to File> New Task and type: explorer.exe...click OK
This will get your desktop icons back...but 32bit apps will not launch...also no shutdown or restart. I could not delete or uninstall Avast...would just freeze. (at this point I realized Avast was the culprit).
Next, I disabled all Avast Scans and got 32 bit apps working again.
My Workaround (as poster suggested earlier) was:
1. Uninstalled then reinstall Avast Free.
2. Disable Behavior Shield Scans (or if prefer, uncheck the 3 Expert Settings 1 at a time until 32bit apps work) I think I unchecked "...unauthorized modifications" and "....malware-like behavior" and then got system back to normal. But better to disable all.
Hope this helps others!
Final Note; LogMeIn was first clue as it threw an error message about system problem and wanting to send auto message to LogMeIn database. For awhile I thought that app was to blame. (I was not remoted...LMI runs in background....)
This was a huge loss of time on my workstation where I make a living. Surprised at this release going out with such a major bug. Looking for a patch real soon. My next update will require an in-depth search for others to comment on status....Avast should have officially notified users ASAP. This has been going on for a couple days now or longer.....
Professional XP 64bit SP2 2003
hp xw8400
Intel[R] Xeon[R]
2.33GHz
12GB RAM
Avast-Free (no other antivirus)
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This will get your desktop icons back...but 32bit apps will not launch...also no shutdown or restart
Sorry forgot to add that 64bit apps will work once desktop icons are revived....just the 32bit apps remain dead until Avast disabled.
-phil
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Only Cursor still active. Could launch Task Manager.
I could not launch Task Manager. Tried after each reboot but nothing. Task Manager would not launch.
This was a huge loss of time
Boy, I'll say!
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ok so i had the same problem, the automatic program update made my comp freeze on startup.
After some trial and error including look for conflict problems, disabling superantispware, disabling functions (none of those ideas worked) i found the answer, at least for me.
uninstall and reinstall avast dont include the firewall. When it asks u to restart, go ahead. When ur computer is reloaded again make sure firewall is turned off, if firewall is turned on then when u shutdown and then turn on comp the problem will return.
I know u dont wanna turn off the avast firewall but for now that works, the only other thing i can think of is turn of MAlwareBytes, maybe thats causing the conflict
But at least for now my computer is running fine and ill use the windows firewall. If someone is willing, try to disable malwarebytes and tell me if that does it.
If u try the firewall technique or try anything else that works please post here, i hope i helped
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Have you made the proper mutual exclusions in your firewall? ???
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Have you made the proper mutual exclusions in your firewall? ???
yea, utorrent and avast r on my exclusion list
also ive just found out if stop malwarebytes from loading avast works fine that way too, theres a conflict btwn avast and malwarebytes, but id rather keep malwarebytes and disable avast firewill
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I've also encountered the same problem. I upgraded to the new version of Avast through the application and rebooted the PC. When the PC restarted I only got 2 of the toolbar icons appearing - avast was not one of them. The system froze when I pressed the Start button so I had to hard reboot. This time on Windows startup no desktop icons appeared. Tried this several times with the same result. Safe Mode brings up the desktop icons.
I eventually gave up and restored to a backup before the upgrade and am now running version 7.0.1466. Am I right to assume that until a fix has been issued that its safe to keep at the older version?
System is Windows XP Pro.
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Have you made the proper mutual exclusions in your firewall? ???
yea, utorrent and avast r on my exclusion list
also ive just found out if stop malwarebytes from loading avast works fine that way too, theres a conflict btwn avast and malwarebytes, but id rather keep malwarebytes and disable avast firewill
Have you also excluded avast and Malwarebytes from each other ? plus if you navigate your way to the malwarebytes program folder there are 5 exe files you should add to avasts behaviour shield - see pic
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Have you made the proper mutual exclusions in your firewall? ???
yea, utorrent and avast r on my exclusion list
also ive just found out if stop malwarebytes from loading avast works fine that way too, theres a conflict btwn avast and malwarebytes, but id rather keep malwarebytes and disable avast firewill
If you haven't done so already try reversing the order in which Malwarebytes and avast! load. I don't know it that will work or not but it could be worth a try.
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I've also encountered the same problem. I upgraded to the new version of Avast through the application and rebooted the PC. When the PC restarted I only got 2 of the toolbar icons appearing - avast was not one of them. The system froze when I pressed the Start button so I had to hard reboot. This time on Windows startup no desktop icons appeared. Tried this several times with the same result. Safe Mode brings up the desktop icons.
I eventually gave up and restored to a backup before the upgrade and am now running version 7.0.1466.
