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Business Products => Archive (Legacy) => Avast Business => Avast Endpoint Protection => Topic started by: Dewg on October 17, 2013, 09:07:58 PM

Title: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dewg on October 17, 2013, 09:07:58 PM
We're on Avast 8.  We just updated a few machines to Windows 8.1 Pro (through the Store upgrade process) that was released today.  However, after the entire process is finished, Avast is gone.  It's completely removed from the system.

Anyone else have this problem?  Is Avast 8 not compatible and Windows 8.1 removes it automatically as a precaution?
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dewg on October 17, 2013, 09:24:19 PM
Even worse - if you have AEA push out Avast 8.0.1490 to a Windows 8.1 machine, it installs but comes up with compatibility errors.  The next restart will blue-screen and you can't be back into Windows.

DO NOT INSTALL 8.0.1490 on Windows 8.1
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nannunannu on October 17, 2013, 10:54:20 PM
Thanks for the warning.  You've saved us some trouble for sure.  :)

Team avast!:  Please comment.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: wpn on October 18, 2013, 12:18:20 PM
Did you run the actual Win8 or a preview version of 8.1?

Quote
If you're upgrading from Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows RT, Windows 8.1 Preview, Windows 8.1 Pro Preview or Windows RT 8.1 Preview, the process is basically the same: You launch the Upgrade installer from Windows Store, run the installer while the PC or device is offline, reboot a few times, and then emerge with the OS upgraded. Here's a visual guide to this process.

Note: The only major difference between these installs, aside from the installer download size, is that those with Windows 8.1 or RT 8.1 Preview will need to reinstall all of their Metro-style apps and desktop applications when the upgrade is complete.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Nicob on October 18, 2013, 01:43:01 PM
Having uploaded and installed the new version of avast internet security I still have same problem it gives error message, won't uninstall and next restart locks me out of windows with no keyboard. 
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: gwing on October 18, 2013, 02:18:10 PM
I too have completed the online upgrade from 8.0 pro to 8.1 and the avast free antivirus was knocked out having reinstalled the latest version avast free - it all functions ok apart from the browser is reporting that all the avast addon`s are incompatible

Name                avast! Online Security
Publisher           AVAST Software a.s.
Status              Incompatible
Architecture        32-bit
Load time           0.01 s
Navigation time     0.00 s

Name                avast! Online Security
Publisher           AVAST Software a.s.
Status              Incompatible
Architecture        64-bit

Name                avast! Online Security
Publisher           AVAST Software a.s.
Status              Incompatible
Architecture        32-bit
Load time           0.01 s
Navigation time     0.00 s

Name                avast! Online Security
Publisher           AVAST Software a.s.
Status              Incompatible
Architecture        64-bit

Is this avast or IE11 - disappointing
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: wbtech on October 18, 2013, 05:27:36 PM
It's an IE11 issue. I have fully updated Microsoft Office 2013 plugins that are showing incompatibility as well. They must have significantly changed IE's compatibility requirements.

What's strange is that I've been able to deploy Avast to my 64-bit machines, but my 32-bit clients fail.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: giomar97 on October 18, 2013, 08:10:14 PM
Hello
I have version 8.0.1490 Protecrion End Point. After upgrade to Windows 8.1. Avast is uninstalled. I reinstalled Avast but is reported compatibility problem and after restarting Windows must be repair. Can anyone help me?
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: giogio on October 18, 2013, 08:19:12 PM
Hi,
I suggest you to try to install the avast 9.0.2006 (unmanaged)
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup.exe (if you haven't bought the avast FW)
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup.exe (if you have bought the avast FW)
Probably, you can insert the license file without problem. (I've tryed successfully in past)
until there's a fix from avast to this.

Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: giomar97 on October 18, 2013, 09:36:05 PM
I tried to install Internet security but I get the message The license for this product is not valid
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dewg on October 19, 2013, 01:19:35 AM
Of course we can install the unmanaged Avast, or even the new Avast 2014 - but we're using AEA server and pushing out installs.  We need a new AEA console version and client version that works with Windows 8.1
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dch48 on October 19, 2013, 01:39:29 AM
To get browser plugins to work in the new IE11, you have to turn off the Enhanced Protection mode that is now enabled by default.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: giomar97 on October 21, 2013, 09:32:52 AM
Hi,
I suggest you to try to install the avast 9.0.2006 (unmanaged)
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup.exe (if you haven't bought the avast FW)
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup.exe (if you have bought the avast FW)
Probably, you can insert the license file without problem. (I've tryed successfully in past)
until there's a fix from avast to this.

