So, when my Avast (free version) was upgraded to version 7 recently, a few issues started happening. (I use Windows 7 x64).
Description of what has happened chronologically up to this point:
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[1] My Windows Desktop Gadgets disappeared and when I right click on the desktop to access the Gadgets menu, nothing happens. I restarted the computer normally and when it rebooted, my icons were present but my desktop background was black, I could not access my Desktop Gadgets, and in the corner, it said that I was not using a genuine version of Windows (I can tell you with certainty that my version is indeed valid).
[2] After attempting a second restart, I logged in and all that loaded was a black screen. My mouse works, and I'm still able to access the Ctrl+Alt+Delete menu and the task manager and all that, but there is a severe shortage of processes running and my desktop never loads.
[3] I then restarted the computer and accessed the F8 menu. I then enabled boot-logging and I have attached the log to this post. (Same black empty screen situation happened.)
[4] I then restarted in Safe Mode where my desktop appeared properly. I then selected a system restore point that was before I was updated to Avast 7. My computer and desktop booted normally and properly with all my Gadgets showing.
[5] I then installed my windows updates and restarted to make sure it was the Avast update that caused my problem and indeed, my gadgets were still working after Windows updates.
[6] I then uninstalled my avast because some services weren't working because it was wanting me to restart so that it could install Avast 7. After uninstalling Avast 6, I then downloaded and installed Avast 7 from a fresh download from the Avast website. After restarting, Gadgets is not functioning again. I haven't restarted yet, but I'm sure I'll have black screen issues with logging on again.
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If anyone needs any other logs or info from my computer, I'll gladly provide (just tell me how to access them).
Anyone else experiencing these issues? Any known fix yet or do I just need to find another free antivirus for the time-being?