Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: alicia.rose on July 14, 2016, 12:30:11 PM
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I have Avast Free version 2015.10.2.2218 installed, did install the next version but had problems with it so left it at that.
I just tried to update this, but got to "Saving package this may take a while" ... then nothing happened, tried twice.
Went to Add / Remove Programs >> "There was an error during product uninstallation", same on re-try.
I've downloaded Avast Uninstall Utility - should I go ahead with this, will it remove all traces?
Recently when I try to install programs I often receive this notice, even with Flash Player, which hasn't happened before:
"This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer"
Have to go to 'Properties' and unblock each download now.
Don't know how to alter this setting or how it got put in place.
I am afraid that if I uninstall Avast Free I might not be able to reinstall it and I'll be left with no antivirus.
XP SP3 OS. Using Windows Firewall and have CryptoPrevent installed, no other security.
Please advise.
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If your CPU supports SSE2...
1. Download Avast Free Antivirus: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe
2. Follow instructions: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed Avast versions..!!)
3. Reinstall Avast with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.
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Thank you very much for helping Asyn.
Re: If your CPU supports SSE2...
I don't know....
It's an older computer - please see recent Speccy scan result (attached).
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According to Speccy SSE2 is supported on your system.
So, please follow the instructions in Reply #1.
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Ok, thank you. :)
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You're welcome. :)
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I just started the computer in Safe Mode.
Clicked on the Avast Uninstall Utility I had downloaded from your link. >>>
"instup.exe - Entry Point Not Found
The procedure entry point Get Logical Processor Information could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll."
I tried again, same.
I clicked on the Avast Uninstall Utility I had downloaded before coming here for help, same error message.
I noticed that the hard drive activity light was full on while I was doing nothing.
Looked at the running processes in Task Manager and saw explorer.exe using memory of 59,824 k, CPU 10-35.
?
What should I do now please?
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OK, let's dig deeper...
Attach your basic diagnostic logs. (MBAM, FRST and aswMBR)
Instructions: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253
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Here are the logs...
MBAM and FRST scans were run recently - I can re-run them if you wish.
Some info for you...
I have been unable to access my bank's new online banking system. sfc (System File Checker) has been unable to copy a number of dll files into the dll cache.
I am receiving help with these issues.
For a while now under 'Applications' in Task Manager 'New folder' always shows. I sought help with regards this. Nothing malicious was detected, I was told it is an odd instance of explorer.exe.
I have found a previous download of Avast Uninstall Utility from last year that worked then, but because of the errors I am getting, I am worried that full uninstallation might fail or that I won't be able to install the latest version and I'll be left with no antivirus.
Your help is much appreciated.
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Boot up in safe mode and go to program files and delete the avast folder, reboot and clean up with ccleaner
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Boot up in safe mode and go to program files and delete the avast folder, reboot and clean up with ccleaner
Not very good advice. :o
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it works ;)
alicia you really need to move on from XP its too insecure on the net these days, maybe even try a linux (ubuntu) installation then you won't need antivirus :)
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it works ;)
alicia you really need to move on from XP its too insecure on the net these days, maybe even try a linux (ubuntu) installation then you won't need antivirus :)
More bad advice. Even Linux needs protection. :)
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it works ;)
alicia you really need to move on from XP its too insecure on the net these days, maybe even try a linux (ubuntu) installation then you won't need antivirus :)
Don’t believe these four myths about Linux security
https://blogs.sophos.com/2015/03/26/dont-believe-these-four-myths-about-linux-security/
http://www.computerworlduk.com/galleries/security/10-linux-malware-threats-2016-bots-backdoors-trojans-malicious-apps-3634006/
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Here are the logs...
OK, now you've to wait a bit...
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FRST.TXT is not complete.
Please run Farbar again and attach a new FRST.TXT log to your post.
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Here is the new FRST scan result.
Thank you very much Avast team for helping.
More info:
I recently installed Google Chrome browser.......but receive this error message when I try to access secure sites (for example my bank / Yahoo Mail):
"Your Connection is not private
Attackers might be trying to steal your information from www.google.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards).
NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID"
Google Chrome browser 49.0.2623.112
I do not have any difficulties accessing secure sites with Firefox or K-Meleon browsers, but had similar problems with Safari. Cannot access my bank's new online banking system with any browser though.......stream of unresponsive scripts and a locked up computer. Never had any difficulties with the previous system.
No problems are found with Avast network scan.