I tried to install Internet security but I get the message The license for this product is not valid. How do I do now? Besides, we are retailers. I have to find a solution for our customers
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: hillen on October 21, 2013, 03:11:32 PM
What really frustrates me is Awil is silent on this issue. We purchased a business product and our business relies on it and they remain silent. While deploying Windows 8.1 will take time, those of us responsible for determining that time frame are at risk due to incompatible/non functioning anti-virus protection. So the simple question to AWIL is not how do we work around this issue, how are you going to fix it and when? That's really all I care about.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Eddy on October 21, 2013, 03:19:52 PM
The problem is NOT avast, but the 8.1 update from Microsoft.
Microsoft is the one who should solve things.

It is not Alwill, but Avast for many years now.
And Avast is not silent about it as you can see in many other threads.

And the 8.1 update is not only messing up avast but also many other softwares.
I even have seen it removing Windows Media Player :-)

The only thing that can be done is using Windows 8 and NOT 8.1 till Microsoft have fixed the bugs in the update.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nannunannu on October 21, 2013, 04:29:26 PM
And Avast is not silent about it as you can see in many other threads.

Examples?  I see nothing else in here to support the business customers???
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: hillen on October 21, 2013, 06:40:16 PM
I thought I had missed something as far as Business Support goes, but it appears I am not. I am not buying this product from Microsoft, I am buying it from Awil so I will look to Awil for answers to fix it.

It is easy for you to simply state stay with 8 until Microsoft fixes 8.1, but that is naive at best. Our company has supported Awil from the early Window NT SP3 days, so we are not new to this.

So with that said, is ANYONE at Awil going to address the BUSINESS SUITES incompatibility with Windows 8.1? Yes. no? I do not need an end user telling me it is someone else's fault, that is worthless to me.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: hillen on October 21, 2013, 06:43:08 PM
Also I do not care if they changed their business name to Avast -- that is not my problem at hand.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: hillen on October 21, 2013, 06:48:10 PM
Lastly, I was just notified by our AVAST re-seller they are having a hard time getting our license renewal processed as AVAST is in the middle of switching back end systems and cannot handle the request at this time -- so it looks like this whole issue is moot as they appear to not be able to support our renewal request anyway. Pity.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Eddy on October 21, 2013, 07:02:49 PM
As I said it is not a problem with avast but with the 8.1 update Microsoft rolled out.
Microsoft has messed up severely, hence why they removed the update in a real hurry just after 1 day after releasing it.
Avast is not responsible for screw-ups from Microsoft.
You should direct your complains to MS.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: hillen on October 21, 2013, 07:55:57 PM
Your argument still does not fly. Every other piece of software I run is still running without issue after update. Not matter who's problem you claim it to be, one would assume AVAST would make it know the problem lies with Microsoft so update at your own risk of injury.

I hear nothing but crickets.

Lastly, the next time I buy a tire and it blows up I will complain to the car manufacture.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Eddy on October 21, 2013, 08:04:36 PM
Quote
Lastly, the next time I buy a tire and it blows up I will complain to the car manufacture.
That is exactly what you are doing here.

As I said before, avast is not responsible for updates (buggy or not) from MS. Only MS is.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dch48 on October 21, 2013, 08:30:21 PM
As I said it is not a problem with avast but with the 8.1 update Microsoft rolled out.
Microsoft has messed up severely, hence why they removed the update in a real hurry just after 1 day after releasing it.
Avast is not responsible for screw-ups from Microsoft.
You should direct your complains to MS.
Yes there are problems with some software getting broken by the 8.1 update but MS has not removed it. Only the Windows 8 RT update was removed. Businesses would not be running RT.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dewg on October 21, 2013, 09:05:21 PM
I think the issue is that Avast has solved the problem already with the Free/Pro version.  According to forum posts, build 8.0.1497 works with Windows 8.1.  However, the current release of the Business products is 8.0.1490.  The Free/Pro has moved onto Avast 2014 (v9.0), which also seems to work fine with Windows 8.1.

