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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: HankJS on October 27, 2013, 04:09:45 PM

Title: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 27, 2013, 04:09:45 PM
I installed Avast anti virus free on my Windows 7 Home premium 32bit  system.  The install reported successful, Windows 7 reported the Avast product was the active anti-virus, the user interface was available to set scans, updates and other tool options. The next time I rebooted the system, all of the above was the same, but no links or shortcuts would bring the user interface up.  I went to the resident folder and tried to invoke the exe, no user interface.  I tried to uninstall the product and that would not execute.  I downloaded the avastclean utility and that did remove the product.  I ran a registry and file cleaner and reinstalled the product.  No joy.  I still can't bring up the user interface.  I'm using Windows firewall and Windows Defender is turned off.

i purchased Avast Total Support subscription, they work over my system and the Avast Anti-virus is still not working.

Not a happy camper,
HankJS
Newark, DE
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 27, 2013, 04:53:04 PM
hi HankJS,

Not a happy camper is understandable.

Any chance you used and uninstalled another antivirus program before installing avast!?  If so, what was it?  Are you currently running another a/v at this time?

...I ran a registry and file cleaner and reinstalled the product.  No joy.  I still can't bring up the user interface.  I'm using Windows firewall and Windows Defender is turned off.

i purchased Avast Total Support subscription, they work over my system and the Avast Anti-virus is still not working.

Not a happy camper,
HankJS
Newark, DE
Unfortunately, use of any registry cleaner can cause issues such as above.  If you've automatically saved the registry before making any changes (cleaning the registry of all found errors) suggest restoring all backups made to hopefully find the one or two or more entries removed that may be the cause of your issue. 

However, this step may not be needed if the below is done first.  sfc /scannow command can repair missing or damaged Windows files and restore them to original configuration when run.

By using the command "sfc /scannow" first (without the quotes) after opening the cmd window as Administrator while in your administrator account may resolve your issue as it may find and restore/repair any needed/missing Windows file when it is run.  Type sfc /scannow command in the cmd window and press Enter and allow it to completely finish.  Do not interrupt the scan whilst it is in progress.  Type exit when done and press Enter to close the cmd window.

[EDIT:]  You can get the Administrator cmd window by right-clicking the cmd.exe at the top of the menu screen in .jpeg 1.

See .jpeg below for more info.   Enter your command syntax like this:  C:\Windows\System32>sfc /scannow  (Bold used for emphasis only)

Note that there is a space between sfc and the slash /   This space must be there for sfc to run correctly.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 27, 2013, 06:36:53 PM
Hi, mchain

I ran sfc and it found no integrity violations.  I've also run the avast "repair" and that still hasn't fixed the problem.

I have no registry restore files dated after yesterday's Avast total support's work on my system.  They got rid of many things that an earlier registry restore file would have references for.

This system most recently had System Mechanic Pro, that was uninstalled because the subscription was getting near to ending and didn't want to renew it on this system.

HankJS
Newark, DE
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 28, 2013, 05:59:47 AM
I'm thinking System Mechanic Pro somehow could have made a mess of your operating system, plus the work of the total support people may not have helped you that much, if at all.

Under the care of a certified malware expert, you might be able to repair the damage, plus he will be able to look for anomalies (missing Windows files?) and maybe run a specialised repair program or two.  Would contacting such an expert help you here if I contacted him for you?

Your issue is, unfortunately, a rare one, in that the gui apparently does not appear to start anymore.  The fact that shortcuts to the program appear not to work points to standard Windows operation as not functioning in the way it should.

Again, have you ever run a different antivirus program in the past?  How did you remove it?
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: drummerman on October 28, 2013, 08:26:27 AM


Your issue is, unfortunately, a rare one, in that the gui apparently does not appear to start anymore.  The fact that shortcuts to the program appear not to work points to standard Windows operation as not functioning in the way it should.


Hardly. The issue of not being able to access the GUI (usually accompanied by a missing taskbar icon) is not unique. Go through the threads over the last few days and you will see.

regards
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 28, 2013, 04:22:58 PM
The system involved with this problem is 6 years old.  I've already violated rationality by buying an expensive service contract to fix a freeware anti virus. So, if that service can't fix it or there isn't something I can do myself, i will have to more to another product that doesn't have the same problem.

As far as things I can do myself and sfc /scannow reported no problems, would a repair install be a waste of time?