System is Windows 7 Pro.
same here, will be using 7.0.1466 until an update is released
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I have two notebook computers, a Dell and Toshiba, both Windows 7 64 bit with I7 processors.
They have been running Avast Free with Malwarebytes without conflict until the most recent Avast Free program update.
The Dell ran Malwarebytes Pro and Avast Free. Last night I updated Avast Free and had immediate issues. The Dell gave me a black screen with only the curser visible. After several reboots, sometimes it would show only the toolbar at the bottom of the desktop. It would not accept commands. In safe mode I uninstalled Avast. The computer rebooted into normal mode correctly. I contacted Dell Technical support and updated the video drivers and flashed the Bios. Then I reinstalled Avast Free (minimal installation) and problems resumed. This time I could see the desktop toolbar, but not the I then removed Avast and installed Comodo AV and it is running without incident in Harmony with Malwarebytes Pro and Zemana antikeylogger.
My backup computer is a Toshiba, also Windows 7 64 bit with I7 processor. It was running Malwarebytes Free and Avast Free. I installed the same Avast update and experienced no problems such as I have had with the Dell. However, I then activated Malwarebytes Free into Malwarebytes Pro mode. After rebooting, my Toshiba desktop experienced problems very similar to the problems with the Dell. I can see only the background and the toolbar. None of the icons are visible and I get an hourglass and it will not accept commands.
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I have two notebook computers, a Dell and Toshiba, both Windows 7 64 bit with I7 processors.
They have been running Avast Free with Malwarebytes without conflict until the most recent Avast Free program update.
The Dell ran Malwarebytes Pro and Avast Free. Last night I updated Avast Free and had immediate issues. The Dell gave me a black screen with only the curser visible. After several reboots, sometimes it would show only the toolbar at the bottom of the desktop. It would not accept commands. In safe mode I uninstalled Avast. The computer rebooted into normal mode correctly. I contacted Dell Technical support and updated the video drivers and flashed the Bios. Then I reinstalled Avast Free (minimal installation) and problems resumed. This time I could see the desktop toolbar, but not the I then removed Avast and installed Comodo AV and it is running without incident in Harmony with Malwarebytes Pro and Zemana antikeylogger.
My backup computer is a Toshiba, also Windows 7 64 bit with I7 processor. It was running Malwarebytes Free and Avast Free. I installed the same Avast update and experienced no problems such as I have had with the Dell. However, I then activated Malwarebytes Free into Malwarebytes Pro mode. After rebooting, my Toshiba desktop experienced problems very similar to the problems with the Dell. I can see only the background and the toolbar. None of the icons are visible and I get an hourglass and it will not accept commands.
So have you added the exclusions for avast and malwarebytes ? Check section K http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?act=findpost&pid=417798
Also see reply 20 of this thread
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I have two notebook computers, a Dell and Toshiba, both Windows 7 64 bit with I7 processors.
They have been running Avast Free with Malwarebytes without conflict until the most recent Avast Free program update.
The Dell ran Malwarebytes Pro and Avast Free. Last night I updated Avast Free and had immediate issues. The Dell gave me a black screen with only the curser visible. After several reboots, sometimes it would show only the toolbar at the bottom of the desktop. It would not accept commands. In safe mode I uninstalled Avast. The computer rebooted into normal mode correctly. I contacted Dell Technical support and updated the video drivers and flashed the Bios. Then I reinstalled Avast Free (minimal installation) and problems resumed. This time I could see the desktop toolbar, but not the I then removed Avast and installed Comodo AV and it is running without incident in Harmony with Malwarebytes Pro and Zemana antikeylogger.
My backup computer is a Toshiba, also Windows 7 64 bit with I7 processor. It was running Malwarebytes Free and Avast Free. I installed the same Avast update and experienced no problems such as I have had with the Dell. However, I then activated Malwarebytes Free into Malwarebytes Pro mode. After rebooting, my Toshiba desktop experienced problems very similar to the problems with the Dell. I can see only the background and the toolbar. None of the icons are visible and I get an hourglass and it will not accept commands.
So have you added the exclusions for avast and malwarebytes ? Check section K http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?act=findpost&pid=417798
Also see reply 20 of this thread
Putting in all of those exclusions has done the trick for me. Haven't needed them up till now but there's definitely a conflict with the latest version and Malwarebytes Pro. Had all the boot problems previously described until I put in the full exclusion settings.
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Well MBAM Pro has also had a recent program update also, I don't know what might have changed there, but I still haven't excluded MBAM Pro in avast or avast in MBAM Pro.
My only concession is to have the c:\windows\temp\_avast_ folder (where avast unpacks/sends files to be scanned) added to the Ignore list of MBAM and I haven't had any issues on this XP Pro system or my win7 netbook.