I know that the business products are slow to release, as they need to be the most stable versions.  I would hope that Avast releases a minor business upgrade to a later build of 8.0 that works with Windows 8.1 - hopefully soon - to support those businesses planning to upgrade their Windows 8 workstations.  Then later we can see the v9 upgrade, once it's completely stable.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: hillen on October 21, 2013, 09:23:23 PM
So let me get this straight -- every other piece of business software I currently run works like a champ but Avast Business Suite and it's MS's fault?

Please show me where MS pulled the 8.1 update. They pulled the RT 8.1, but what does that have to do with my issue? What does that have to do with Avast? If AVAST has patched their other products to work with 8.1 ( indicating they know it didn't work ) then how in the ^$%% is that MS's fault?

You seem to fail to understand the logic in the tire/manufacturer illustration. The tire is AVAST and the car manufacture is MS. Why would I complain to the car manufacture that an improperly built tire blew up on their vehicle?

Once again I do not need to hear from an end user, I need to hear from AVAST and all I hear is crickets.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nannunannu on October 21, 2013, 11:10:49 PM
I think the issue is that Avast has solved the problem already with the Free/Pro version.  According to forum posts, build 8.0.1497 works with Windows 8.1.  However, the current release of the Business products is 8.0.1490.  The Free/Pro has moved onto Avast 2014 (v9.0), which also seems to work fine with Windows 8.1.

I know that the business products are slow to release, as they need to be the most stable versions.  I would hope that Avast releases a minor business upgrade to a later build of 8.0 that works with Windows 8.1 - hopefully soon - to support those businesses planning to upgrade their Windows 8 workstations.  Then later we can see the v9 upgrade, once it's completely stable.

This is absolutely the issue...  It is painfully clear that the Pro version is the priority.

...and for the last time:  Microsoft doesn't say that their software runs with Avast!, Avast! says that their software runs with Microsoft.  So long as that is how this industry works, it is up to the (keeping with the rather ironic analogy - look up the old joke about Detroit making PC's) tire makers to get their hands on the pre-release code that is made available to them, and TEST, and fix... IN ANTICIPATION OF THE NEXT VEHICLE LAUNCH.  Anything else is a disservice to the paying customer.

Edit:  Can't really truthfully say the "last time" - since I keep encountering backwards logic on the internet.  :(
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dewg on October 22, 2013, 12:27:53 AM
Here is the compatibility site for Windows. Search for "Avast":

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/compatibility/compatcenter/home
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: hillen on October 22, 2013, 01:38:07 PM
At least some get it -- thank you. All I want to do is my job, which is to support my company and if that means 8.1 is in the possible future, I need to deal with it. Since I invested my trust, time and money in AVAST, then I expect a certain amount of support and when I hear nothing but crickets, that is unacceptable.

As I stated in a earlier post -- this is a moot issue as ( now two ) vendors seem unable to get me a renewal quote and our license runs out 11-2. With that said and as a company that has used AVAST since the Windows NT days, I will now bit AVAST farewell.

Wish you all the best of luck.
Paul
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Eddy on October 22, 2013, 02:35:47 PM
the compatibility site for Windows isn't up-to-date. If it was, avast 2014 would be mentioned but it isn't.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nannunannu on October 22, 2013, 04:01:42 PM
Here is the compatibility site for Windows. Search for "Avast":

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/compatibility/compatcenter/home

not sure if that was a general conversation, or in regards to my comments...  If the later, the license agreement for the antimalware API license agreement from Microsoft makes the relationship really clear.  While mutually beneficial, it's Microsoft's sandbox, others just choose to play in it and keeping up with changes is part of that game.


Quote
3. COMPANY OBLIGATIONS.
3.1 Company’s Relationship with End Users. Company is solely responsible for all interactions with End Users with respect to Company’s Antimalware Products. Company will not make any representations, warranties, or promises to End Users regarding any Microsoft product, and will not represent to End Users that Microsoft endorse the performance of Company’s Antimalware Products.

3.2 Support for Company’s Antimalware Products. Company is solely responsible for all support issues related to Company’s Antimalware Products and ensuring continued compliance with the requirements in Exhibit B. If any End User contacts Microsoft concerning Company’s Antimalware Products, Microsoft may refer such End User to Company for assistance.

