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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Alievitan on February 24, 2012, 02:51:16 PM

Title: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Alievitan on February 24, 2012, 02:51:16 PM
I updated Avast 6 to Avast 7 via the GUI button for my Windows 7 64 bit machine.  I already have Chrome installed in the directory "C:\Users\______\AppData\Local\Google" which is the default installation directory of the official Chrome installation file from Google. 

However, for some reason, in the update from V6 to V7, Avast took it upon itself to install Chrome to another directory (programfiles).  As a result my chrome profile is messed up b/c chrome doesn't know where to go in regards to profile and exe resulting in errors when I try to use Chrome.  There are also conflicting Chrome tasks scheduled. 

Now I have to do the uninstall the Chrome (programfiles) that Avast arbitrarily installed and its trances in addition to uninstalling my original Chrome installation in the appdata directory to resolve the conflicts.  Finally I have to do a brand new clean install of Chrome and begin rebuilding my profile. 

I have nothing, but respect for the avast team, but this is a major screw up and a unnecessary waste of time.  I am very upset, b/c that Chrome profile had more than a years worth personal data and configurations which I now have to rebuild from scratch.  Avast should have detected that Chrome was already on my computer and not try to ram another Chrome installation down my throat. 
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: BaconRules on February 24, 2012, 02:59:21 PM
Glad I am not the only one.  I have been doing some major testing of the Chrome beta (v18), and Avast took it upon themselves to "upgrade" me down to v17, and the only way to fix it was to uninstall Chrome.  It even screwed up my canary install - which shouldn't be possible.

It seems like this release just wasn't fully baked yet, which is a bummer.  Avast has been very good to me, and I had a lot of faith in their products, but this release has knocked them down quite a few pegs.  It is going to take some really good PR to fix their reputation.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: murmatron on February 24, 2012, 08:13:47 PM
Same thing happened to me.

After I calmed down, I un-installed Chrome, downloaded and installed it properly and then did a "Restore previous versions" on the Chrome directory in Appdata\Local\Google

Fortunately, that got me back to where I was with all my settings and extensions intact.

Installing stuff on my machine without asking me is not funny.

Installing something that's already there and making a complete mess of it in the process is beyond stupid.

A new emoticon is required for this topic because >:( really doesn't go far enough.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Dch48 on February 24, 2012, 08:49:03 PM
It didn't happen here on our Vista Machine but it did ask about it on the final screen. Chrome never has been installed on that computer.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: BlitzenZeus on February 24, 2012, 09:32:09 PM
I had a similar problem, but I was not even allowed to uncheck the box to install Chrome.  All I saw was a flash of a Avast 7 screen, and soon after that a new chrome shortcut on my desktop as I always delete them.

The new installation of Chrome disabled my user installation, and reset the profile settings.  This is Google's fault, but again, Avast did stick this installation at the end, and again, I wasn't given a chance to uncheck it, but wasn't given that simple courtesy.  I have since removed the system wide installation, and reinstalled the user installation, however the damage to the profile is already done, along with your reputation Avast.

I have to call some other people, and warn them about this Avast Update.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: hayc59 on February 24, 2012, 09:38:40 PM
Chrome issue also at BBR forum!!

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26929481-Avast-7-installs-Chrome
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: AspieMum on February 24, 2012, 09:39:54 PM
Not sure about the files (I haven't looked to see) but Chrome is working fine (I'm using it now). I haven't felt the need to check if the new Avast has changed my Chrome file as there is no noticeable change in use. I have Windows 7 64 bit and it is the latest stable release of Chrome. Mine is installed in "C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" though.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: freddief on February 24, 2012, 09:43:37 PM
I got a dialogue box after reboot, where I could uncheck Chrome.

Are you saying that your installs bypassed the "Finalize" dialogue box?
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: BlitzenZeus on February 24, 2012, 09:52:23 PM
Apparently I need to quote myself.

I had a similar problem, but I was not even allowed to uncheck the box to install Chrome.  All I saw was a flash of a Avast 7 screen, and soon after that a new chrome shortcut on my desktop as I always delete them.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: murmatron on February 24, 2012, 10:49:50 PM
I didn't see any mention of a Chrome install whatsoever during the upgrade or subsequent reboot. If it had been there, I would have seen it. The first thing I saw was a dialog stating that Chrome had been installed by an administrator (as if I'm not) and my installation needed to be converted (or something to that effect). This was followed by Chrome opening with a page informing me that I could "Browse safer with Chrome or some similar nonsense".

