Unable to run "Schedule Boot-Time Scan" . . . What gives???

[Frustrated Avast User]

I downloaded the Pro version for the 60 day trial use because I have a SHeur2 rootkit-gen type virus on my 64-bit machine that, according to the prevailing opinions on the web, is best eradicated by using the Boot-Time Scan feature that Avast apparently has made available.

On Avast's website they prominently advertise this capability: http://www.avast.com/eng/x64.html

We are glad to announce that all avast! antivirus editions, including the free Home Edition, now fully support the new Windows x64 platform (avast! Server Edition supports both x64 and IA64 (Intel Itanium) platforms).

I thought, Great!  So I downloaded and installed, only to learn that I was misled.  The software does not offer the "Schedule Boot-Time Scan" feature as this is disabled (greyed out).  The users manual for the Pro version also states that this feature is only available for 32-bit operating systems.

So what gives?  Why the false advertisement by Avast?

The more important question is, how can I get rid of this SHeur2 virus on my machine?  Will I need to turn to another antivirus software that does indeed do what it claims when it says it works on 64-bit machines?

[DavidR]

You wern't misled avast does work 64bit OSes, but not all functionality, namely the boot-tims scan and this is more to do with finding a means of doing it in 64bit OS. This is the same as avast working in older OSes like win9.x/ME, but not all elements work in older OSes like the anti-rootkit scanner, etc.

The boot-time scan for 64bit OSes has been worked on and currently Alwil are busy getting ready to release avast version 5.0, this however, won't have the boot-time scan for 64bit, that is hopefully being included in avast 5.1.

So whilst this isn't available to you know, you could try booting into safe mode and start avast from the desktop shortcut to ashAvast.exe. Or you could also try a specific anti-rootkit tool, though I don't know which support 64bit OS:
- RootRepeal, http://rootrepeal.googlepages.com/ RootRepeal is a new rootkit detector currently in public beta. Scroll down the page for the download link. Also see, http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12709.
- Panda Rootkit Cleaner - http://research.pandasoftware.com/blogs/images/AntiRootkit.zip.
- Trend Micro RootkitBuster - http://www.trendmicro.com/download/rbuster.asp
- F-Secure Blacklight may not always be available, http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight.

You can turn to other AV software by all means but avast is the only one that even does a boot-time scan, so you won't find it there either.

[Frustrated Avast User]

Thanks for the reply.  I'll try your suggestion of booting into safe mode and then running Avast to see if this might take care of the problem.

I appreciate it.

[DavidR]

You're welcome, let us know how you get on.

[NTxLS]

Could the 32bit version be run on a 64bit system like Win7 and do the Boot-Time scan from within Safe Mode or maybe just normal boot?

Yes, I have also read the suggestions you have provided and will look into them, just thought I would ask that question.

All of those you suggest are for 32 bit only.  None will work with 64 . . . boo Hoo!  I guess we just await the Alwil version for 64s.

[Pondus]

Could the 32bit version be run on a 64bit system like Win7 and do the Boot-Time scan from within Safe Mode or maybe just normal boot?

Yes, I have also read the suggestions you have provided and will look into them, just thought I would ask that question.

All of those you suggest are for 32 bit only.  None will work with 64 . . . boo Hoo!  I guess we just await the Alwil version for 64s.

Do you have a need to do the boot scan ?......it is something you only do if you have an infection that the normal scan can not remove...for whatever reason

[YoKenny]

Do you have a need to do the boot scan ?......it is something you only do if you have an infection that the normal scan can not remove...for whatever reason

I have never needed a bootscan on my Windows 7 system and have done a Quick and Full scan.

As V5.1 due out real soon that is supposed to have 64bit scan I will wait.