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Other => General Topics => Topic started by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 03:57:15 AM

Title: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 03:57:15 AM
I have a PC and I'm using Windows 7 home premium.

I recently upgraded my Avast use from Avast Pro Antivirus to GrimeFighter (now Avast Cleanup). Soon after I started using the cleanup program, I received a message in Windows Action Center that Avast was turned off.  When I click the "Turn on now" button, asks me if I want to trust the publisher/run the program, I say yes, but nothing happens.  The Avast icon is gone as well.

So now Avast is not opening/operating at all.  I think I should uninstall/reinstall the software.  But I can't figure out how to uninstall it.

I understand that Avast has a self protection module which I can't seem to disable because I can't open the program.

I've spent time reading the online forums and researching what to do, and have already tried the following:

1. Uninstall via Control Panel > Programs and Features in standard mode

Result: Get error message: "The instruction at 0x5CECA1F0 referenced memory at 0x5CECA1F0. The required data was not placed into memory because of an I/O error status of 0xc000009c."

2. Uninstall via Control Panel > Programs and Features in safe mode

Result: Nothing happens

3. Download Avast Uninstall Utility (avastclear), save on desktop, start in safe mode, right click on avastclear icon, click on "run as administrator"

Result: Nothing happens

4. Clean reinstall with latest version of Avast

Result: Receive application error when attempting to download most recent version: "The instruction at 0x5CECA1F0 referenced memory at 0x5CECA1F0. The required data was not placed into memory because of an I/O error status of 0xc000009c."

5. Use AppRemover to force uninstall Avast

Result: Receive error message, cannot uninstall the program. "AppRemover encountered an error while attempting to uninstall the selected product."

What else should I try?  I'm not very tech-savvy but I'm trying my best to resolve this.  I'm worried that I don't have any AV protection at the moment.  I tried to download/install another AV program (AVG Free) but it can't complete the installation b/c Avast is still on my machine.  I like Avast and want to keep using it, but something's messed up here and I don't know how to fix it.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: schmidthouse on August 20, 2015, 05:00:26 AM
Hi
It certainly appears you have some issues that don't appear to me to be typical.
I would suggest we have our Malware Specialist lend a hand.
Due to time zones, Essexboy won't be on line until later.
I have PM'd him. :)
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 05:55:14 AM
Thank you!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: schmidthouse on August 20, 2015, 06:14:12 AM
You're welcome.
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 20, 2015, 03:24:25 PM
Lets have a look see

Please download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/files/file/435-frst-farbars-recovery-scan-tool/) and save it to your Desktop.
 
Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them. Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.
 
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 05:03:52 PM
Thank you for your assistance! Hopefully I did this right. Logs are attached.
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 20, 2015, 05:38:44 PM
OK this fix must be run from safe mode

Reboot the computer and immediately press and hold F8
When the menu appears select safe mode with networking

CAUTION :  This fix is only valid for this specific machine, using it on another may break your computer

Open notepad and copy/paste the text in the quotebox below into it:
 