How can I get rid of those leftover Norton 'Scheduled Tasks' entries please?
alicia you really need to move on from XP its too insecure on the net these days, maybe even try a linux (ubuntu) installation then you won't need antivirus :)
Well I don't want to speak too soon.....but so far with Avast installed I haven't had any malware problems. I am also missing a number of Microsoft Windows XP updates due to a previous error on my system, which was found and rectified too late (post April 8th 2014).
XP suits my older computer, which may not cope with a newer OS. I can get compatible drivers for it from Dell. If I get a new computer it will be with the latest Windows version (if there are no major issues reported).
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The procedure entry point Get Logical Processor Information could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll."
This looks like broken installation of SP3 because this entry point was added to Windows XP in SP3. I would suggest to reinstall SP3 if it's possible. My testing XP system kernel32.dll (located in C:\Windows\System32) 5.1.2600.6532.
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drake127.....
Thanks so much for your help and advice.
I feel the whole operating system needs repair, but because Microsoft are no longer providing XP updates (although I haven't got many of them) have been trying to do a workaround.
Feel an XP SP3 repair installation is needed.
My computer developed lots of problems when I installed SP3 in the past and when I tried I couldn't uninstall it. I know it's supposed to be essential, but in my experience it messed up the operating system.
The whole operating system I have now was cleanly installed by a PC World technician.
I was previously advised against another clean installation.
I am being helped from a distance by an expert / MVP, but because this is an Avast program problem I need help from Avast.
How about if I try the previous Avast Uninstall Utility that worked last year? Or would that be risky? Don't want a problem half way through, even if there wasn't one, don't know whether I'll even be able to install the latest program.......
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Regarding the 3 diagnostic logs you asked for (MBAM, FRST and aswMBR)....
Would one of the Avast team kindly tell me approximately how long it will take for the results......
Plus also answer my question above.
With thanks in advance.
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I've looked at the log files and see that your system is a mess.
I would say get it over and done with and perform a clean installation of XP.
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Thank you for looking at the log files and replying.
I was previously advised against another clean installation due to the age of the computer / possibly not being able to obtain suitable drivers, although I would prefer it to a repair installation.
I've not installed an operating system before, I could only manage an attempt at the latter of the above.
In what way is it a mess?
I was expecting an answer in relation to malware.
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No worries about the drivers.
The windows XP installation comes with a lot of drivers.
Next to that you should have gotten driver cd's/dvd's/floppies with the system.
There is also the option to download them from the manufacturers website.
The last one is very much recommended as you will have the latest drivers for everything........
- Download all drivers for your system (mobo, soundcard, printer, scanner, etc...)
- Disconnect from the net
- Install Windows
- Install all Windows updates ( http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windows_xp_service_pack_4_unofficial.html )
- Install all drivers
- Check device manager if everything is ok
- Install avast
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Eddy......thank you for helping me. :)
"Install all Windows updates ( http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windows_xp_service_pack_4_unofficial.html )"
Excellent!
I downloaded DoubleDriver recently, copied all my drivers.
Problem is the original OS was Windows ME.
Had a major problem, summoned a technician, he installed Windows XP but I had no XP CD!
Subsequently purchased 2, one brand new XP SP2 and later when I found one, one brand new XP SP3.
Sold as genuine, carried out Microsoft recommended checks to ascertain whether they really are - passed, as far as I can tell.
However, carried out SFC recently, 4 'bad blocks' in a row in Event Viewer, don't want that happening during a reinstallation. Not had any 'bad blocks' before with it though.
XP SP3 CD looks brand new but there are 2 small patches of what looks like adhesive from the envelope it came in on it, don't know if that would cause a problem.
Need to feel confident with the CD, very afraid that I'll end up with no working computer.
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The most important thing with cd's/dvd's is that there is no light from the laser going through them.
You could (if a cd still would fit in a drive) put a meter thick stickers on a cd and it will still work.
Don't worry about the bad blocks.
During install choose to format the drive.
If any bad sectors/blocks are found, they will be marked and not be used.
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That's reassuring to know.
Thank you very much Eddy for the useful information and your words of encouragement. :)
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You're welcome.
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Hi guys, :)
I carried out a repair installation of XP SP3......this is what I felt comfortable with, not having ever carried out a Windows installation before.
All Windows core files have been deleted and replaced. No missing dlls anymore......
But I still cannot uninstall Avast antivirus version 2015.10.2.2218 so that I can install / try the most recent version:
"Product definition structure was not loaded, because Instup GPB version is 4 but loaded GPB version is 10.
