Avast WEBforum

Consumer Products => Avast Mac Security => Topic started by: kirohe on January 03, 2013, 03:23:53 PM

Title: WebRep uncontrollable extension
Post by: kirohe on January 03, 2013, 03:23:53 PM
The WebRep extension seems to have a mind of its own. I can not properly remove it from Firefox 17.01 or Safari. (Using OS X 10.6.8)
When removed using Avast! 'additional protection' settings, :
1] Safari removal can only be accomplished by going to Safari and removing it. Safari and avast shows it is properly removed. Upon restarting OS, it shows reinstalled in Safari. It also shows installed in the avast 'additional protection' settings. The same removal method only results in it appearing again upon restarting.
2] Firefox - it simply won't be removed. When it is installed, it show version 7.0.?latest?, but when I go through the removal procedure through avast settings, it remains as a firefox extension, but shows it as version 7.0.1455.
Does anyone know the manual method of removal?  Where are the files (system level - I presume) that are re-installing this? I am not afraid to resort to the command line , if that's what it takes!
I have searched and searched for a solution to this, but all I have been able to find are the 'correct' install and uninstall methods from avast instructions. The only problem is, they don't work.
I have also tried  variations on procedures that involve restarts after changes, completely uninstalling and reinstalling browsers (including profiles), to no avail.
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. If I am missing some obvious procedure(s) I am not following - please point me in the direction of those procedures and call me a dummy.  :-\

Thanks for any advice!
Title: Re: WebRep uncontrollable extension
Post by: kirohe on January 06, 2013, 06:06:25 PM
 :(
Really?  Is there no answer to this? Wow!
I guess that is why I have not been able to find one anywhere.
Should I submit a support ticket for this?
Has Avast! installed items on my computer that I can not remove?
That does not not sound right!
 :P
Title: Re: WebRep uncontrollable extension
Post by: midnight on January 06, 2013, 07:23:46 PM
Have you tried going to Firefox add-on's, clicking on extensions scroll down to WebRep?  You can either remove or disable it there.
Title: Re: WebRep uncontrollable extension
Post by: kirohe on January 09, 2013, 05:17:03 PM
-midnight.. I appreciate your response   :)

Yes. The add-on shows up to be enabled or disabled, but is grayed out preventing it from being actually removed. I believe this means it is not really a firefox add-on, but a system-level item that firefox has no direct control over.
That is the part I find unacceptable, in this case. Avast may have felt they do not want a browser affecting functions of a virus/malware scanner (and I can understand their point here), but on the other hand if I, the computer owner, wants it removed, I should have that option. What I find unacceptable is this removal of choice or control that Avast has installed into my property, either by intention or by accident, evident even after I have followed the recommended procedure for completely removing their software from my computer.
I am still looking for a solution to this issue. Whether it is intentional (very bad), or simply accidental (bad software writing IMHO or simply carelessness), I am becoming much less comfortable with an anti-virus company.  :-\