Regards,
HankJS
Newark, DE
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: Alikhan on October 28, 2013, 04:25:54 PM
I'd try this first...

Use this installer:

Avast Free: http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe
Avast Pro: http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup_online.exe
Avast IS: http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup_online.exe
Avast Premier: http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup_online.exe

And use this uninstaller:

http://rejzor.wordpress.com/avast-cleanup-tool/

Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 28, 2013, 06:27:37 PM
I'd concur with the above advice.

Do note that some information as to os version, previous antivirus programs installed/removed, any antivirus programs that came with the system when new but never used/or used, how uninstalled, etc., is missing, so going off on a tangent is to be expected.  Glad that sfc reported no errors, so that's good.  Guessing never seems to work well so...

Failing if the fresh clean install does not work, then one can get the older 8.0.1497 free stable free version here:  http://www.filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/15860/ (http://www.filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/15860/)

Be careful what links you click here.  Seems filehippo has the main link re-directed to version 9.0 instead of 8.0, so use the mirror link instead to get what you need.

See attached .jepg below re which link to click to get the older stable version of avast! 8.0.1497 below:
Second attachment is about a setting to change to prevent either automatic updating or pop-up nags to upgrade/update after either downgrading to 8.0 or successfully installing 9.0 versions: 

[EDIT:]  Fixed typo.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 28, 2013, 07:16:33 PM
I tried the above advice to use the Avast online install.
First I used the Avastclean in safe mode to remove Avast anti virus free.  Then ran the online install link.  After some time the program installed and functioned as expected including a system scan that revealed no problems.  Window control panel reported Avast the active anti virus and malware software.  Various dedsktop and systray linls brought up the UI.  I registered the program and rebooted the system.

After the reboot, the Avast icons were present, but the icon in the systray was not there.  I clicked on the desktop icon the the UI popped up and indicated the anti-virus was operational.

Before clicking the shortcut, I checked the Windows control panel, Avast was running.  I looked at MSCONFIG startup and there was an Avast item in the startup list.  But entry has "/nogui" at the end of the command line.

HankJS
Newark,DE
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: DavidR on October 28, 2013, 07:23:25 PM
That is for the avast User Interface, ordinarily if you ran the command C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\avastui.exe it would open the avast User Interface, the /nogui at the end of the command suppresses the opening of the avast UI. The avast tray icon however, should be there the /nogui parameter doesn't suppress that.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 28, 2013, 07:33:14 PM
Hi, DavidR

Is there any way to get around the "kick start" I have to do by clicking on the desktop icon, which does bring up the GUI and put the Avast "spinning ball" in the systray.  It's not there before I do this.

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: DavidR on October 28, 2013, 07:58:02 PM
I can't understand why the tray icon isn't displayed on/shortly after startup.

Do you have any other security based software (firewall, anti-spyware, etc.), as some have been known to block new startup entries ?
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 28, 2013, 09:11:09 PM
The only firewall reported by Windows is ZoneAlarm free firewall.  That's the one I have installed.   I've "allowed" all in/out requests by AVAST.  I have the exact same setup on my other system running Win7-Pro 64bit and no problems.

HankJS
Newark, DE
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: DavidR on October 28, 2013, 09:49:52 PM
ZA has form for blocking whilst supposedly allowed. I would suggest deleting the entries for avast in ZA on the troublesome system and forcing ZA to ask permission again.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 28, 2013, 10:02:06 PM
Hi, DavidR

The start problem was happening when the only firewall was Windows firewall.  But I'll try your ZA suggestion.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 28, 2013, 10:18:07 PM
Which is why the question about any prior a/v programs.  Remnants left behind of any a/v program could affect proper operation of avast!.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: drummerman on October 28, 2013, 11:19:40 PM
I can't understand why the tray icon isn't displayed on/shortly after startup.

Do you have any other security based software (firewall, anti-spyware, etc.), as some have been known to block new startup entries ?

Well, I know your question is not directed at me but I use Windows Firewall and Firewall Control, result is the same problem ... no AVAST tray icon intermittently. Sometimes it loads, sometimes it doesn't

Seems quite a few of us have the same problem
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 29, 2013, 12:43:30 AM
The anti virus programs that have been on this system are McAfee, System Mechanic Pro, earlier version of avast, MS essentials.

