Avast WEBforum

Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: abruptum on July 29, 2016, 11:48:38 AM

Title: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on July 29, 2016, 11:48:38 AM
It looks like that new Avast version disabled Windows Defender.
Error says that it is disabled by Group Policy (Error Code : 0x800704ec).
In Group Policy I don't see that Windows Defender is disabled.
I can enable it through Registry, but after reboot it is disabled again.
I never had any problems running both Avast and Windows Defender as antispyware.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on July 29, 2016, 02:28:06 PM
Hi,
you are correct, Avast disables Windows Defender as Microsoft does itself in windows 10 we do in earlier versions of Windows manually.
Running avast and another antivirus may be source of problems and performance decrease as well.

Thanks,
pm
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on July 29, 2016, 03:00:26 PM
Hi,
you are correct, Avast disables Windows Defender as Microsoft does itself in windows 10 we do in earlier versions of Windows manually.
Running avast and another antivirus may be source of problems and performance decrease as well.

Thanks,
pm
Windows Defender in Windows 7 is not antivirus, it is just antispyware and it works fine with Avast.
Please fix this.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on July 29, 2016, 03:11:58 PM
Ok, it is antispyware on Win7 but it is still subset of avast functionality and can cause troubles and performance decrease. You don't need it because it is duplicated functionality.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on July 29, 2016, 03:30:16 PM
Ok, it is antispyware on Win7 but it is still subset of avast functionality and can cause troubles and performance decrease. You don't need it because it is duplicated functionality.
I understand why you disabled Windows Defender in Windows 8.1 & 10, but let users determine if they want to use additional antispyware software in Windows 7.
I never had any problems with Windows Defender and Avast running together and I used this combination for 4 or 5 years.
What is my choice now ? To run .reg file every morning to enable Windows Defender ?
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: Asyn on July 29, 2016, 03:48:09 PM
I agree with Petr, and if you really need a second opinion, there are better tools available. ;)
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on July 29, 2016, 04:11:09 PM
abruptum, you don't need use citation in every direct response :-)

I've just made an option for you but you will need to wait for another release (not sure if the next one with passive mode or one after). All what you will need is to create DWORD value "IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems"=42 (0x2a) in HKLM\Software\[WOW6432Node]\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: Asyn on July 29, 2016, 04:13:41 PM
"IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems"
;D
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: Eddy on July 29, 2016, 04:22:08 PM
http://blog.kaspersky.com/multiple-antivirus-programs-bad-idea/
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: no face on July 31, 2016, 12:25:02 AM
That's the answer to that then. I was having the same problem and while i agree with the logic it's been fine previously.

By the way: how does one enable it in the registry?
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on July 31, 2016, 12:47:36 AM
That's the answer to that then. I was having the same problem and while i agree with the logic it's been fine previously.

By the way: how does one enable it in the registry?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoNiIqZbTF8&gl=US

After that you can right click on Windows Defender key and export it as .reg file.
Next time when you want to enable Windows Defender you just need to import key (right click on .reg file - merge).
I've noticed that VPS updates also disable Windows Defender.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: no face on July 31, 2016, 01:17:51 AM
That worked, thanks. It's easier to just flip the bit in regedit but anyway... why has it taken until 12.2.2276 for this to be a thing? Still, i do understand the logic of not having two anti-spyware programs running in tandem.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: REDACTED on August 05, 2016, 10:06:26 PM
This explains a lot.  I too have Windows 7 & for years have used Avast Free with Windows Defender.   I updated recently & boom Defender stops working.  Ugh! 

Seeing as how Defender isn't an anti-virus in Windows 7 it would be nice to have the option to still be able to run it.  Having to go in the registry every time you turn the computer on gets to be old.