Quote
HKLM\...\Run: [] => [X]
HKLM\...\Run: [AvgUi] => C:\Program Files\AVG\Framework\Common\avguix.exe [1069008 2015-04-07] (AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.)
HKLM\...\Run: [AvastUI.exe] => C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\AvastUI.exe [6109776 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
ShellIconOverlayIdentifiers: [00avast] -> {472083B0-C522-11CF-8763-00608CC02F24} => C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\ashShell.dll [2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
FF Extension: Avast Online Security - C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\WebRep\FF [2013-02-27]
CHR Extension: (Avast Online Security) - C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\gomekmidlodglbbmalcneegieacbdmki [2013-09-12]
CHR HKLM\...\Chrome\Extension: [eofcbnmajmjmplflapaojjnihcjkigck] - C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\WebRep\Chrome\aswwebrepchrome-sp.crx [2014-08-04]
CHR HKLM\...\Chrome\Extension: [gomekmidlodglbbmalcneegieacbdmki] - C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\WebRep\Chrome\aswWebRepChrome.crx [2015-05-07]
S2 avast! Antivirus; C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\AvastSvc.exe [146600 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
S3 AvastVBoxSvc; C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\ng\vbox\AvastVBoxSVC.exe [3218624 2015-07-28] (Avast Software)
S2 avgsvc; C:\Program Files\AVG\Framework\Common\avgsvcx.exe [776656 2015-04-07] (AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.)
R2 aswHwid; C:\Windows\system32\drivers\aswHwid.sys [24016 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R1 aswKbd; C:\Windows\system32\drivers\aswKbd.sys [26096 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R2 aswMonFlt; C:\Windows\system32\drivers\aswMonFlt.sys [76000 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R1 aswRdr; C:\Windows\system32\drivers\aswRdr2.sys [81728 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R5 aswRvrt; C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswRvrt.sys [49776 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R1 aswSnx; C:\Windows\system32\drivers\aswSnx.sys [788784 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R1 aswSP; C:\Windows\system32\drivers\aswSP.sys [433264 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R2 aswStm; C:\Windows\system32\drivers\aswStm.sys [113592 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R5 aswVmm; C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswVmm.sys [208664 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R5 ngvss; C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\ngvss.sys [95112 2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
R2 VBoxAswDrv; C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\ng\vbox\VBoxAswDrv.sys [220752 2015-07-28] (Avast Software)
2015-08-19 14:58 - 2015-08-19 14:58 - 00000000 ____D C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\MFAData
2015-08-19 14:58 - 2015-08-19 14:58 - 00000000 ____D C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Avg2015
2015-08-19 14:58 - 2015-08-19 14:58 - 00000000 ____D C:\ProgramData\MFAData
2015-08-19 14:57 - 2015-08-19 21:43 - 00000000 ____D C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Avg
2015-08-19 14:57 - 2015-08-19 14:57 - 00000000 ____D C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\AvgSetupLog
2015-08-19 14:57 - 2015-08-19 14:57 - 00000000 ____D C:\ProgramData\Avg
2015-08-19 14:57 - 2015-08-19 14:57 - 00000000 ____D C:\Program Files\AVG
2015-08-19 14:08 - 2015-08-19 14:10 - 05961160 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Users\Owner\Downloads\avastclear (3).exe
2015-08-19 13:44 - 2015-08-19 13:45 - 05961160 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Users\Owner\Downloads\avastclear (2).exe
2015-08-19 13:43 - 2015-08-19 13:43 - 05961160 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Users\Owner\Downloads\avastclear (1).exe
2015-08-19 12:41 - 2015-08-19 12:41 - 05481336 _____ (Avast Software s.r.o.) C:\Users\Public\Desktop\avast_free_antivirus_setup_online_cnet.exe
2015-08-19 12:41 - 2015-08-19 12:41 - 05481336 _____ (Avast Software s.r.o.) C:\Users\Owner\Downloads\avast_free_antivirus_setup_online_cnet.exe
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2015-08-03 09:16 - 00313472 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\aswBoot.exe
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2015-08-03 09:16 - 00043112 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\avastSS.scr
2015-07-28 10:16 - 2015-08-03 09:16 - 00095112 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\ngvss.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2014-04-22 13:12 - 00024016 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswHwid.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2013-12-30 11:54 - 00113592 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswStm.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2013-03-04 15:19 - 00208664 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswVmm.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2013-03-04 15:19 - 00049776 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswRvrt.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2013-02-27 08:49 - 00788784 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswSnx.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2013-02-27 08:49 - 00433264 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswSP.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2013-02-27 08:49 - 00081728 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswRdr2.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2013-02-27 08:49 - 00076000 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswMonFlt.sys
2015-08-03 09:16 - 2013-02-27 08:49 - 00026096 _____ (AVAST Software) C:\Windows\system32\Drivers\aswKbd.sys
C:\Program Files\AVAST Software
2015-07-28 14:25 - 2014-11-21 19:41 - 00000000 ____D C:\Windows\system32\vbox
Task: {E93ACCE9-9CCB-4ED0-A2B1-F249D314B5FF} - System32\Tasks\avast! Emergency Update => C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\AvastEmUpdate.exe [2015-08-03] (AVAST Software)
RemoveProxy:
EmptyTemp:
CMD: bitsadmin /reset /allusers

 
Save this as fixlist.txt, in the same location as FRST.exe
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/FRSTfix.JPG)
Run FRST and press Fix
On completion a log will be generated please post that

THEN

Download Avast Uninstall Utility (http://www.avast.com/en-gb/uninstall-utility) to your Desktop.
Download the correct version of Avast 
Avast Free (http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe)
Avast Pro (http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup.exe)
Avast Internet Security (http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup.exe)
Avast Premier (http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup.exe)
Disconnect from the net
Uninstall Avast via control panel

----------
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 06:02:40 PM
Thank you for the clear instructions! The fix log is attached. Does it look like I can move on to the other steps now (uninstall/reinstall)?