3.3 Confidentiality. Company shall at all times maintain the confidentiality of the terms of this Agreement and the Antimalware API licensed hereunder. Any feedback the Company provides to Microsoft related to the Antimalware API shall be provided without charge. Company grants Microsoft a non-exclusive license to make, use, modify, distribute, sublicense, and otherwise commercialize the feedback as part of any Microsoft offering.

3.4 Additional Company Obligations. In addition to the terms of this Agreement, Company must meet the additional requirements described in Exhibit B of this Agreement. Microsoft may update the Antimalware API in Exhibit A and the requirements described in Exhibit B from time to time. In the event of such update, Microsoft will provide Company with reasonable notice, and Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cease using the old Antimalware API and move to the updated Antimalware API, and (ii) update Company’s Antimalware Software to comply with the updated requirements in Exhibit B. Microsoft will provide at least 180 days’ notice to Company of any changes to Exhibit B before those changes take effect. To the extent Company is unable to comply with the obligations in this Section 3.4 due to the Antimalware API failing to operate as documented, such noncompliance will not be deemed a breach of this Agreement as long as Company takes reasonable efforts to comply promptly once the Antimalware API does function as documented.

Edit:  Guess I should point out that the terms of that agreement came from a google search, I don't have an executed agreement with them that would govern confidentiality of this post contents.  :)
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: SSunnergren on October 22, 2013, 04:41:47 PM
Just an fyi... I also ran into this with the business edition...upgraded two machines to Win8.1 and lost Avast!. Submitted a trouble ticket and received this in response...

"Hello,  Current Business Client version is still 8.0.1490, Windows 8.1 supporting version will be releasing soon
http://www.avast.com/release-history-business.  Thanks"

...so they obviously know of the issue. I also believe, however, that it is strange that they fix the free version before supporting those that have paid for this product to protect their business systems.

Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dewg on October 22, 2013, 04:54:58 PM
I get where you're coming from SSunnergren, but I can also understand Avast's approach.  The Free/Pro users are the beta testers - they get the latest releases and have to deal with stability issues.  Once everything is stable on a large install base, they release it to paying business customers.  It sucks not to get the latest and greatest quickly, especially paying for the software - but I'd much prefer to have a flawless experience for my users and support staff.

All I was looking for with this thread was to help others not fall into the same blue-screen problems - and to get a response from Avast on when the latest stable build will be released to support Windows 8.1.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: SSunnergren on October 22, 2013, 05:06:19 PM
Agreed about having it tested by Freebies, but I think it could have been handled better. As soon as they found that they had an issue, I think proper customer support would have included an email to their paying customer contacts that they should not upgrade until the fix is available. I guess I was lucky in that neither of my machines blue-screened, but they could have been a little more proactive so their customers don't waste their time and so that they know that the issue is being addressed. If I had that email, I could have waited...
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dch48 on October 22, 2013, 09:52:50 PM
The problem still is, at least in part, Microsoft's fault. The 8.1 update destroys registry entries for other software as well, including Comodo, Classic Shell, and ATI/AMD video drivers. I'm sure there are others too. They advertise that the update will leave all your existing things intact when in fact, it doesn't.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: strgzr69 on October 23, 2013, 06:39:10 AM
Wahh! It's " Microsoft's fault."
This upgrade has been in the works for several months now. Does avast have people working on the problem or not? I don't think it's MS's problem! It's avast's problem if their stupid development team can't keep up with MS's upgrades. What the hell are they doing down there, Sleeping??? Wake up. And I'm counting every day that goes by and I expect some compensation. I didn't pay money for avast to go to sleep on the job! Damn I hate people who blame others for their own incompetence!
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: lukas.hasik on October 23, 2013, 11:51:49 PM
Wahh! It's " Microsoft's fault."
This upgrade has been in the works for several months now. Does avast have people working on the problem or not? I don't think it's MS's problem! It's avast's problem if their stupid development team can't keep up with MS's upgrades. What the hell are they doing down there, Sleeping??? Wake up. And I'm counting every day that goes by and I expect some compensation. I didn't pay money for avast to go to sleep on the job! Damn I hate people who blame others for their own incompetence!

