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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Bellzemos on October 31, 2019, 08:39:28 PM

Title: avastclear.exe
Post by: Bellzemos on October 31, 2019, 08:39:28 PM: Hi,

when I download the avastclear.exe file from the https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility and try to run it I get an error: The installer cannot open the SFX archive (0x3ee).

Anyone else experiencing this?

Thank you.
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: bob3160 on October 31, 2019, 10:32:15 PM: Quote from: Bellzemos on October 31, 2019, 08:39:28 PM
Hi,

when I download the avastclear.exe file from the https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility) and try to run it I get an error: The installer cannot open the SFX archive (0x3ee).

Anyone else experiencing this?

Thank you.
No problem here. ???
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: Bellzemos on November 01, 2019, 01:06:35 AM: OK, that is weird. After I read your reply I tried downloading and running it again - and was able to run it fine.

Then, I tried again, some time later - and was unable to run it, with the same error message, yet again.

I scanned the corrupted avastclear.exe file with Virus Total and got 4 FPs:
(https://i.imgur.com/kIUPK1s.png)

Then, I deleted the corrupted file and tried downloading again - and this time the program opened normally again.

I scanned the proper working file and got different results (only 2 FPs this time).
(https://i.imgur.com/gNcYRu2.png)

The file appears exactly the same in size (in Windows).

But something must be different. And, I found out, when I get downloading a corrupted file, it downloads faster.

It seems like it's unable to get properly to my PC, and when it takes couple seconds longer, I get the proper working file.

I've already run SFC /SCANNOW before and it's all good. And I have no malware on my PC. What could be the problem? :o
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: DavidR on November 01, 2019, 02:00:56 AM: What would be the reason to run multiple uninstalls with avastclear.exe.

Given what avastclear.exe is trying to do, it is hardly surprising that some might consider it suspect. However I haven't heard of those programs that detected it. Not to mention the malware name given would seem to be somewhat strange given what avastclear.exe does.

Did you compare:
1. The avast signature of the files as they should be digitally signed ?
2. I don't know if you have a file hash checking tool (that really is the best way to compare files) ?
I have one that adds an extra element Hash/CRC tab to the file properties, https://www.febooti.com/products/filetweak/members/hash-and-crc/ (https://www.febooti.com/products/filetweak/members/hash-and-crc/).
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: Bellzemos on November 01, 2019, 10:27:51 AM: Hi DavidR,

you probably don't remember me but you've helped me many times, over 10 years ago, when I first started using Avast. So first of all, thank you.

I downloaded avastclear.exe multiple times because I was unable to run it. Then when I got it working for the fist time I tried again out of curiosity and to my surprise the file was corrupted again. It downloaded too fast, I have no idea what's causing this, probably something on my end, but I don't know what.

I don't have any file hash checking tools, I've never needed it so far. When I find a suspicious file, I upload it to VirustTotal for a check.

The two files were exactly the same in size but one was corrupted and showed more FPs. I will explore this weird behavior more and see if i can find out what's causing it.
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: DavidR on November 01, 2019, 05:05:41 PM: You're welcome.

Hopefully you can find the cause, as strange as it may be.
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: Bellzemos on November 05, 2019, 05:15:51 PM: I found what the problem is but haven't soved it. It has nothing to do with Avast. It's my network or internet connection - the ISP, modem or router. Thank you.
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: DavidR on November 05, 2019, 06:18:46 PM: Quote from: Bellzemos on November 05, 2019, 05:15:51 PM
I found what the problem is but haven't soved it. It has nothing to do with Avast. It's my network or internet connection - the ISP, modem or router. Thank you.

Now that is strange.
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: Bellzemos on November 05, 2019, 10:35:27 PM: You guys can all download and run without errors the file "avastclear.exe" from the https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility right?

What I found out is, any PC/device that I connect to my network, sometimes downloads it fine and sometimes corrupted - can't be executed.

If I connect any PC/device to an other network (my friends wifi), it always works OK. And it's not just for that file, some other download as wel...

So, it's a really strange network issue. I suspect my LTE modem or my ISP.
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: Pondus on November 05, 2019, 10:37:30 PM: Quote
So, it's a really strange network issue. I suspect my LTE modem or my ISP.
Tried to restart it ?
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: bob3160 on November 05, 2019, 10:47:32 PM: Quote from: Pondus on November 05, 2019, 10:37:30 PM
Quote
So, it's a really strange network issue. I suspect my LTE modem or my ISP.
Tried to restart it ?
Unplug the device, wait 5 min and plug back in.
Wait for all the lights to come back and see if that makes a difference.
Title: Re: avastclear.exe
Post by: Bellzemos on November 05, 2019, 11:09:12 PM: I turn the LTE modem off every night (disconnect it from electric circuit). Today I reset its settings to factory defaults. All to no avail.

I'll have to get another LTE modem and try then I guess. If that won't work, time to change the ISP...