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Consumer Products => Avast Cleanup => Topic started by: REDACTED on November 22, 2016, 04:39:54 PM

Title: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: REDACTED on November 22, 2016, 04:39:54 PM
I have just purchased and run the disk cleanup utility and it has completely screwed up my laptop. I have tried logging in multiple times (both hard and soft reboot) but each time am told i wasn't able to log onto my profile.

As a result not only have i lost my personalised configuration but also access to all my files and some software that was assigned to that profile.

Most importantly I can't access my email since the relevant accounts are also in the unaccessible profile.

I really need to get this sorted ASAP. Was meant to get a proposal out today but can't access the relevant files nor have any way to easily send by email (Short of setting everything up again but that would take hours and hopefully this problem isn't terminal)

How can i fix/roll back?

thanks
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: kyrylo on November 28, 2016, 03:47:57 PM
Hello, nick186.

Avast Cleanup creates system restore point before every action. Have you tried to revert your system to the latest restore point?
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on November 28, 2016, 04:04:31 PM
If the system restore point is not working/solving it, try this > http://www.techbout.com/fix-corrupt-user-profile-windows-10-9139/
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: REDACTED on February 19, 2017, 09:19:02 AM
Hi, I have the same problem and no system restore option - thank you very much Avast. The worst cleanup ever.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on February 19, 2017, 09:49:49 AM
As kyrylo siad, CleanUp creates a restore point.

If you don't have it, there is likely something wrong with your OS.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: REDACTED on February 19, 2017, 10:27:46 AM
Maybe there is, I don't know, I'll leave it to IT specialist (whom I'll have to pay - thank you, Avast, for the most expensive cleanup ever!), but the real question is - why should I even need it? Why Avast Cleanup removed my Windows profile? I really regret not having visited Avast forum before buying this awful product, since from what I can see on many topics there are so many problems with this software and refund, everyone should just stay away from it.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on February 19, 2017, 10:36:51 AM
Quote
why should I even need it?
You should know the answer as you are the one who bought a license for it.
Quote
from what I can see on many topics there are so many problems with this software
You are wrong.
There are not many problems with it.
You are forgetting that this webboard is to help people who have a problem.
So those people are posting here, not the ones that don't have a problem with it and that is by far the largest group.
Because of this it only looks as if there are many problems.

Go to a meeting of people who have a purple car and it will look like purple is the most used color on cars ;)
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: REDACTED on February 19, 2017, 10:53:47 AM
"Why should I need system restore in this situation" not "Why should I need Avast Cleanup". Of course I needed it (though now I think I didn't need it at all, I had my Windows profile, that should have been enough!), that's why I bought it. I'm aware that this forum is for people who experience problems. Still, it seems to me there's a lot of those, especially when it comes to replies from support and refunds. Of course, I can always hope to get a super-fast response (or my profile will miraculously reappear during the night). Fingers crossed!
Another question is - if the first post from this topic is from November, why wasn't this issue solved until now? Maybe someone should warn the people who buy this product that it can wipe their profiles clean.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on February 19, 2017, 11:02:54 AM
Thought you meant why you needed CleanUp ::)
There really aren't much people who have a problem.
Don't forget that avast has 400m+ users.

About the system restore, you could also ask why Microsoft didn't programmed Windows in such a way that a user profile can't get corrupted.