So I don't understand why this is OK on mine but not on some other systems; thought one of my changes to avast's default settings it to uncheck the 'Monitor the system for unauthorised modifications' option in the Behavior Shield.' I have WinPatrol and my firewall HIPS functions to look after that, so no need for duplication.
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Well MBAM Pro has also had a recent program update also, I don't know what might have changed there, but I still haven't excluded MBAM Pro in avast or avast in MBAM Pro.
My only concession is to have the c:\windows\temp\_avast_ folder (where avast unpacks/sends files to be scanned) added to the Ignore list of MBAM and I haven't had any issues on this XP Pro system or my win7 netbook.
So I don't understand why this is OK on mine but not on some other systems; thought one of my changes to avast's default settings it to uncheck the 'Monitor the system for unauthorised modifications' option in the Behavior Shield.' I have WinPatrol and my firewall HIPS functions to look after that, so no need for duplication.
Yes it's quite strange David, one of my systems had no issues but the other one was playing up without the exclusions so iv added equal exclusions to both now just to eliminate future issues, Malwarebytes has added two new exe files into there program - "mbampt.exe, mbamscheduler.exe " I think the first is to do with the new Chameleon feature which i dont think is causing the problem but the second exe is more important in the functioning of MBAM now and i think it's this one thats causing all the problems.
As both avast and MBAM are now more deep rooted into our systems than ever before i think these exclusions are going to be more and more neccessary in the future and it's probably going to be a whole different kettle of fish again once version 8 comes into play :-\
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just disable the behaviour shield for right now...they will release a fix soon...so just wait and switching to another AV is not the solution >:(
Suffering same problem (on XP Pro SP3 w/ Zone Alarm Free Firewall 10.1.079). Disabling Behaviour Shield seems to have sorted out the problem... after wasting half of my day. Thanks, avast.
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I can't get as far as any of this stuff. I've used avast fine for a few years now - BUT - now I cannot register - my licence has expired and every time I try to do so - I get the big warning window - my machine freezes and I have to reboot it the hard way. Is this an issue others are having ? I cannot even switch AV programmes - it is an old PC running Win2000Pro, and nothing else will work :(
Any ideas ? It was OK till last night...
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I can't get as far as any of this stuff. I've used avast fine for a few years now - BUT - now I cannot register - my licence has expired and every time I try to do so - I get the big warning window - my machine freezes and I have to reboot it the hard way. Is this an issue others are having ? I cannot even switch AV programmes - it is an old PC running Win2000Pro, and nothing else will work :(
Any ideas ? It was OK till last night...
Try and see if a custom install without the behaviour shield helps for now, or if possible just remove the shield via uninstall programs.
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;)
I didn't even know it HAD such a thing. I'll try that in a minute.... thanks.
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Oh great. It freezes when I try to uninstal anything (I was even going to try for the PROGRAMME as a whole and start over...)
Sigh.
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Oh great. It freezes when I try to uninstal anything (I was even going to try for the PROGRAMME as a whole and start over...)
Sigh.
Download the avast removal tool http://files.avast.com/files/eng/aswclear.exe and run it in safe mode
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Hm. I can't get into safe mode now :(
I shall go see a movie and then try again !
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Hm. I can't get into safe mode now :(
I shall go see a movie and then try again !
Keep tapping f8 while the system is starting, it should get in, if you hard shut down the system you should also recieve the option to start in safe mode when you start the computer next and you might be able to uninstall avast without the tool :-\
It's probably been hours of troubles for you so far so go watch the movie and relax, someone else will be able to help you when you come back as I'll probably be fast asleep :)
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Oh I know about the f8 thing. Then it stuck on the same page of DOS code. I'll try again in the morning :) It MAY be time for retirement :( Thanks for being there; I shall return !
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I had this problem, didn't restart pc from the update until today
alright so same problem get to desktop nothing loads and after a while pc crashes
what I did to fix it- start in safe mode and uninstall via control panel, is this update safe to dl now? or do i need to find another anti virus program for the time being, (i dont want to use avg again because I had a similar problem with it and had to remove it in a more extreme way "boot from thumbdrive)
windows xp pro 64bit
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alright so same problem get to desktop nothing loads and after a while pc crashes
...is this update safe to dl now?
Download and install it without the behaviour shield.
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I still can't get into safe mode. If I run the removal tool from the - unsafe !! - mode - will that work ?
OR - anyone know if avira works in Win2000 SP4 ? I don't know any other freebie that does...
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I still can't get into safe mode. If I run the removal tool from the - unsafe !! - mode - will that work ?
OR - anyone know if avira works in Win2000 SP4 ? I don't know any other freebie that does...