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: Arnold72 on October 29, 2013, 12:51:10 AM
System mechanic pro is not an antivirus.
However i consider junk like that just as and in some cases more dangerous than some malware out there.

Cheers.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 29, 2013, 01:05:54 AM
Arnold72

The last version I had of SMP did have an anti virus/malware component.  I went through this on another forum.  Check the current site, either Iolo is misrepresenting the product or it has those components.

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 29, 2013, 01:37:41 AM
There's another little glitch.  In the UI/My Devices I get a caution on "Current Device" Device Communication "Security Status" needs attention.

But I can't find what needs attention or fixing.

Sorry for the newbie stuff.

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 29, 2013, 02:00:09 AM
Not a problem.  I was a newbie once.

Thank you for the antivirus history info. 

Now, maybe running this tool for McAfee, Microsoft Security Essentials, may help make some progress here for you: 

(You have a choice about which of the two lists is better suited for your needs, but both are similar, but one or the other may have a more recent up-to-date remnant removal tool.  How current these tools are is up to the vendor of each site.)

http://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB11#artTitle (http://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB11#artTitle)
http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/ (http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/)

McAfee, in particular, may have to have this McAfee vendor removal tool run more than once, as it can be stubborn to remove all left-over remnants, even when using their own removal tool.  Suggest running the their tool as they instruct, but run, reboot, run again, reboot.  Sometimes it takes three runs to get rid of everything.

MSE should only need one run to completely remove all remnants.  Suggest using their tool and reboot.

You've already got aswclear.exe, but that may not be needed again if you see your icon and other stuff coming online after you do this work.

It may be, or may not be, that doing the above may take care of some of your issues, or all of them.  Here's to hoping for the best outcome possible.   ;D   

Thanks for sharing that you once had McAfee on your system.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: doktornotor on October 29, 2013, 09:35:50 AM
If you have a history of testing tons of security products, I'd frankly reinstall the box from scratch.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 29, 2013, 02:09:00 PM
I've already run MCPR from McAfee.

I worry more about System Mechanic.  Iolo doesn't seem to have a removal tool.

The state of affairs now is Avast appears to start, at least Windows reports it is the active anti virus/malware and is up to date.  The icon doesn't appear in the systray until I click on the desktop shortcut.  That brings up the UI and the icon then appears in the systray.

If I choose to "reinstall the box" will the repair install work as well as a complete destructive reinstall?

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: doktornotor on October 29, 2013, 02:11:25 PM
Not really sure what "repair install" are you referring to. I have been suggesting to reinstall the entire operating system and everything else from scratch.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: doktornotor on October 29, 2013, 02:13:14 PM
P.S. As for "System Mechanic" and similar products - my point of view is that these tools only damage the OS and produce nothing useful.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 29, 2013, 05:19:25 PM
I've already run MCPR from McAfee.

I worry more about System Mechanic.  Iolo doesn't seem to have a removal tool.  (Italics added.)

The state of affairs now is Avast appears to start, at least Windows reports it is the active anti virus/malware and is up to date.  The icon doesn't appear in the systray until I click on the desktop shortcut.  That brings up the UI and the icon then appears in the systray.

If I choose to "reinstall the box" will the repair install work as well as a complete destructive reinstall?

HankJS
All work suggested so far is to avoid the use of a factory restore.  Unfortunately, that may be the final outcome after all this is done.

Suggest using Revo Uninstaller to get rid of System Mechanic and any remaining folders.  Not surprised that it does not seem to have an uninstaller or a link to it.  Always a symptom of poorly engineered software; this omission is sometimes done on purpose.  Revo has a Hunter function that will allow you to directly remove it, plus there is a free version and a trial, more advanced version good for a 30 day full-use license.

You can get it here:  http://www.revouninstaller.com/start_freeware_download.html (http://www.revouninstaller.com/start_freeware_download.html)   

Suggest running around this site to learn as much as you can about this program before you use it.

As always, create a System Restore point just before you begin.

Addendum:  Be sure to back up all personal files first if you choose to do a factory restore, as all personal files will be irretrievably lost when this is done.  This is why a registry cleaner of any sort is not recommended as it can damage Windows operation and functionality.  Plus, troubleshooting can be very arduous and time-consuming vs. doing a factory restore.