Please include an option to allow older Windows user to be able to run both if they choose.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: ky331 on August 06, 2016, 03:31:03 AM
My thoughts on the matter:
1) Windows Defender (on Win7) is NOT an anti-VIRUS program, rather, it is an anti-MALWARE program.  So that maxim that "running two REALTIME antivirus programs may lead to conflicts and/or a decrease in performance" does not apply here.
2) Some have contended that even running two [realtime] anti-MALWARE programs isn't in one's best interest, again citing conflicts and/or decrease in performance.   If that's the case, then why do many avast users successfully run (and recommend running) MBAM (MalwareBytes Anti-Malware) --- in realtime--- alongside avast???
3) The argument that WD isn't a good choice... not the best quality... that there are better programs out there (such as MBAM???)... is just that:  a USER CHOICE.   And any user who wishes to do so... whether that's in his/her best interest or not... should have their choice respected [unless there's indisputable causal evidence of inflicting harm, which I don't believe there is].
4) Many Win7 users who keep WD around do so merely for a "second opinion", as an "on-demand" scanner.   That removes the issue of a REAL-TIME conflict.   If so, what is the remaining objection to an on-demand scanner?   (That "there are better options" is again a matter of personal choice, not a matter of inflicting damage to one's system.)
5) If the contention is that WD contains a large segment Microsoft's anti-malware database, again raising the argument of conflict, then it would seem to follow that avast users will risk the same conflict when running Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool each month as part of Windows Updates... The MSRT scan is VERY similar to an on-demand scan by WD.   Is the next step for avast to block the MSRT as well?   Or advise us that it's a pointless duplication of what avast is already protecting?
6) Finally, as others have noted, avast had allowed us to run WD, for years now, alongside avast... doing so was never an issue.   What happened, NOW, to change things?   If there's not an essential reason for this change, I too would like to see things changed back to the way they were.   In particular, it's bad enough for avast to block WD once... but for it to repeatedly change back the directory entry after a user manually resets it is definitely taking things too far.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on August 06, 2016, 12:24:49 PM
I'll answer shortly, don't have much time now.
- Windows Defender capabilities in windows 7 are subset of avast which is antivirus and antimalware together.
- Antivirus and antimalware are the same now. Don't know if in RedStone1 (latest win10 update) is antimalware section removed or not but MS is planning to remove it because it is the same already.
- Couple of antiviruses can run together but there can be conflicts (usually deadlocks) in some scenarios. What is inevitable is decrease in performance because every file will be scanned by AV1, AV2 and after all of this it can be run. (Deadlock may occur when both AVs try to scan it together. And we do the best to be compatible with another AVs but we cannot guarantee it.)
- I provided you an option how to remove this behavior so why do you complain still? Instead of complains try to run reg add "HKLM\Software\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc" /v IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems /t REG_DWORD /d 42 /reg:32 as administrator and it should work. I believe this option is in current beta version of avast 12.3. If it doesn't work, report it here.

Thanks,
pm

(edit typos)
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on August 06, 2016, 05:59:28 PM
run reg add "HKLM\Software\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc" /v IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems /t REG_DWORD /d 42 /reg:32 as administrator
I guess you are talking about Command Prompt ?
BTW I'll wait for the stable version since I am not a beta tester of security software.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: REDACTED on August 07, 2016, 11:49:01 AM
I've just made an option for you but you will need to wait for another release (not sure if the next one with passive mode or one after). All what you will need is to create DWORD value "IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems"=42 (0x2a) in HKLM\Software\[WOW6432Node]\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc.
Hello, new to the thread, same issue. I'm on Win7 and want to keep both Defender and Avast.

I know how to open regedit and find software keys, and edit one or two things on a beginning level. But I don't know how to "create DWORD value".  Can you walk me through what to do, (or provide a link that tells how?). I tried googling how but didn't find anything I could understand.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on August 07, 2016, 12:28:37 PM
abruptum: Yes, I am speaking about command prompt.

fallingback:
 - just type cmd in the start menu
 - right click on command prompt and choose run as administrator
 - type: reg add "HKLM\Software\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc" /v IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems /t REG_DWORD /d 42 /reg:32

But remember it will work from the next version of avast or you can try current beta version.

Thanks,
pm
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: bob3160 on August 07, 2016, 03:29:12 PM
@ fallingback,
If you don't know what a DWORD is, then I suggest you either try the Beta version of Avast or wait for the next release.
The registry isn't something to play with unless you know what you're doing.
Since Avast already gives you more protection again "malware" that you're getting from Microsoft, waiting a short while isn't going to make
a bit of difference but could prevent you from having a problem. IMHO. :)
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: jperl13 on August 07, 2016, 04:41:12 PM
Hi.

I understand all positions, but if I want to defend scans only (not activated in real time) avast should not help because it does not conflict with the.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: bob3160 on August 07, 2016, 06:16:10 PM
Hi.

I understand all positions, but if I want to defend scans only (not activated in real time) avast should not help because it does not conflict with the.
Sorry, I don't understand what you're trying to relay to us in your comment.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: ky331 on August 07, 2016, 06:23:12 PM
He's trying to say, he only wishes to be able to use Defender as an occasional "on-demand" scanner... [but] not for its real-time protection.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: jperl13 on August 07, 2016, 08:15:21 PM
Thanks ky331.