How can we assure a compatibility of our old product with future products from other company... Avast 8 doesn't work on Windows 8.1. We are negotiating some improvement with MS however it's not that easy.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nannunannu on October 24, 2013, 04:28:13 PM
How can we assure a compatibility of our old product with future products from other company... Avast 8 doesn't work on Windows 8.1. We are negotiating some improvement with MS however it's not that easy.

Test your old product on the pre-release code, identify incompatibility, release a new product....  Like you did with the Pro version. 

Quote
build 8.0.1497 reportedly works with Windows 8.1.  However, the current release of the Business products is 8.0.1490
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: MegaRich on October 24, 2013, 07:31:09 PM
It's not just the upgrade, I did a fresh, vanilla install of 8.1, installed avast enterprise only, rebooted and got a bluescreen after the install. On two computers.

Only way to get it to boot up was to go into safe mode and type this:
sc config aswsnx start= demand

Frankly this is something that most home users can't/won't do.

Whether or not they admit it, Microsoft is probably removing avast on purpose because they know that if they leave it installed, they'll get even more support calls and complaints about a hung update, or worse, a bluescreen after the update. (For the record, on RTM day, I couldn't even upgrade my home pc from 8 to 8.1 until I removed Avast entirely, otherwise the process would hang at a "Getting things ready..." screen and the update would rollback - I tried three times, then removed Avast and it just worked. Properly.)

I'm sure that they're doing it this way to ensure that their update completes successfully, and to highlight the fact that everything works fine until you re-install avast. Then it goes downhill and you have a clear picture of why.

Sure, finger-point and blame the Microsoft upgrade process, but at some point you guys (Avast) need to realize that Avast Business doesn't work on 8.1 at all and given how open the access was to the preview version and the RTM, you have to take some responsibility. Furthermore, the fact that the free version works when the business versions don't is a joke.

This is like the Windows Update Please Wait loop all over again - yes, I get that you think that MS should change how they're implementing pieces of their software, but news flash, they won't. Why would they negotiate or work with you when there's a ton of other antivirus vendors who manage to get this stuff right without handholding from Microsoft. Even if you think they should do it better, there's obviously ways to make it work without their intervention.

On that note, since Microsoft's strategy seems to indicate that yearly updates are going to replace service packs, I can't afford to wait for avast to negotiate with Microsoft everytime an RTM blows up your software. It's unrealistic and will delay implementations. As a avast partner, I'm not going to start telling my customers that they can't upgrade their OS because avast doesn't support it yet - the response to that will be: "Well, I want the latest and greatest os. What about ____(insert competitor's product here)____? Will their product work?"

You need to understand I like avast, I'm proud to support it and promote it, but when you do stuff like this, it's embarrassing. Standing by and recommending your product when you make such obvious misfires will eventually make my customers come to second-guess my suggestions. I don't want to sell your product, I want to deliver my customers the best possible solution. For many years, it was easy to do both. I could sell avast and sleep at night because it was the best possible solution. This was win-win. Now, I'm not sure and neither are my customers.

If I didn't like avast, I wouldn't even bother posting - I'd already be looking at other products, but you need to understand that this criticism is valid and that I validly want to see you succeed. To that end, you need to lock this down and figure it out before 8.2 or 9 or whatever comes out or I suspect that I (and many others) will start looking for products that aren't going to delay my software implementations or bluescreen a fresh install.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: NetPotion on October 25, 2013, 06:22:41 AM
Well I'm using Windows 8 Pro and just updated to 8.1

Avast Internet Security really messed my system up. I tried reinstalling it and it messed it up even worse. My keyboard quit working completely, and Avast threw an error with any attempt to uninstall. Compatibility mode did not help at all.

I was lucky enough that my computer didn't blue screen and I had a system restore point set prior to another Windows update. I rolled it back and that fixed my keyboard, but Avast does not show up in uninstall programs at all - yet it should.

My laptop is slower than snot now and Avast lost a paying customer. This is entirely unacceptable.

To those who are blaming Microsoft for this, you don't know what you are talking about. Avast is responsible to make sure their software works with the latest versions of any given OS, not vice verse. If they cannot even manage that, how are they to be trusted for keeping up with the latest virus's?