Thanks so much for your help!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 20, 2015, 06:30:29 PM
Did FRST complete as the log only appears to half completed ? 

If FRST rebooted the system then proceed to uninstall/install steps
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 06:32:48 PM
FRST rebooted the system.  But should I try the fix again to be sure before proceeding?
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 20, 2015, 06:39:14 PM
No if it rebooted that is good

Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 06:42:22 PM
Ok, I'll try the next steps and report back! Thank you!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 07:17:12 PM
I'm still encountering some trouble.  I'm not able to uninstall from the control panel or run the uninstall utility.

In standard mode, I get these error messages when trying uninstall via control panel or trying to run avastclear:

The instruction at 0x65A4A1F0 referenced memory at 0x65A4A1F0. The required data was not placed into memory because of an I/O error status of 0xc000009c.

I tried both uninstall methods in safe mode too.  When trying on the control panel in safe mode, nothing happened.  When I tried running avastclear in safe mode, there was an avast "thinking circle" for about a minute, and then nothing else happened.

Should I repeat any of the previous steps you recommended?
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 20, 2015, 07:27:17 PM
That error is intriguing as it points to a hardware error... I am researching that now.

Could you try to install Avast and let me know if that works
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 07:32:11 PM
Ok, just tried to install and got the avast thinking circle for about 20 seconds, then this error message:

The instruction at 0x65B3A1F0 referenced memory at 0x65B3A1F0. The required data was not placed into memory because of an I/O error status of 0xc000009c.

Thank you for trying to help me resolve this!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 20, 2015, 07:40:25 PM
Still checking the hardware code out this may take a few hours
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 07:41:12 PM
Ok, thanks!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 20, 2015, 08:22:23 PM
Elizabeth, have you backed up your data ?  If not I would suggest you do that as in 50% of the cases I have looked at so far the only resolution was to re-install windows.. 


Meanwhile

Open an elevated command prompt
Go Start > All programs > accessories
Right click command prompt and select run as administrator
In the black box that opens copy/paste the following command and press enter :

sfc /scannow

Once completed reboot and see if the same error occurs..

Do you get the same error when you try to install other programmes
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 20, 2015, 08:35:36 PM
Yikes! Ok, I'm going to back-up everything now.  Then I'll try the sfc / scannow command.  I'll let you know what happens.

I haven't tried to install any other programs but will try and see if I receive the same error notice.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 21, 2015, 03:09:04 AM
Just finished the back-up.  While I was backing up, I got a pop up message that said "Windows detected a hard disk problem.  Back up files immediately, etc.  Replace or repair the hard disk."  So I haven't done anything else yet.  I read that this could be malware on my system made to look like a real system message.  Or the obvious likelihood that my hard disk is failing.  I'm guessing both options are pretty bad.

Unfortunately I'm leaving town and won't be able to address this further until Tuesday.  Thank you for your help thus far!  If you have any recommendations for what I should do next when I get back into town I would greatly appreciate it.  I guess I'm not sure whether this is an Avast-related issue anymore.  Thank you!!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: schmidthouse on August 21, 2015, 03:16:23 AM
Hi
I've been following the progress and concede to Essexboy's further instruction, however the Window message doesn't look good as when that message is given a Hard Drive failure is usually  coming.
I say that from previous personal experience.
Nevertheless, wait for Essexboy to direct you further.
Good luck :)
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 21, 2015, 03:18:57 AM
Will do - thank you!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: schmidthouse on August 21, 2015, 03:27:43 AM
You're welcome.  :)
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 21, 2015, 01:56:16 PM
Yes complete the back up, if it was malware putting that up there would be a link to download the all singing all dancing cure.  Windows just tells you, you have a problem 
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: REDACTED on August 31, 2015, 08:11:43 PM
Hi - just wanted to send an update since you (essexboy) were so helpful and gave me so much of your time.  Shortly after my last post the hard disk failed.  Thanks for the suggestion to stop and back up my files before that happened!  I'm starting over with a new hard drive and hopefully won't run into any of the same issues.  Thank you again for your help!
Title: Re: Can't open Avast or uninstall it. Here's what I've tried...
Post by: essexboy on August 31, 2015, 08:32:47 PM
Hope all is well now :)