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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Beta - Avast => Topic started by: petr.kolacek on August 13, 2020, 02:32:07 PM

Title: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: petr.kolacek on August 13, 2020, 02:32:07 PM
Hi everyone,

I`m glad to announce that new beta version is ready - 20.7.2422 (build 20.7.5527).

What is new

What was fixed

Known issues

Download links
Avast free https://bits.avcdn.net/productfamily_ANTIVIRUS/insttype_FREE/platform_WIN/installertype_ONLINE/build_BETA
Avast premium https://bits.avcdn.net/productfamily_ANTIVIRUS/insttype_APR/platform_WIN/installertype_ONLINE/build_BETA

Enjoy this beta!
We are looking forward to your feedback.

AVAST Team
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 13, 2020, 02:37:28 PM
"not all configuration is removed from registry after uninstallation"
Precisely why I was a bit skeptical about adding these items to the registry.
It may be faster but can be problematic when trying to remove the program.
How many of the known issues are new?
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 13, 2020, 02:51:10 PM
Thanks Petr, testing it asap...
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: petr.kolacek on August 13, 2020, 03:03:23 PM
"not all configuration is removed from registry after uninstallation"
Precisely why I was a bit skeptical about adding these items to the registry.
It may be faster but can be problematic when trying to remove the program.
How many of the known issues are new?

Hi Bob, just a comment to the configuration in registry and its removal - most of them were removed just fine in the first BETA, but some of them not and therefore some steps in uninstallation had to be redesigned. Currently under testing and should be ok in next BETA. Thank you for the first feedback regarding this, it helped to focus on it more.

Secondly, 5 of 6 known issues are new, but in terms of whether they were in the previous BETA too, hard to say as sometimes you do something differently and a bug appears but it could be there for some time already  ;)
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: NON on August 13, 2020, 03:16:10 PM
Thanks for the new beta :)
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 13, 2020, 04:29:50 PM
Thanks Petr, testing it asap...
- [UI Bug] Can't get into Geek Area via Enter key/symbol. (Devs are aware)
- [Info] AvBugReport did transfer loads of data once again, hope it helps... ;)
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: schmidthouse on August 13, 2020, 05:27:55 PM
Thanks Petr, running it now :)
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: schmidthouse on August 13, 2020, 05:41:58 PM
Thanks Petr, testing it asap...
- [UI Bug] Can't get into Geek Area via Enter key/symbol. (Devs are aware)
- [Info] AvBugReport did transfer loads of data once again, hope it helps... ;)

Could be blind,  :-\
Where is that symbol?
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 13, 2020, 05:55:06 PM
Here you are.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: schmidthouse on August 13, 2020, 06:04:36 PM
Here you are.

Thanks Asyn, however it worked for me ???
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 13, 2020, 06:21:37 PM
Here you are.
Thanks Asyn, however it worked for me ???
If so, good for you. For details see thread on Slack.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 13, 2020, 08:37:27 PM
No problem here either,
(https://d1ka0itfguscri.cloudfront.net/Lh/2020/08/13/18/36/cYjIFzGAcj/preview.jpg)
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 14, 2020, 07:26:35 AM
No problem here either,
Well, this is about UI 1.0.547, Avast Omni has its own/different UI channel/version.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bomaoi on August 14, 2020, 11:19:55 AM
Hello all,
My avast version updated automatically to the newest beta version. I tried to extend the avast free antivirus protection to check how is it accessible. I could enter the activation code, but in the comparison screen between the avast free and premier versions, I couldn't read it by pressing arrow keys or navigate by pressing the tab key. I'm using the NVDA screenreader.
Steps to reproduce:
1. Open avast free antivirus with enabled nvda screenreader.
2. Press the menu button, then the subscriptions link.
3. Click the "extend protection" link.
Effect:
Screenreader reads nothing, except when you press the insert+b shortcut key. Insert+b is a shortcut to read all in current window. I add also, that you can enter the activation code in subscriptions page.
Thank you for reading this.
I wish you nice time till I found next accessibility issue.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 14, 2020, 02:44:06 PM
No problem here either,
Well, this is about UI 1.0.547, Avast Omni has its own/different UI channel/version.
Maybe it's Avast that needs to make sure that all version when they run their beta product are using the same beta?
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 14, 2020, 03:05:01 PM
No problem here either,
Well, this is about UI 1.0.547, Avast Omni has its own/different UI channel/version.
Maybe it's Avast that needs to make sure that all version when they run their beta product are using the same beta?
As Omni is based on APS, program version and build# are the same, just the UI channel/version differs.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 14, 2020, 04:14:42 PM
No problem here either,
Well, this is about UI 1.0.547, Avast Omni has its own/different UI channel/version.
Maybe it's Avast that needs to make sure that all version when they run their beta product are using the same beta?
As Omni is based on APS, program version and build# are the same, just the UI channel/version differs.
I'm aware of the difference and that's my complaint. There shouldn't be a difference.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 14, 2020, 04:22:38 PM
No problem here either,
Well, this is about UI 1.0.547, Avast Omni has its own/different UI channel/version.
Maybe it's Avast that needs to make sure that all version when they run their beta product are using the same beta?
As Omni is based on APS, program version and build# are the same, just the UI channel/version differs.
I'm aware of the difference and that's my complaint. There shouldn't be a difference.
Agreed, it certainly would help for beta testing, but that's something for the devs to answer/decide.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: HVM on August 15, 2020, 12:18:04 PM
Avast Premium Security (Build 20.7.5527.561)
Windows 8.1 X86