You can try it, avast will work on your system if you can just do a clean install without the behaviour shield.
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OK - mad it into safe mode and ran the uninstal tool; now it seems to have frozen on instal (custom with no behaviour...) .... Wondering if I could instal from safe mode.... I'll leave it a few hours and see if it repents...
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OK - mad it into safe mode and ran the uninstal tool; now it seems to have frozen on instal (custom with no behaviour...) .... Wondering if I could instal from safe mode.... I'll leave it a few hours and see if it repents...
You should be able to install in safe mode.
Is there any other security installed on the system - spyware, firewall ?
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Only Zonealarm - I tried shutting that off - nada. It is a VERY old machine and rarely goes on line, so I can't be bothered with spyware - it only ever does occasional emails ! But it is in THEORY on the home network so in THEORY something could sneak on while we are using another machine...
It was always OK before - just when I tried to register (my key had expired) all this started :(
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Avast has had many problems with ZA in the past so uninstalling it would my next step, need to get down to basic's are start building your security from scratch I think.
From memory I think I read somewhere that avast also has to be installed before ZA.
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Never used to have to be..... It USED to work.... And ZA gets dodgy with instals because I am only on Win2000....
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OK - it MAY now be working - it SEEMS to be installing in safe mode... - BUT - ALL the screens in safe mode - as someone has said of the uninstall - are so big you have to click buttons you can't see and pray a lot. NOT good. I live in terror about entering the reg code if this works....
Oh praise be. It is at last re-installed. It hasn't asked me to register yet though.... ummmmm
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Wow ------ I have caused quite a stir on this topic – I have looked at all the posts and found that quite a few of us had similar probs to me – THE ONE THING I didn’t see was an answer to the question – IS it safe to stay on old program for now ???? – anyone got an answer ????
After a lot of hours of uninstall and re installs I resorted to the original program I had of Avast – IE 7.0.1466 ---- I then went in to settings and clicked the tab for program update –
I then clicked Manual install for program only – but left the virus update on auto --- I have run my system with the old program in place for a couple of days now --- and it seems to update the engine and virus definitions ok – so I am presuming I am safe from viruses for now – at least Im not getting an auto update on the program to crash my system again -- LOL
but still wonder am I safe or do I get another program for now untill its sorted ---- I dont want to run from avast as I still think its the best out there --- Any thoughts anyone ????
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IS it safe to stay on old program for now ????
Yes.
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Wow ------ I have caused quite a stir on this topic – I have looked at all the posts and found that quite a few of us had similar probs to me – THE ONE THING I didn’t see was an answer to the question – IS it safe to stay on old program for now ???? – anyone got an answer ????
It's fine for you to stay with the earlier version if thats what you want to do.
On a side note you may find that installing avast without zone alarm installed might solve your problem.
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On a side note you may find that installing avast without zone alarm installed might solve your problem.
+1
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Zone alarm is the ONLY firewall that will work on Win2000Pro, as far as I can find out....
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Zone alarm is the ONLY firewall that will work on Win2000Pro, as far as I can find out....
Outpost Firewall Free 6.51 works on win2000 http://www.filehippo.com/download_outpost_firewall/tech/
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Zone alarm is the ONLY firewall that will work on Win2000Pro, as far as I can find out....
Our replies were not directed to you. ;)
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Hi all
Thanks for the reassurance I feel much better
Its interesting you mention remove Zone – all I did with zone firewall when I got my system back online that is ---- LOL ---- was go in to Application Control and ticked all the allow boxes for any Avast program as I have always done – so it lets Avast have free run of my system – so I don’t think its that causing me problems – though I may be wrong – it could have caused it with the new program and I didn’t know – anyway all I found was all Avast things were ok in zone – and so far Im running ok ( crosses fingers LOL )
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Hi all
Thanks for the reassurance I feel much better
Its interesting you mention remove Zone – all I did with zone firewall when I got my system back online that is ---- LOL ---- was go in to Application Control and ticked all the allow boxes for any Avast program as I have always done – so it lets Avast have free run of my system – so I don’t think its that causing me problems – though I may be wrong – it could have caused it with the new program and I didn’t know – anyway all I found was all Avast things were ok in zone – and so far Im running ok ( crosses fingers LOL )
Come to think of it – when I got my system back online ---- I did see an Avast program in zone that needed full ticks to allow – I didn’t think anything of it at the time --- but Im not going to risk another update just in case it crashes me again LOL – im just going to stay as I am for now until the dust settles and Avast come up with a fix – as it looks like there is a major prob with the new one at the mo --
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Zone alarm is the ONLY firewall that will work on Win2000Pro, as far as I can find out....