Sorry, I use google translator.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: va.land on August 08, 2016, 11:03:07 AM
A see another PC (Win 7) with Kaspersky installed and have spyware both enabled.

Well, Windows Defender is disabled from Avast 12.2.2276, but why it not get more Definition Update for Windows Defender by Windows Update?
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: Asyn on August 08, 2016, 12:55:19 PM
...but why it not get more Definition Update for Windows Defender by Windows Update?
You answered it yourself, because it's disabled.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on August 13, 2016, 07:19:10 PM
- right click on command prompt and choose run as administrator
 - type: reg add "HKLM\Software\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc" /v IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems /t REG_DWORD /d 42 /reg:32
Doesn't work with Avast 12.3.2278 RC.
ERROR : Access is denied.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: Asyn on August 13, 2016, 07:22:45 PM
- right click on command prompt and choose run as administrator
 - type: reg add "HKLM\Software\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc" /v IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems /t REG_DWORD /d 42 /reg:32
Doesn't work with Avast 12.3.2278 RC.
ERROR : Access is denied.
Not sure, if it's available already.
But if so, you need to disable Avast self-defense first.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on August 13, 2016, 07:28:27 PM
- right click on command prompt and choose run as administrator
 - type: reg add "HKLM\Software\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc" /v IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems /t REG_DWORD /d 42 /reg:32
Doesn't work with Avast 12.3.2278 RC.
ERROR : Access is denied.
Not sure, if it's available already.
But if so, you need to disable Avast self-defense first.
I thought that maybe I should disable self - defence first, but I'll wait for confirmation from petr_matrix.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: Asyn on August 13, 2016, 07:30:50 PM
I thought that maybe I should disable self - defence first, but I'll wait for confirmation from petr_matrix.
OK, do so.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on August 13, 2016, 08:09:17 PM
Asyn is right, I forgot it's the protected area. So you need to disable sef-defence first, run the command as admin and enable self-defence again. Please let me know if it works.

Thanks,
pm
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on August 13, 2016, 08:31:26 PM
Everything went fine, but Widows Defender is still disabled (same error like in my first post).
I rebooted twice. I guess I need to wait for the next version.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on August 13, 2016, 08:33:03 PM
Are you trying current RC? It is only there (and in previous betas) not yet in any official release.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: abruptum on August 13, 2016, 08:36:49 PM
I am using 12.3.2278 RC.

Edit :

OK, it looks like it is working. I had to enable Windows Defender in registry (Reply #10) and it
is still enabled after reboot.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on August 13, 2016, 11:29:37 PM
Of course, this option is meant not to change your defender status and you had it unfortunately disabled by previous version of avast.

Thanks for testing it,
pm
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: ky331 on August 18, 2016, 04:43:27 PM
Is this option available through the UI in the newest release (12.3.2279)? --- If so, exactly where do we find it?
Or do we still have to implement it via adding/editing the registry entry?
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on August 18, 2016, 04:54:49 PM
You still need to execute it manually. Don't know if it will be in GUI. It isn't up to me.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: ky331 on August 18, 2016, 04:58:38 PM
Thanks again for the quick and simple response.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: ky331 on August 19, 2016, 04:14:48 PM
I just want to confirm one point with you:

the command prompt specifies adding your entry to
HKLM\Software\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc

but the registry entry is actually placed under
HKLM\Software\WOW6432Node\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc

Aside from this observation/question, everything seemed to work correctly.
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: petr_matrix on August 19, 2016, 04:24:33 PM
The command is right, Wow64Node will be added by parameter reg:32 only if needed.

As administrator run:
- reg add "HKLM\Software\Avast Software\Avast\Wsc" /v IReallyWantDefenderOnAndDecreasedPerformanceOnLegacySystems /t REG_DWORD /d 42 /reg:32 (Tells the avast not to modify defender status.)
- reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender" /f (Deletes group policy register key which disables defender.)

pm
Title: Re: Avast 12.2.2276 and Windows Defender (Windows 7)
Post by: REDACTED on August 28, 2016, 08:21:45 AM
came in my mail tonight from MS: Remember that question you asked on Microsoft Community a few days ago?
Title: Windows defender stopped yesterday on my Windows 7 (SP1) ?
_______________________________

after reading all 3 pages I went into the registry, HK-local machine/software/policies/microsoft/windows defender.   Changed the 1 to a zero. No re-boot needed for me? and WD is working again.   Ran Trend Micro House Call, ESET, & MBAM.... all clean here.
 ??? :o   thx for the help -

PS: this is Jim R 12 - don't know how I got a new user name?