Still experiencing PC shutdown problem in this Beta version :(

complete dump file:https://we.tl/t-Q69Y1VxEEX
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 16, 2020, 01:15:08 PM
Avast Premium Security (Build 20.7.5527.561) Windows 8.1 X86
Still experiencing PC shutdown problem in this Beta version :(
complete dump file:https://we.tl/t-Q69Y1VxEEX
Hi, I forwarded it, let's see...
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 16, 2020, 03:03:36 PM
Avast Premium Security (Build 20.7.5527.561) Windows 8.1 X86
Still experiencing PC shutdown problem in this Beta version :(
complete dump file:https://we.tl/t-Q69Y1VxEEX
Hi, I forwarded it, let's see...
I've found that at the end of the day, if you shut down the computer, it helps to
first turn off all Avast Shields till the computer restarts.
(https://d1ka0itfguscri.cloudfront.net/Lh/2020/08/16/13/01/cYjDIVGmz9/preview.jpg)
For me, this has worked to speed up the shutdown process at the end of the day.
This is also the last thing I do before shutting off the system.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 16, 2020, 06:18:42 PM
I've found that at the end of the day, if you shut down the computer, it helps to first turn off all Avast Shields till the computer restarts.
[...]
For me, this has worked to speed up the shutdown process at the end of the day. This is also the last thing I do before shutting off the system.
Well, that's a nice workaround, but I guess HVM is rather interested in a fix... ;)
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: DavidR on August 16, 2020, 06:35:26 PM
I've found that at the end of the day, if you shut down the computer, it helps to first turn off all Avast Shields till the computer restarts.
[...]
For me, this has worked to speed up the shutdown process at the end of the day. This is also the last thing I do before shutting off the system.
Well, that's a nice workaround, but I guess HVM is rather interested in a fix... ;)

In the meantime, it is much better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick or the pain of a slow shutdown.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 16, 2020, 06:37:48 PM
I've found that at the end of the day, if you shut down the computer, it helps to first turn off all Avast Shields till the computer restarts.
[...]
For me, this has worked to speed up the shutdown process at the end of the day. This is also the last thing I do before shutting off the system.
Well, that's a nice workaround, but I guess HVM is rather interested in a fix... ;)
In the meantime, it is much better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick or the pain of a slow shutdown.
Agreed. ;D
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: schmidthouse on August 16, 2020, 06:39:10 PM
I've found that at the end of the day, if you shut down the computer, it helps to first turn off all Avast Shields till the computer restarts.
[...]
For me, this has worked to speed up the shutdown process at the end of the day. This is also the last thing I do before shutting off the system.
Well, that's a nice workaround, but I guess HVM is rather interested in a fix... ;)

As am I  :)
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: HVM on August 17, 2020, 02:37:39 AM
Avast Premium Security (Build 20.7.5527.561) Windows 8.1 X86
Still experiencing PC shutdown problem in this Beta version :(
complete dump file:https://we.tl/t-Q69Y1VxEEX
Hi, I forwarded it, let's see...
I've found that at the end of the day, if you shut down the computer, it helps to
first turn off all Avast Shields till the computer restarts.
(https://d1ka0itfguscri.cloudfront.net/Lh/2020/08/16/13/01/cYjDIVGmz9/preview.jpg)
For me, this has worked to speed up the shutdown process at the end of the day.
This is also the last thing I do before shutting off the system.

Thanks

I tried it, but nothing worked
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Hried on August 19, 2020, 11:00:21 AM
On an unrelated note - maybe you have noticed that starting from 20.7, Avast stores most of its configuration settings (previously in avast5.ini / settings.ini) in registry. This is due to performance considerations of the ever increasing amount of settings we store - it was beginning to show.