Offer to call someone such as essexboy still stands.  He may know of a registry fix or two that may get you on your way.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 29, 2013, 06:42:11 PM
This system came from the factory with Windows XP home edition 32bit.  I later upgraded to Windows 7 Home premium 32bit.  I believe the factory partition is still there, but the would restore the system to XP with the purchased software.  The Windows 7 disks have a repair-install option which restores OS files but leaves program and personal files alone.

It appears Avast is running after booting, the systray icon not appearing until I open the UI which says everything is OK and up to date.  Though not the normal performance, is there anything particularly harmful with the operation?

I've had occasion to use Revo in the past, I'll go back explore its functions a bit more.

HankJS
Newark, DE
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 29, 2013, 11:01:51 PM
I'd try the repair option in W7 first after I first disabled the self-defense module in avast! and backed up all my files just in case.  With the repair function it is likely you'll need to do Windows Updates all over again.

Re-enable the self-defense module when repair is successful and complete.

No, as long as the program is running properly after you've manually initiated it, you should be fine.  I assume avast! is set to start in msconfig, both in services and start-up?  Check services.msc as well.  You'll have to run both in your Administrative account.

Wouldn't connect to the Internet until avast! is up and running.

Correct.  A factory restore would bring you back to as-new condition with XP present and W7 gone if the restore partition is still there and it was run.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 30, 2013, 01:41:40 AM
After the boot process settles down, I've checked Control Panel/System and Security and it reports Avast is running and up to date.  That's before I click on the desktop shortcut.

Would this mean Avast is running in the background before I activate the UI?

Nether Windows control panel uninstaller or Revo show any traces of previously used anti virus software.  When I was done with the programs I mentioned, I at least removed them with windows uninstaller or any uninstaller the program had with it before I install a new anti virus.

These are the specs on the system all this is happening on:
Pentium(R) D CPU 2.80GHz 2.79GHz
Installed memory (RAM): 3.00 GB
Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit OS

My primary system:
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770 CPU @ 3.40GHz 3.40 GHz
Installed memory (RAM): 16.0 GB
500GB SSD 1TB SATA HDD slave
Window 7 Professional 64-bit Operating System
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: DavidR on October 30, 2013, 03:04:21 AM
The UI tray icon being displayed, generally happens well after the main avast service starts - try this, soon after boot open the task manager and check what processes are running for avast, you should see avastSvc.exe and avastui.exe ?

If the avastui.exe is there, but no tray icon, something is blocking that.

The avastui.exe isn't a security based element of avast, but the interface and it also performs other interface tasks, but not security related.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 30, 2013, 05:26:46 PM
DavidR,

I did as you suggested, looked at the WTM/Processes and Avastscv.exe is running but no Avastui.exe until I click on the desktop link.

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: DavidR on October 30, 2013, 06:00:31 PM
I'm at a bit of a loss with this, I haven't seen anything as resistant to being resolved having tried the most common issues for this problem.

Can you check the msconfig again, startup list, you said the entry was there for avastui.exe, but is the box checked (as assume it was (or you would have said), but confirmation is better than assumption ?

Something else that we used to do in very early avast versions (4.x and 5.x) where there was this issue was to create a shortcut in the Start Menu > startup folder (essentially the command in the msconfig, startup tab), see image example.

For me on XP this would be the location - C:\Documents and Settings\David\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, I have no problem creating these startup shortcuts on this system.

However, for Win7 it should be here C:\Users\UserName\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, but you come up against a bit of a brick wall when trying to get into the Start Menu folder (bl00dy permissions). I use win7 on my netbook and I really don't like it. Hopefully you will have better luck or someone more familiar with win7 can point the way.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 30, 2013, 06:15:44 PM
Then something is blocking the automatic start of this process/file.  Is this entry in msconfig ticked to start automatically?  Avast Antivirus>Avast Software>"C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\avastUI.exe" /nogui  This is under the Startup tab in msconfig.

If it is not, enable by ticking it and reboot.

You can look to see if it is missing in the registry under the registry key:  HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run  Use REGEDIT to view only.

IMPORTANT:  Do not make any changes here if missing or present.  Just report back what you see.  You don't want to cause any damage.



Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 30, 2013, 07:50:00 PM
MSCONFIG has that line in and it is checked.

I try to stay out of the registry, but I find HKEY not HKLM prefixes.

I did a string search on "Wow6432Node" but it didn't appear in the location string you gave.