Just to reiterate:  For those who have had their Chrome install hosed by this on Vista/Seven ...

1. Uninstall Chrome
2. Download and install Chrome
3. Explore to SystemDrive\Users\YourUserName\Appdata\Local\Google
4. Right-click the Chrome folder
5. Select "Restore previous versions" on the context menu
6. Hope that your recovery settings are such that there are previous versions to restore
7. Restore the Chrome folder to a version before the Avast upgrade
8. Hurrah (hopefully)
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Gooob on February 24, 2012, 11:10:30 PM
I am having a somewhat related problem where Avast AV Free 7 WebRep does not install in my Chrome Beta Channel browser.

Anyone have Web Rep Extension (v7 not v6) working with Chrome beta?
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: BaconRules on February 24, 2012, 11:17:55 PM
I am having a somewhat related problem where Avast AV Free 7 WebRep does not install in my Chrome Beta Channel browser.

Anyone have Web Rep Extension (v7 not v6) working with Chrome beta?

I'm tracking that issue in two related threads:
Chrome web rep not working - http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93923.0
Firefox Webrep version - 6.0.1407 - http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93884.0

WebRep is definitely hosed because of this Avast upgrade.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Gooob on February 24, 2012, 11:28:48 PM
+1
Thanks BaconRules, I will bookmark those threads.

OT:
Speaking of +1, does anyone find it odd that Avast is quite cozy with Chrome, offers to install Chrome, is used as the AV of choice by Google employees .... yet Avast only prompts social support on Facebook and Twitter ... but not Google+?

With so many Avast Chrome installs Avast is shooting itself in the foot by not supporting Google+ - Avast is missing some great free word of mouth....
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: YoKenny on February 24, 2012, 11:40:36 PM
I am having a somewhat related problem where Avast AV Free 7 WebRep does not install in my Chrome Beta Channel browser.

Anyone have Web Rep Extension (v7 not v6) working with Chrome beta?

I'm tracking that issue in two related threads:
Chrome web rep not working - http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93923.0
Firefox Webrep version - 6.0.1407 - http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93884.0

WebRep is definitely hosed because of this Avast upgrade.
Not a problem for me:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93866.msg748260#msg748260
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Gooob on February 25, 2012, 12:04:29 AM

 
Quote
Not a problem for me:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93866.msg748260#msg748260

You are using Chrome Beta Channel v18?

AFTER installing Avast 7 you have gone into Chrome Extension Page and have visually confirmed the WebRep Extension is version number 7.xxx not Extension version 6.xxx ?
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: YoKenny on February 25, 2012, 12:17:26 AM
You are using Chrome Beta Channel v18?

AFTER installing Avast 7 you have gone into Chrome Extension Page and have visually confirmed the WebRep Extension is version number 7.xxx not Extension version 6.xxx ?
I am using Chrome v17.0.963.56
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: YoKenny on February 25, 2012, 12:25:25 AM

OT:
Speaking of +1, does anyone find it odd that Avast is quite cozy with Chrome, offers to install Chrome, is used as the AV of choice by Google employees .... yet Avast only prompts social support on Facebook and Twitter ... but not Google+?

With so many Avast Chrome installs Avast is shooting itself in the foot by not supporting Google+ - Avast is missing some great free word of mouth....
No problem with Google+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/?tab=wX#
avast! v 7 celebration (63 photos)
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Gooob on February 25, 2012, 01:15:22 AM
Quote
I am using Chrome v17.0.963.56

You are on Chrome Stable Channel
You are not on Chrome Beta
Chrome Beta is v18

Thus, back to my question about Avast WebRep and Chrome Beta...

People, please pay attention to the details when posting.

Otherwise,
Confusion results
Misinformation results
Avast not being able to address lingering problems results....


(edit)
There is a problem with Google+
After installing Avast (at least on my install) I was asked to share praise for Avast on Facebook and Twitter, not Google+.  Avast is missing opportunities by not adding Google+ to their social network sharing options when new Avast customers install Avast.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Vapor on February 25, 2012, 01:37:06 AM
Quote
It is going to take some really good PR to fix their reputation.

Takes ages to get good rep, takes  1 day  to lose it.

avast, be careful you can do yourself more harm than good.

Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: aosudif1 on February 27, 2012, 01:00:45 AM
I have just registered to this forum to say the following: Who the f!"# does the Avast developers think they are?

This is just morronic.  I had this issue, and a perfectly working Chrome install got completely ruined.  This is the kind of crap MSFT pulls.

All I'm saying is Avast lately is going just the wrong way, with more intrusive signs and stupid alerts, and a more a more cluttered UI.


One more slip like this, and I am gone to a better alternative, which there are plenty.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Dch48 on February 27, 2012, 01:08:50 AM
All I can say is that I have Chrome installed on this Win7 machine and on my XP machine and upgrading Avast through the GUI did not affect Chrome at all on either one. I even subsequently upgraded the free AV to AIS7 on both machines by simply clicking on the license file and letting both machines auto upgrade. I never downloaded the AIS installer at all.  Again there were no issues.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: andyxl987 on February 27, 2012, 01:46:52 AM
I experienced the same issue on my Windows 7 Ultimate x86 laptop which no longer is able to shutdown cleanly. The Chrome issue was frustrating enough but I'm also experiencing a large number of mingw compiled unix CLI tools (such as git, gzip, tar) to cause crashes unless I tell Avast that they're safe and not to sandbox them.

There were no visible checkboxes on my laptop after the initial reboot. There was no Chrome checkbox on my Desktop either (see attached screenshot). I didn't even click upgrade, Avast just did it's own thing - the timeout may be too soon as Flash took a while to do it's own update.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: MvGulik on February 27, 2012, 02:02:57 AM
... Grrr <imagine some long personal rant> ...

Aka: Just adding a additional "same here" (Google Chrome)

Got My Chrome Beta (18.xxx/Eng) ... Downgraded(17.xxx/NL).
So far the chrome damage seems to be relative minor ... But I can't say the same for my trust in Avast. (nor in Google, as they made there installer so damn devoid of user interact prompts.)

MvGulik

Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: Gooob on February 27, 2012, 02:05:08 AM
See here for details:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=94348.0

Let's hope Avast Team fixes this...
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: cecr on February 27, 2012, 12:08:03 PM
I didn't have Chrome on my pc before I updated avas6. On rebooting the pc I found to my absolute horror that the developers at avast thik they know better than me about what software I need and had installed chrome. At no time did ANY warning appear, or my consent was sought to install anything other than the update. I consider this action to be one of MALWARE.

If I want software on my pc, I am capable of finding it, installing it, and configuring it, I DO NOT need unseen and unknown people messing with my pc.

I am now looking to install v6 back before I find an alternative av product from a company that doesn't take liberties like this.

None of the software I install goes into the default folder, I always choose a custom build, so if I had been using chrome already, its likely the duplicate install would have caused the same problem for me as to the OP.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: amprenavir on February 27, 2012, 07:04:52 PM
Thanks to those who posted a solution to the Chrome fiasco during the update to Avast 7. I am SO disappointed in the folks at Avast. They BLEW it with this upgrade. I will be more careful next time.
Title: Re: Avast 6 to Avast 7 installed Chrome, destroys existing Chrome install
Post by: cansurfer2 on February 28, 2012, 09:52:32 PM
Thanks to those who posted a solution to the Chrome fiasco during the update to Avast 7. I am SO disappointed in the folks at Avast. They BLEW it with this upgrade. I will be more careful next time.

Be more careful....how?

I upgraded a program that I trusted and had used for years.  My first warning that it would attempt to install a web browser program that I had previously tried and discarded as not for me, was a screen on boot that gave me a couple seconds to reach for my mouse and uncheck "install chrome" before it proceeded to do exactly that, without my consent.  I was too slow.  Had I been completely away from my desk I certainly never would have seen it at all.

That the upgrade proceeded to fail and destroy my installation of Avast requiring a system restore and multiple boots to safe mode to clean up the mess, was a further, and unrelated annoyance.

While this might seem harsh, a program that installs third party software without warning or consent, is itself, by any reasonable definition, Malware.  Even if you happen to like Google Chrome, this is the case.

Which brings me back to the question of how I would have been more careful.  Before agreeing to upgrade Avast, I should have been a regular forum reader and taken note of all the V7 problems that others have been having?   I guess.  Then again, my time is not without limits.  Personally, I'd be more happy with a program that simply did what I wanted it to do.  If it also happened to include an "OPT-IN" option to install somebody's browser, I doubt that would bother me unduly.