Our replies were not directed to you. ;)
WELL - a) how can one tell who a reply is aimed at ? and b) as I HAD mentioned ZoneAlarm was on my system, the responses are useful to me anyway :)
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WELL - a) how can one tell who a reply is aimed at ? and b) as I HAD mentioned ZoneAlarm was on my system, the responses are useful to me anyway :)
a) As one looks at the quotations. ;)
b) Good. :)
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I also have this problem .... not using avast! till its fixed
I have win 7 64bit
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I noticed that it was suggested that Zonealarm be uninstalled - if it's installed - to see if it overcomes the problem. I've been running Zonealarm (free) with Avast with no problems at all until the new Avast version was installed. Does this suggest that the problem is more on the Avast side as the old version of Avast works OK with Zonealarm. Has anyone tried uninstalling Zonealarm and found it fixed the problem? I was under the impression that Zonealarm is a very good firewall to have. Is this no longer the case and are there better ones out there that are free?
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I - for one - didn't uninstal it; I just disabled it till I got avast working again.
Someone here just recommended Outpost Firewall Free 6.51 works on win2000 http://www.filehippo.com/download_outpost_firewall/tech/ for me - as I am on Win2000 - but I assume it works for other OSs as well.
Like you - no problems till this latest update. So I think the new guy is the issue - and that's the update !
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win 7 ultimate
intel i3 cpu
4 GB ram
32-bit
For me the experience was very similar to what many posters have related. After updating to avast free 7.0.1473 and on restarting the pc icons appeared but start menu, taskbar everything was rendered inoperative. I use zonealarm free firewall and tried to uninstall it and then everything was ok...but I've been using ZA and avast free for the last 5 yrs and the two worked very fine simultaneously... I need both and have got used to these so am unwilling to dispense with either
My workaround (if that may be called so) was to install avast 7.0.1466 in safe mode and turn the virus definitions to auto but program update to manual. Everything works fine now... ZA and avast . The virus definitions update automatically
I hope I'm not being lulled into a false sense of security using an old avast program :-\
Hope the tech teams come up with a fix fast as I'm quite sure the latest version of avast is the source of these problems...never did I face any such problems in the past...and the time span would be around 5 yrs
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I noticed that it was suggested that Zonealarm be uninstalled - if it's installed - to see if it overcomes the problem. I've been running Zonealarm (free) with Avast with no problems at all until the new Avast version was installed. Does this suggest that the problem is more on the Avast side as the old version of Avast works OK with Zonealarm. Has anyone tried uninstalling Zonealarm and found it fixed the problem? I was under the impression that Zonealarm is a very good firewall to have. Is this no longer the case and are there better ones out there that are free?
Zone Alarm has in the past conflicted with avast so the suggestion was to uninstall it and see if that helps ( also check that all avast processes in ZA are set to allow all )
IMO there are better firewalls, the Outpost 6.5 was mentioned to fuzzbucket because of being on win2000, later versions of windows can use the Outpost free suite in a custom install where you are to untick all features and only leave the firewall, there is also Online Armor and Comodo.
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I also have this problem .... not using avast! till its fixed
I have win 7 64bit
Hi Zalazeel – you said you not going to use Avast till its fixed – as a matter of interest what other fire wall will you be using?? – I posted ---- is old Avast program safe so I didn’t have to install a different fire wall and get all the hassles that implies – and as I was told its ok to use – I just stopped program auto updates to avoid crashing again ( EEEEK LOL )
I would be interested to know if you know of another free fire wall just as good as Avast – as up to now I found Avast is the best out there – and understand that even the best can have a bad few days now and again – so I am just holding back on upgrade until they sort the bugs out – its just like some of the windows OS that get released – I normally wait until the bugs are sorted before I upgrade – and when you are running Microshaft – LOL --- you can expect that now and again – I just never had a prob with Avast ----ever ----- up to now
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I noticed that it was suggested that Zonealarm be uninstalled - if it's installed - to see if it overcomes the problem. I've been running Zonealarm (free) with Avast with no problems at all until the new Avast version was installed. Does this suggest that the problem is more on the Avast side as the old version of Avast works OK with Zonealarm. Has anyone tried uninstalling Zonealarm and found it fixed the problem? I was under the impression that Zonealarm is a very good firewall to have. Is this no longer the case and are there better ones out there that are free?
hi Staffy,
Every time Avast! upgrades their software, they will, and do, introduce new features, that may well conflict with existing software on a user's system. Just because it worked well in the past does not mean the new version will work at all in the user's current configuration. Unfortunately, that has happened here, but then again, it may also work well with no problems whatsoever. It depends on what security software one is running. I think one should be flexible enough to consider running other security software if need be.
ZA, IMO, is behind the curve for state-of-the-art firewall software. But that is my opinion.