The product definition (gpb) was not initialized properly. Setup cannot continue."
Please see attachment. I tried to 'Copy log to clipboard' (option given at bottom of Avast log window), but nothing happened.
Please help.
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A repair doesn't fix everything.
Perform a clean installation of XP.
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Thanks for your reply Eddy.
This computer originally had Windows ME on it. Dell on site drivers for it are mostly compatible with that. I was previously advised by a tech expert to not carry out a clean installation of XP. I cannot, at present, buy a new computer.
Also, as previously mentioned I have no experience of this, would feel uncomfortable and out of my depth. Would probably have to hire a technician to do the job......just to remove Avast antivirus?
Although I realise it is not as good an end result as a clean installation would be, I am happy with the repair installation I carried out, have you or anyone else any other ideas please on how I can remove Avast antivirus when I am receiving the error I previously detailed, which is preventing me from doing so?
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May I suggest that you contact Avast directly:
http://support.avast.com/support/tickets/new
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May I suggest that you contact Avast directly:
http://support.avast.com/support/tickets/new
Hi Bob, Drake (Avast team) already answered her, see Reply #17. ;)
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Thanks Asyn,
That only leaves a clean install of SP3 as suggested or, a clean install of XP. :'(
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Thanks Asyn,
That only leaves a clean install of SP3 as suggested or, a clean install of XP. :'(
NP Bob. :)
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Since no one has mentioned it yet there are plenty of 3rd party uninstallers...
Well, this won't fix the broken SP3 install, though.
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Since no one has mentioned it yet there are plenty of 3rd party uninstallers...
Well, this won't fix the broken SP3 install, though.
wonder if running sfc /scannow would help ???
It certainly wouldn't hurt.
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No, it won't help.
A repair installation does a better job and that didn't solved the problems.
Only thing left is a properly clean installation of XP
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1. Secondly moving to a safer and up to date OS is also important. Rather see her upgrade to Windows 10 then reinstall XP.
2. I recommend Ubuntu to all my customers who do not have the money for a new pc. You can use it off a USB stick also without installing it.
1. Well, it depends on her system specs. ;)
2. Nice, but keep in mind that not every user is familiar with Linux...
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Since no one has mentioned it yet there are plenty of 3rd party uninstallers...
Well, this won't fix the broken SP3 install, though.
Her problem she first asked is that she cannot uninstall Avast. Both Revo and Geek can remove them. Secondly moving to a safer and up to date OS is also important. Rather see her upgrade to Windows 10 then reinstall XP. If drivers are an issue then she can install Ubuntu and use an free Linux antivirus. I recommend Ubuntu to all my customers who do not have the money for a new pc. You can use it off a USB stick also without installing it.
Firstly - we don't recommend 3rd party uninstallers to remove an Anti-virus, correct uninstall procedures are not usually followed and shared DLL files can be removed making more problems than to begin with.
Secondly - the user may wish to stick with XP as they like it and don't want the expense of paying for Win 10, if they didn't upgrade it for free when they had the chance then it's unlikely they'll pay for it.
Thirdly - Many users don't upgrade their system simply because they don't want to relearn another system, moving to a Linux system is vastly different from other OS's and imo usability is heavily restricted with Ubuntu and mostly more trouble than it worth.
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Only thing left is a properly clean installation of XP
Agreed.
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Microsoft stopped supporting XP 2 years ago and it is unsafe to be using it.
-> https://blog.avast.com/2014/03/12/avast-will-continue-to-support-windows-xp-for-home-and-business-users/
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Microsoft stopped supporting XP 2 years ago and it is unsafe to be using it.
-> https://blog.avast.com/2014/03/12/avast-will-continue-to-support-windows-xp-for-home-and-business-users/
I know Avast supports XP but Microsoft does not. Which means you no longer get security updates from Windows update. Hackers know this an prey on XP users with vulnerabilities. An XP system is no longer able to be patched to address security holes in the OS. Unless you start using something like EMET. Using XP for offline stuff is fine. But any type of banking, shopping or even emailing should not be done.
AVAST will continue to support Windows XP users by creating protection modules and detections to cover vulnerabilities and other security problems for at least the next three years.
Also see: https://www.avast.com/windows-xp-antivirus
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OMG people. 3 pages later and her problem is not solved
Ofcourse it isn't because a clean installation of XP (or another OS) is needed to solve it and that has not (yet) taken place.
There is nothing wrong with using a 3rd party uninstaller especially in a situation such as this.