HankJS

Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 30, 2013, 08:10:13 PM
Here is the screenshot of msconfig Win 7 64-bit SP1 below:

Offer still stands to ask a certified malware expert come in to help.  Many tricks up their sleeves other than removing malware.  Interested?
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 30, 2013, 08:40:01 PM
Sorry, I was looking in the registry for that line.

There are no "Wow*" lines anywhere in the msconfig startup list.

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 30, 2013, 09:09:37 PM
Well, we are now at a point where I know my limitations.  I always follow a motto adhered to by all certified malware experts here at Avast! forums:  "Do no harm to a victim's system" and can go no further without any guarantee that any advice I would propose would not harm your system.

Making a manual settings change to your registry would fall into that category, as I cannot know if you've used absolutely the correct syntax and spelling as I am not in front of your system, and if you've also completely backed up your registry before making the recommended change, so you could later restore that known good, and clean registry if there is a problem. 

Absolutely not why I provide help for free; integrity plays a definite role here.

Other than follow the recommended advice above, I do not know what else to do for you.

Which is why I never run a registry cleaner on any system I am responsible for; editing a key or other is limited to only the keys affected by the current issue and no other, ever.

[EDIT:]  Fixed typo.

The fact there are no WoW lines may be your issue.  You really need the help of a certified expert to verify that fact, and address it with some of the tools they know how to use.  As an evangelist, I cannot do that for you.  Not trained, nor am I certified here to do so.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 30, 2013, 09:46:32 PM
I certainly appreciate your position.  But as mentioned in this thread, this is a six year old system and have already spent $170 on a software repair service I will more than likely nerve use again.  The problem existed before they went to wot on the system.

It appears Avast anti virus free is working, but I have to manually invoke the UI.  Not perfect.  I know the UI is working because I added a site to allow javascript that I use frequently.

I checked the HDD partitions.  There is a 5GB partition which is probably the factory reinstall.  If I use that, XP comes back plus all the updating to SP3.  The other option is to do a complete reinstall of Windows 7.  If the problem is in the registry, I'm afraid the registry error might still be there with the install that doesn't lose the data.

HankJS
Newark, DE
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 31, 2013, 02:23:20 PM
Just be sure to only run a Windows 7 repair only.  Do not re-install the operating system as you will lose all your personal files if you do so.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 31, 2013, 02:55:31 PM
If I do the Windows 7 repair, which leaves installed programs and personal files intact, if the problem is in the registry won't the problem migrate over as well?

It's been awhile since I used the OS install disks, but I think there is a backup utility which was meant to transfer the old configuration (XP) to the Windows 7 system.

I'm tempted to backup personal files and do a complete reinstallation.

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 31, 2013, 03:57:20 PM
Bad News-  I have Win 7 laptop I don't use that often which I installed Avast Antivirus free and it has the same problem....no UI.

What neither of the two problem systems have in the msconfig are those "Wow6432node" location strings.  My primary desktop system has those and everything works fine

??
HankJS
Newark, DE
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 31, 2013, 06:13:38 PM
Are both systems 32-bit or 64-bit?  WoW is present only in 64-bit systems.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 31, 2013, 06:33:58 PM
After a little bit of reading, that's what I concluded.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on October 31, 2013, 07:01:10 PM
OK, so they are each 32-bit?
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: HankJS on October 31, 2013, 07:37:00 PM
I'm getting a little punchy at this now, yes they are 32bit neither has access to the Avast UI and they both communicate to a  WiFi router.  The desktop where everything works is Ethernet connected to the router and is a 64bit system.

HankJS
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: Lisandro on November 01, 2013, 06:06:09 PM
I'm not being able to open avast! clicking in the icon.
I have to manually run the link to the exe file (start menu).
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: CraigB on November 01, 2013, 06:19:01 PM
I'm not being able to open avast! clicking in the icon.
I have to manually run the link to the exe file (start menu).
Try the 3 reboot method Tech.
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: DavidR on November 01, 2013, 07:13:16 PM
Perhaps worth updating to avast 9.0.2007, see http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=138753.0 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=138753.0).
Title: Re: No User Interface
Post by: mchain on November 02, 2013, 05:24:19 PM
Perhaps worth updating to avast 9.0.2007, see http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=138753.0 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=138753.0).
@ HankJS,

You could try this also.