Dear Alwil - this is ridiculous and you know. At a minimum you should respond to this thread. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: deckie49 on November 01, 2013, 09:32:27 PM
I tend to agree with Eddy. I had absolutely no problems with Avast or any other program with Windows 8. Once I downloaded and installed the free update to 8.1 I completely lost Avast and my firewall program. I have not yet checked other programs. I was able to reinstall the firewall, and was in the process of reinstalling Avast when I found this thread. Now, I'm somewhat leary of reinstalling Avast for fear that I will further screw up the system. God, how I hate Windows 8!! This is my wife's laptop. She doesn't care about OS's etc as long as she can run her desktop programs. Me, I am staying as far away from 8 as I can on my computers.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nannunannu on November 01, 2013, 10:03:11 PM
I tend to agree with Eddy. I had absolutely no problems with Avast or any other program with Windows 8. Once I downloaded and installed the free update to 8.1 I completely lost Avast and my firewall program. I have not yet checked other programs. I was able to reinstall the firewall, and was in the process of reinstalling Avast when I found this thread. Now, I'm somewhat leary of reinstalling Avast for fear that I will further screw up the system. God, how I hate Windows 8!! This is my wife's laptop. She doesn't care about OS's etc as long as she can run her desktop programs. Me, I am staying as far away from 8 as I can on my computers.

Assuming this comment is about a fre/pro version and not a business version on your wife's laptop - in which case avast 8 v8.0.1497 or avast! 2014 will work fine on her computer... 

That, however, has very little to do with why we are upset that they have failed to release a version for paying business customers with the same level of windows 8.1 compatibility.  Which is what this thread is about.  :/
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: mjld on November 02, 2013, 11:11:56 AM
IT IS STILL ON MY MACHINE - BUT I ONLY KNEW AFTER STUMBLING ACROSS IT!
After installing windows 8.1 as an update to windows 8,  I hadn't realised AVAST had disappeared for some hours, until I tried to virus-check a download.  I couldn't see AVAST on my machine despite searching in Program Files and Program Files x86,  so saw this correspondence and decided to download and install avast 2014.   Only later did I discover a folder called Windows.old with a number of subfolders including (Windows.old\)Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast  !!!

PS where's Speak Like a Pirate in Avast! 2014?
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: clangers on November 02, 2013, 06:52:40 PM
This is such an unprofessional and pathetic excuse. You've had Windows 8.1 RTM for how long? Three months or so. Let's not forget the numerous pre-release versions of Windows 8.1. As a software developer who works on a well known product you've had months to identify issues and have let down your business customers completely.

Your excuse of 'it's Microsoft's fault for releasing a new version of an OS' is astounding. Perhaps you should argue that Avast was originally developed for XP and it's unreasonable to expect it to work on anything else and awful Microsoft keep releasing new versions of their OS every few years. Why can't they just stay with the same OS forever?

Get your act together, stop making excuses for your own failings and for ripping off your customers.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: clangers on November 02, 2013, 07:24:02 PM
Wahh! It's " Microsoft's fault."
This upgrade has been in the works for several months now. Does avast have people working on the problem or not? I don't think it's MS's problem! It's avast's problem if their stupid development team can't keep up with MS's upgrades. What the hell are they doing down there, Sleeping??? Wake up. And I'm counting every day that goes by and I expect some compensation. I didn't pay money for avast to go to sleep on the job! Damn I hate people who blame others for their own incompetence!

How can we assure a compatibility of our old product with future products from other company... Avast 8 doesn't work on Windows 8.1. We are negotiating some improvement with MS however it's not that easy.

As has been stated that's part of the development cycle, you've had access to several pre-release versions of 8.1. How have you managed to update the free and pro version in time but not the enterprise versions?

Can I have a refund? I have a number of PC's that need to run 8.1 and as a company in the business of 'protecting' PC's your not much use if your product doesn't work out of the box on current OS's. Perhaps we should just turn off our PC's and shut up shop until you get your act together?
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dch48 on November 02, 2013, 09:57:20 PM
IT IS STILL ON MY MACHINE - BUT I ONLY KNEW AFTER STUMBLING ACROSS IT!
After installing windows 8.1 as an update to windows 8,  I hadn't realised AVAST had disappeared for some hours, until I tried to virus-check a download.  I couldn't see AVAST on my machine despite searching in Program Files and Program Files x86,  so saw this correspondence and decided to download and install avast 2014.   Only later did I discover a folder called Windows.old with a number of subfolders including (Windows.old\)Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast  !!!