I think Avast! strives to be the cutting edge for a/v software with each upgrade; pushing the envelope is a mark of leadership and thus showing the direction a/v protection needs to go.
Best strategy here is to always image your system before you upgrade; recovery from a failed upgrade will take only minutes instead of hours, just so you know. Much less frustration for everyone that way. Using restore does work, but not as well as an image. An image can also completely recover from an active virus infection; no trace of that infection will be found after an image restore.
I am sorry users posting here have had the problems they have had. I use Norton Ghost to image; there are other free imaging programs if you wish to use them.
EDIT: Fixed typo.
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I noticed that it was suggested that Zonealarm be uninstalled - if it's installed - to see if it overcomes the problem. I've been running Zonealarm (free) with Avast with no problems at all until the new Avast version was installed. Does this suggest that the problem is more on the Avast side as the old version of Avast works OK with Zonealarm. Has anyone tried uninstalling Zonealarm and found it fixed the problem? I was under the impression that Zonealarm is a very good firewall to have. Is this no longer the case and are there better ones out there that are free?
Hi Staffy --- As I said -- in a resent post Im not gona risk messing with my system anymore at the moment ----- as it took me hours to get my system stable again with re installs etc -- AGGGGGGGGG ---- £$%^&*(*&^%$ BLEEP BLEEP ---- LOL----
So All I did was restore to a point where old Avast program was --- and stopped Avast program auto updating -- but left auto update on for engine and viruses etc and its been fine for a few days now and felt much better knowing I am safe again and updates of viruses works fine
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Zone Alarm has in the past conflicted with avast so the suggestion was to uninstall it and see if that helps ( also check that all avast processes in ZA are set to allow all )
Fortunately, I've never come across these conflicts with Avast until now. I did with AVG which is why I turned to Avast.
Best strategy here is to always image your system before you upgrade; recovery from a failed upgrade will take only minutes instead of hours
Definitely - I learnt that lesson a while ago ;) I image my system in case of problems and its saved me a load of heartache!
I notice a new update is now available. I don't know if I'll have the time to install it - in case something goes wrong and the associated work to go back to a previous image - but hopefully it'll be OK. People are already having problems with it so I'm tempted to stay on 7.0.1466 if there's no real problem to do so. I'm guessing that there's no major holes that the newer versions are plugging but I may be wrong!
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I noticed that it was suggested that Zonealarm be uninstalled - if it's installed - to see if it overcomes the problem. I've been running Zonealarm (free) with Avast with no problems at all until the new Avast version was installed. Does this suggest that the problem is more on the Avast side as the old version of Avast works OK with Zonealarm. Has anyone tried uninstalling Zonealarm and found it fixed the problem? I was under the impression that Zonealarm is a very good firewall to have. Is this no longer the case and are there better ones out there that are free?
hi Staffy,
Every time Avast! upgrades their software, they will, and do, introduce new features, that may well conflict with existing software on a user's system. Just because it worked well in the past does not mean the new version will work at all in the user's current configuration. Unfortunately, that has happened here, but then again, it may also work well with no problems whatsoever. It depends on what security software one is running. I think one should be flexible enough to consider running other security software if need be.
ZA, IMO, is behind the curve for state-of-the-art firewall software. But that is my opinion.
I think Avast! strives to be the cutting edge for a/v software with each upgrade; pushing the envelope is a mark of leadership and thus showing the direction a/v protection needs to go.
Best strategy here is to always image your system before you upgrade; recovery from a failed upgrade will take only minutes instead of hours, just so you know. Much less frustration for everyone that way. Using restore does work, but not as well as an image. An image can also completely recover from an active virus infection; no trace of that infection will be found after an image restore.
I am sorry users posting here have had the problems they have had. I use Norton Ghost to image; there are other free imaging programs if you wish to use them.
EDIT: Fixed typo.
Hi mchain -- thanks for the advice about Imaging -- as a matter of interest I know you use Norton ghost -- but do you know of a good Free Imagining software -- as all I have done before is use restore ??? -- and to be fair -- its been a fairly fast full restore as I am on win 7 pro ---indecently ----- I would want to use this to store offline with a bootable DVD etc -- and this might sound like a daft comment but as my HD is 1 TB ---- will I have to use more than one DVD as each DVD is only 4.6 GB !!!! -- the reason I want to store off line is not only for security but also to avoid the problem not being able to get it I E --- via internet if my crash effects my internet connection I can not get the back up
As to all the other comments here I want to thank everyone ---- for taking there time to give feed back and advice -- as a newbe -- a site like this is a god send -- and if I spot any other problems here -- ( as I will be coming back quite regularly from now on )---that ring a bell for me -- I will defiantly -- tell them how I got around it -- and hope it helps them as much as you all have helped me
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Best strategy here is to always image your system before you upgrade; recovery from a failed upgrade will take only minutes instead of hours, just so you know. Much less frustration for everyone that way. Using restore does work, but not as well as an image. An image can also completely recover from an active virus infection; no trace of that infection will be found after an image restore.