Yes there is something wrong using a third party uninstaller in this situation as it does not solve the problems at all.
Microsoft stopped supporting XP 2 years ago and it is unsafe to be using it.
Car manufacturers don't make parts for old-timers, but that doesn't mean the cars are unsafe.
Don't forget that the most used OS's are targeted the most.
Fewer and fewer people are using XP which makes it not really interesting for the bad guys.
There is a reason why Windows 3.x isn't targeted anymore.
Sticking with XP is not a good thing.
Listening to your advise is even worse.
Linux is a lighter OS which will be good.
Only if you use a command-line only version of Linux.
She does not have to install it either. It is fully portable.
Possible ? Yes, it is.
But you forget what it will do with the speed.
System will get to a crawl because it can't use the OS/hardware in the most efficient way.
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Thank you very much to all of you......for helping me.
I used a brand new unopened genuine Microsoft XP SP3 CD to carry out the repair installation.
This deleted all core Windows XP SP3 files and replaced them.
That must mean SP3 is not now broken?
My computer is old (in computer years)......probably not up to more advanced os, not been tested with Windows 10. Don't want to mess with it, in case it breaks and I'm left without one.
The Avast Team responded to the original error, which was this:
"The procedure entry point Get Logical Processor Information could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll."
I am not now seeing this.
I am seeing:
"Product definition structure was not loaded, because Instup GPB version is 4 but loaded GPB version is 10.
The product definition (gpb) was not initialized properly. Setup cannot continue."
Perhaps the Avast team could help with the latest error I have seen, which they did not know of when they previously responded?
Won't Avast Uninstall Utility do it (Avast Clear), I have a 2015 version still if the most recent won't?
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Microsoft stopped supporting XP 2 years ago and it is unsafe to be using it.
-> https://blog.avast.com/2014/03/12/avast-will-continue-to-support-windows-xp-for-home-and-business-users/
I know Avast supports XP but Microsoft does not. Which means you no longer get security updates from Windows update. Hackers know this an prey on XP users with vulnerabilities. An XP system is no longer able to be patched to address security holes in the OS. Unless you start using something like EMET. Using XP for offline stuff is fine. But any type of banking, shopping or even emailing should not be done.
AVAST will continue to support Windows XP users by creating protection modules and detections to cover vulnerabilities and other security problems for at least the next three years.
Also see: https://www.avast.com/windows-xp-antivirus
Most antiviruses cannot protect against OS exploits.
Avast can, see: https://www.avast.com/exploit-protection.php
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@drocutriji,
I suggest you stop trying to force your suggestion down the users throat.
She apparently wants to solve her XP and Avast problem not install Linux or get a Chromebook.
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Thank you bob3160.
I've successfully repaired XP SP3 drocutriji!
I've worked for months on my computer to improve it. I'm exhausted, don't want to learn anymore or change the os right now.
Just want to remove Avast antivirus and install the latest version to try.
Please be sure to see my above post all.
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For XP users there is also SP4 which will allow these users to continue to get security updates.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windows_xp_service_pack_4_unofficial.html (http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windows_xp_service_pack_4_unofficial.html)
Avast also comes with SafeZone Browser which protects you while doing your Banking and Shopping.
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Most antiviruses cannot protect against OS exploits. Again most banks also do not support login's from XP users. No antivirus can provide 100% detection. Moving away from XP is the first step in security.
A layered security approach will work quite adequately which Alicia, going by her first post has already shown competency :) , don't know what banks you use but there is no limitation on OS's in my part of the world...plus most ATM's are still running XP based system software.
"she" is a female cat" :)
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...don't know what banks you use but there is no limitation on OS's in my part of the world..
Same here. 8)
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@ alicia.rose,
If the Avast removal tool doesn't do the job, there's certainly no harm in using Revo ( http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html (http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html) )
or manually removing the Avast leftovers.
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I really appreciate your help everyone. Not had a chance to read through every comment yet, will do when I have more time.
My bank very recently changed their online system. They still support XP and I'm very glad that Avast does also.
That's great bob3160 about those SP4 updates, Eddy previously mentioned those. "Avast also comes with SafeZone Browser which protects you while doing your Banking and Shopping." That's reassuring to know.
Perhaps I should, as you suggested, contact Avast directly. Don't want a messed up uninstall.
I think Avast Clear could do it though?
Thank you for the compliment CraigB. :)
Having a working computer means so much to me. I'm very interested in computers and security too, have an inquisitive mind, which helps.