PS where's Speak Like a Pirate in Avast! 2014?
That windows.old folder is created every time you do an in place upgrade of Windows from one version to another.  It is a backup of the previous version and settings and can be useful if there are problems with the upgrade although it never has been anything but a waste of HDD space for me. It can be 6GB or more in size. If you have no problems after upgrading, that folder can and should be removed by the disk cleanup utility's advanced options. Google for removing windows.old and you will find clear instructions for doing so.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dewg on November 04, 2013, 04:52:36 PM
The only consolation prize is that Windows 8.1 installs and activates Windows Defender after the upgrade. At least the machine isn't unprotected. And from what I'm reading about Windows Defender, it appears to be excellent with known viruses. It just doesn't do well with zero day attacks.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dch48 on November 05, 2013, 06:40:58 AM
The only consolation prize is that Windows 8.1 installs and activates Windows Defender after the upgrade. At least the machine isn't unprotected. And from what I'm reading about Windows Defender, it appears to be excellent with known viruses. It just doesn't do well with zero day attacks.
I think that's an accurate assessment of Defender but confirms that you really should use something better.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nickwells on November 06, 2013, 02:18:28 PM
As we have been advised to install the free version on our business machines while we wait for an upgrade to the business suite,
I assume that Avast are relaxing the T&C of the free version where it explicitly states it should be used in non commercial environments only.



Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nannunannu on November 06, 2013, 05:02:30 PM
we have been advised to install the free version on our business machines while we wait for an upgrade to the business suite,

Really?  :(

By Avast! directly, or by a reseller?
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Infratech Solutions on November 07, 2013, 12:37:04 PM
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=139258.0
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Radiam on November 12, 2013, 02:06:56 PM
I also am disappointed by this outcome. 

Long time supporter of Avast, had been running a number of free versions at home but decided to play around with server 2012 and so thought I'd support Avast financially and signed up to a 3 year 5 license deal that also covered the server.

I burnt hours with windows 8.1 blue screens because of avast and am now running the free version no my 8.1 machine because the *paid for* business version is incompatible.  I am sorry for being so negative on my first post, but I am terribly disappointed with the outcome and the lack of meaningful response from Avast on this.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: blackonblack on November 19, 2013, 07:11:34 PM
I read on Avast's website that their Internet Security 2014 was win 8.1 compatible so I upgraded to WIN 8.1.  What a mistake.
At first the install was successful but Windows immediately told me that Avast was not compatible with this version of Windows.
I played around for a bit and set up my picture password and then rebooted my PC.  At this point, my keyboard (wireless USB, wired USB, and PS2) would not work in win 8.1.  My picture password wouldn't work in most cases.  Fortunately after 20 tries the picture password worked.  Even trying to use the typed password was impossible as the on-screen keyboard would not come up.
Not knowing that the keyboard issue was related to Avast, I spend hours trying to figure it out and actually gave up and decided to work on the Avast issue Windows warned me about.  To my surprise when I uninstalled Avast and rebooted my computer worked perfectly.

I am a long time user and proponent of Avast (with a paid subscription I can't use right now BTW) so I am very dissappointed but hopeful that Awil will address this issue ASAP.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: Dewg on November 20, 2013, 07:23:10 PM
Starting to get hairy around here, as Windows 8 is now actively trying to encourage users to upgrade to 8.1.  It forces them to open the Store and takes them to the 8.1 download.  I tell users to quit out of the Store, but some have accidentally installed it.

I've got about 60 users on Windows 8, and now about 10 on Windows 8.1.
Title: Re: Windows 8.1 Upgrade - Avast disappears
Post by: nannunannu on November 20, 2013, 08:24:58 PM
Starting to get hairy around here, as Windows 8 is now actively trying to encourage users to upgrade to 8.1.  It forces them to open the Store and takes them to the 8.1 download.  I tell users to quit out of the Store, but some have accidentally installed it.

I've got about 60 users on Windows 8, and now about 10 on Windows 8.1.

Don't worry, it will only be another 2-6 weeks...  You don't really need to do any work between now and the end of the fiscal year, do you?