I am sorry users posting here have had the problems they have had. I use Norton Ghost to image; there are other free imaging programs if you wish to use them.
EDIT: Fixed typo.
Hi mchain -- thanks for the advice about Imaging -- as a matter of interest I know you use Norton ghost -- but do you know of a good Free Imagining software -- as all I have done before is use restore ??? -- and to be fair -- its been a fairly fast full restore as I am on win 7 pro ---indecently ----- I would want to use this to store offline with a bootable DVD etc -- and this might sound like a daft comment but as my HD is 1 TB ---- will I have to use more than one DVD as each DVD is only 4.6 GB !!!! -- the reason I want to store off line is not only for security but also to avoid the problem not being able to get it I E --- via internet if my crash effects my internet connection I can not get the back up
As to all the other comments here I want to thank everyone ---- for taking there time to give feed back and advice -- as a newbe -- a site like this is a god send -- and if I spot any other problems here -- ( as I will be coming back quite regularly from now on )---that ring a bell for me -- I will defiantly -- tell them how I got around it -- and hope it helps them as much as you all have helped me
@ MARIO 58,
Imaging a drive will pay enormous dividends for the future. For example, should your hard drive ever fail or die, you can use a previously restored image to place that image on a new hard drive to replace the old, and be back up and running in minutes, as I said before. It is also possible to clone an existing good hard drive to new just for backup purposes.
As for free imaging programs, see here: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-drive-imaging-program.htm (http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-drive-imaging-program.htm)
http://www.pchelpforum.com/xf/threads/backup-and-imaging-software.68844/#post373602 (http://www.pchelpforum.com/xf/threads/backup-and-imaging-software.68844/#post373602)
http://www.garloff.de/kurt/linux/ddrescue/ (http://www.garloff.de/kurt/linux/ddrescue/)
http://www.forensicswiki.org/wiki/Ddrescue (http://www.forensicswiki.org/wiki/Ddrescue)
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-10469489-285/free-backup-utility-outshines-windows-7s-built-in-disk-imager/ (http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-10469489-285/free-backup-utility-outshines-windows-7s-built-in-disk-imager/)
Direct link to todo easeus backup software:
http://www.todo-backup.com/backup-resource/partition-backup/ghost-windows-7-hard-drive.htmhttp://
Some ot the links above are just for informational purposes only. For example, link to c|net.com should not be used to download easeus software, as c|net downloader can give PUP's (possibly unwanted software) for the user if they are not wary and watch for such when installing software gotten from there. Always best to go directly to the vendor's site and get what you want from there. Reason c|net does this is for additional (advertising) revenue.
So, research what you are interested in, and go from there.
Personally, I have never used Acronis backup, but heard is very good at what it does.
dd_rescue is for hard drives that have crashed and have bad sectors on them.
EDIT: Forgot to mention you can use a second internal hard drive just for the express purpose of placing created images on that drive; images are not the actual size of the drive (1TB) but are exact images only of the current snapshot size of the data present on that drive at the moment the image was created. If the size of the data is only 8-10 GB, then the file is usually compressed, and will result in an image of only 6-8 GB. Your mileage will vary according to the original size of the data being backed up.
You can also use dvd's to back up; a dual-layer dvd will provide twice the capacity. An external USB hard drive will be faster and will do the same thing, provided the software you choose will support these operations.
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1474 installed today and running fine with no freezes after restart. (Windows 7 32-bit with Zonealarm Free)
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OK - so it was OK without the behaviour module (it took a few tries to install it, but..) BUT - I still need to register it. Every time I go to the interface - it freezes the computer dead, so I can't enter the code (which I had the smarts to get via another computer...)
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Win Professional XP 64bit SP2 2003
AMD x4 CPU 8Gb RAM
Spywareblaster 5.0
Spybot 1.62
Malwarebytes Pro 1.70
I had Avast 7.xx and 8.xx running fine on some Win 7 Pro or Home 64 bit machines and the new features of the 8.xx version were really very tempting.
So, I installed latest Avast 8.01483 after uninstalling AVG 2013b on my Win XP 64 bit machinee and the system freezes on bootup, after extremely slow bootup to desktop image. Boots ok into SAFE mode. Wasted at least 4 hrs trying various things but still no luck. I set File Shield to exclude all of the security software, but no change. Finally I found some suggestions on this forum.