Anyway, since you don't have a restore point (as you say) follow the instructions in the link I posted.
There is no need to hire someone as all it requires some simple basic knowledge about Windows.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: REDACTED on February 19, 2017, 11:50:18 AM
Anyway, since you don't have a restore point (as you say) follow the instructions in the link I posted.
There is no need to hire someone as all it requires some simple basic knowledge about Windows.
What about the info on the website from this link?
"This method is meant for advanced users and only recommended in case you are comfortable working with registry files. Any error/mistake while working with registry files may result in a loss of data or access to your computer.".
I do not feel comfortable working with registry files, that's for sure. I'm prone to making mistakes, as it was proven by me buying Avast Cleanup!
Thank you Eddy, but I think I'll have to pass that step.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on February 19, 2017, 12:01:14 PM
Using the registry is only one of the possible solutions.
Just follow the steps under "create a new user account".
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: bullfeathers on March 01, 2017, 01:27:04 PM
I just had the same problem with Avast clean up. Clean up locked me out of Administrator account. I could only log into temp account. I contacted avast tech support paid them $199.99 and after over 40 hours of my time many phone calls and 5 tech support people trying to fix this, I was told to take my computer to local tech people to have them fix it. The last Avast tech to be in my computer ran a freeware program that put my computer into a continuous safe mode boot loop. He had been trying to reinstall windows 10 but could not figure out how to get it done.
I contacted HP paid them the $49.99 plus $14.99 per month for a year. Their tech had me shut off my computer and push 2 buttons on start up. First, the power button then had me tap the ESC button. It sent me through a few more steps and Windows 10 reinstall was under way. I still have not finished reinstating all my settings and transfer my files back from external-hard-drive.
Just so you know this is a no BS complaint here are some of the reference numbers for the Avast tech people I worked with. #6156410,60433541. There were others but I was unaware I should ask for them in the beginning. Also, the first tech left 2 programs on my computer and I could not get them off. It all went downhill from there and I still don't know how much of my data I have lost. I do know I lost many of my contacts in Thunderbird.Avast do you know how hard it is and how much confusion is created trying to understand folks with sing-song accents?
DO NOT USE AVAST CLEANUP OPTION!!!!! I have used the antivirus for many years with minimal problums but STAY AWAY FROM THE CLEANUP!
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Asyn on March 01, 2017, 01:34:16 PM
I just had the same problem with Avast clean up. Clean up locked me out of Administrator account. I could only log into temp account. I contacted avast tech support paid them $199.99 and after over 40 hours of my time many phone calls and 5 tech support people trying to fix this, I was told to take my computer to local tech people to have them fix it. The last Avast tech to be in my computer ran a freeware program that put my computer into a continuous safe mode boot loop. He had been trying to reinstall windows 10 but could not figure out how to get it done.
I contacted HP paid them the $49.99 plus $14.99 per month for a year. Their tech had me shut off my computer and push 2 buttons on start up. First, the power button then had me tap the ESC button. It sent me through a few more steps and Windows 10 reinstall was under way. I still have not finished reinstating all my settings and transfer my files back from external-hard-drive.
Just so you know this is a no BS complaint here are some of the reference numbers for the Avast tech people I worked with. #6156410,60433541. There were others but I was unaware I should ask for them in the beginning. Also, the first tech left 2 programs on my computer and I could not get them off. It all went downhill from there and I still don't know how much of my data I have lost. I do know I lost many of my contacts in Thunderbird.Avast do you know how hard it is and how much confusion is created trying to understand folks with sing-song accents?
DO NOT USE AVAST CLEANUP OPTION!!!!! I have used the antivirus for many years with minimal problums but STAY AWAY FROM THE CLEANUP!
Sounds like you contacted some 3rd party support.
Contact (genuine!) support: https://support.avast.com/support/tickets/new
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on March 01, 2017, 01:42:32 PM
Those numbers sure ain't from the avast ticket (=support) system.

Did you enabled the administrator account ?
Because by default it is hidden/disabled.
The administrator account is not the same as a user with administration rights.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: bullfeathers on March 01, 2017, 01:45:06 PM
Nice try! Stay away from the Cleanup!!!
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Asyn on March 01, 2017, 01:50:23 PM
Nice try! Stay away from the Cleanup!!!
Sorry, but to me it seems you fell for some 3rd party scam site.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: bullfeathers on March 01, 2017, 02:05:34 PM
Your observation fails to address the problem with Avast Cleanup. I had no problems until I updated the new Avast user interface and ran Cleanup. Same as others on the forum.
The reference to Stupid users is insulting and misplaced. Are you trying to insult everyone on the forum? This forum is for people who need help. They are not computer gurus.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Asyn on March 01, 2017, 02:11:15 PM
OK, let's check, which number did you call for support..??
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on March 01, 2017, 02:12:00 PM
People from avast never ask access to your system.
Third party companies (including scamming ones) might do so.

As I said, the numbers you gave are not from avast.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: bullfeathers on March 01, 2017, 02:40:25 PM
1-844340-9251 Avast Total Care
Regardless the problem began with running Clean up.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Asyn on March 01, 2017, 02:46:30 PM
1-844340-9251 Avast Total Care
Regardless the problem began with running Clean up.
This number is indeed from Avast, I'd suggest to ask for a refund.
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on March 05, 2017, 01:45:36 AM
That reply #2

Yup it is easy.
Just read (and if needed/wanted print the instructions) and follow them one step at a time :)
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Mnemonic on March 20, 2017, 11:42:25 AM
Yeah last month this happened to me too.
I didn't understand what happened at the time. I ran the clean up, it got stuck during phase two. I didn't give a crap and resumed with my work. I restarted my PC and I couldn't log in.

After restoring my profile, which was mainly due to sheer luck, I uninstalled Avast along with other programs I thought to be the culprit. I wasn't 100% sure though. Everything went back to normal.
Anyways after realizing how much of a crap Windows Defender is I reinstalled Avast. Today I ran the clean up and it got stuck at stage 2(registry optimization). I panciked and searched google and I came across a couple of topics of people complaining that Avast corrupted their profile. Then it became clear to me that Avast responsible for messing up my PC the last time.

I went back to my restore point(luckily Avast created one before the system clean up) and everything seems to be OK. But I'm not sure if I want this thing in my PC at this point. Yes I can always skip that registry step, but then I paid for it in the first place. In the previous update(when the interface was different) that option seemed to be working just fine.

Anyways, Is there any chance we can get a fix ?
Title: Re: Cleanup has corrupted my Windows 10 profile
Post by: Eddy on March 20, 2017, 07:02:12 PM
Let's see...

Is avast CleanUp corrupting user profiles ?
No, it doesn't (or at least it shouldn't)

Can avast CleanUp corrupt user profiles ?
Yes (although it shouldn't) it can.

Does avast CleanUp do anything that other tools can't/don't ?
No, it doesn't

Are any of those "cleaning" tools do anything you can't already do natively with the OS that is installed ?
That is a real big NO.

Is there any reason to pay for any of such tools ?
That is a real big NO also.
Just learn about the options the OS is already providing you and learn to use them.