I tried disabling Behavior Shield as suggested, but after clicking OK, it has put the checkmarks back on.
I went to Add/Remove and chose Modify (?) and told it to uninstall the Behavior Shield, now I'm waiting to see if that makes a difference. It appeared to boot a bit faster and I got the bootup audio so far. It is still far slower than with AVG 2013.
Ah, great that did it. It's now booting ok, although slower than it used to.
So now how about a fix for the Behavior Shield which REALLY MESSED up my system?
Dan
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@drdancm
Run AVG uninstaller from here to remove AVG remanents: http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/
1. Download avast! Free Antivirus: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=117113.0
2. Follow instructions: http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed avast! versions..!!)
3. Reinstall avast! with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot
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I disabled Behavior Shield that got my system to boot up ok so I thought it was all working. This morning I turned it on it booted up nicely, but when I attempted to open a folder it froze.
I read your suggestions and the link to the latest version that you suggest I install is the one I had already used.
I doubt that pieces of left over AVG were causing the problem. I had deleted the directory and also cleaned out the registry prior to loading AVAST.
I no longer have any faith that this problem will be solved soon, and I must get on with my work so I have uninstalled AVAST and will put back AVG. While your solution may or may not work for me, I just cannot take another 2-3 hours testing this and that. I'll come back to AVAST sometime in the future when I have more time to experiment, but not right now. I have deadlines to meet.
Thanks much,
Dan
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you guys could switch back to avast 7 until they have a fix: http://www.oldapps.com/avast_antivirus.php
issues are still current with this version?? :http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=117113.0
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I really think that an installation from scratch will solve all the issues...
1. Download the latest version of avast! Uninstall Utility (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-uninstall-utility.html) and save it.
2. Download the latest avast! (http://www.avast.com/eng/programs.html) version and save it.
3. (Optional) If you want, save your avast! settings for later restoration (Settings > Maintenance > Back up).
4. Uninstall avast from Control Panel (if possible). If, for any reason, you can't run it, try booting in Safe Mode (http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml) and doing it from there. Anyway, boot after that.
5. Run the avast! Uninstall Utility saved on 1 in Safe Mode (http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml). Boot after you've run it. Repeat this for any major avast! version you have ever installed/upgraded in your computer.
6. Install avast! using the setup saved on 2. Boot.
7. Register your free copy or add the license key for Pro. Or even upgrade (http://www.avast.com/resend-license-paid.php) your key from old versions.
8. Check and post the results. If, for any reason, you did not solve, try doing the step 3 in Safe Mode anyway.
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I am also a newbie here but not to computers. I run XP with latest SP, NO OTHER SECURITY, sorry to put it in caps but I have noticed time and again a response asks this question when the original writer had already specified this.
Today My machine crashed via a freeze and eventually, got the message that Outlook (2010) had a major issue with Avast ad (in) as I remember the message. At the time I thought it was yet another MS cock-up so i did not really take much note of the msg (my bad), just hit the "yes" to disable it and carried on. But the machine was screwed.
Just closed everything (forced) via Task Manager and restarted. Machine was screwed, running like a no legged dog. Massive amounts of memory being chowed in processes not visible.
Running Free Avast and apparently version 7.0.1474, although a new update was about to start on the auto update function. To get the machine to run anywhere near half way decent had to suspend all Avast network and mail activities.
Seems to me there is a major snafu with the latest few version releases - what must I do?
Colin
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Same for me (Vista x64, i7, 12Gb RAM, ATI 7770).
My windows hangs yesterday morning after migrating Avast 7 to 8.x and in the evening I format/reinstall all.
This morning, when I did a CLEAN (from scratch) install of Avast ... windows hangs again in reboot !
But this time I had access to the Safe mode of windows, uninstall Avast 8 (from configuration panel) ... and re-install the version 7 without any problems !
I think the mix Avast/ZoneAlarm (I had ZA, but uninstalled years ago ... maybe there was some registry traces of it in my system yesterday) could be a clue, but do NOT explain why I had same behaviour on a fresh reformatted system. By the way I unplugged ALL my others disk (only SSD with the system visible). Only the following is installed :
* Vista x64 SP1
* All recomended updates for windows (~140 this day)
* Intel inf chipset
* ATI 7770 / Catalyst 13.1
* Asus U3S6 board drivers
That's all !
Marc
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OK so got rid of the crappy buggy claimed version 17xx using the control panel option, and installed the older 1466 version which appears to be the last stable version issued. All seems to work ok now.
Not impressed by the number of problems that were created with the latest version - should have had far more decent testing to show up all the very obvious problems before Avast releaed it.
Colin