So you will no longer find avast5.ini and most of other ini files in Avast’s Program Data folder and the new home for them is in Windows Registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AVAST Software\Avast\properties. You can perform modifications using Windows Registry Editor or prepare .reg files to perform the modifications automatically; these can then be shared with other users as well. Note that Self-Defense must be turned off to perform the modifications (but you can turn it on automatically by including its SelfDefense=1 setting in the .reg file).

While this might break age-old habits, we believe this will significantly improve the performance of any settings-related tasks :)
INI files were comfortable to work with but they are inherently slow due to their text-encoded nature. This change additionally enables easier automation of changes to settings - you can now send custom-tailored .reg files to any users who need your help with a more complex configuration without affecting any of their local settings.

Hope it helps and let us know of any issues with this!
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 19, 2020, 11:18:09 AM
Thanks Hried..!!
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: NON on August 19, 2020, 12:15:24 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 19, 2020, 03:19:19 PM
On an unrelated note - maybe you have noticed that starting from 20.7, Avast stores most of its configuration settings (previously in avast5.ini / settings.ini) in registry. This is due to performance considerations of the ever increasing amount of settings we store - it was beginning to show.

So you will no longer find avast5.ini and most of other ini files in Avast’s Program Data folder and the new home for them is in Windows Registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AVAST Software\Avast\properties. You can perform modifications using Windows Registry Editor or prepare .reg files to perform the modifications automatically; these can then be shared with other users as well. Note that Self-Defense must be turned off to perform the modifications (but you can turn it on automatically by including its SelfDefense=1 setting in the .reg file).

While this might break age-old habits, we believe this will significantly improve the performance of any settings-related tasks :)
INI files were comfortable to work with but they are inherently slow due to their text-encoded nature. This change additionally enables easier automation of changes to settings - you can now send custom-tailored .reg files to any users who need your help with a more complex configuration without affecting any of their local settings.

Hope it helps and let us know of any issues with this!
While this may speed thing up, it can also have serious consequences when novices start to play with the registry.
Messing up the .ini file may do harm to the Avast program, messing up the registry can bring down the entire system.
Most Avast users are not experts and really have no business ever doing any changes in the registry.
We also know that not being an expert, will not prevent the novice from trying.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Hried on August 19, 2020, 04:53:07 PM
On an unrelated note - maybe you have noticed that starting from 20.7, Avast stores most of its configuration settings (previously in avast5.ini / settings.ini) in registry. This is due to performance considerations of the ever increasing amount of settings we store - it was beginning to show.

So you will no longer find avast5.ini and most of other ini files in Avast’s Program Data folder and the new home for them is in Windows Registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AVAST Software\Avast\properties. You can perform modifications using Windows Registry Editor or prepare .reg files to perform the modifications automatically; these can then be shared with other users as well. Note that Self-Defense must be turned off to perform the modifications (but you can turn it on automatically by including its SelfDefense=1 setting in the .reg file).

While this might break age-old habits, we believe this will significantly improve the performance of any settings-related tasks :)
INI files were comfortable to work with but they are inherently slow due to their text-encoded nature. This change additionally enables easier automation of changes to settings - you can now send custom-tailored .reg files to any users who need your help with a more complex configuration without affecting any of their local settings.

Hope it helps and let us know of any issues with this!
While this may speed thing up, it can also have serious consequences when novices start to play with the registry.
Messing up the .ini file may do harm to the Avast program, messing up the registry can bring down the entire system.
Most Avast users are not experts and really have no business ever doing any changes in the registry.
We also know that not being an expert, will not prevent the novice from trying.

I understand, however no changes can be made due to Self-Defense being on by default anyway.  This should shield it from uninformed attempts and hopefully poeple will not advise others to blindly venture into registry when it's just as easy to send them a .reg file that does the required operation for them, risk-free.
While the .ini files were at first chosen as a easy way to be able to manually adjust settings, Avast's complexity has grown and I would hope not so many people play with the .ini files now anymore - hopefully it's easier to do in the GUI and if not, let us know what to improve. At the same time I would hope that posting/sharing a .reg file that (on double-click) turns something on or off for people is actually easier and safer than letting them to edit the .ini file themselves.  But feel free to convince me otherwise. 

Thanks for the feedback!
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Hried on August 20, 2020, 10:12:10 AM
PS: if you copy or create avast5.ini at ProgramData, its contents are automatically imported into registry (taking priority over previous settings) upon next restart of AV service. This is to easen transition from current workflow so you don't need to completely rewrite your instructions on how to change a specific setting. Hope it helps.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: DavidR on August 20, 2020, 11:20:01 AM
PS: if you copy or create avast5.ini at ProgramData, its contents are automatically imported into registry (taking priority over previous settings) upon next restart of AV service. This is to easen transition from current workflow so you don't need to completely rewrite your instructions on how to change a specific setting. Hope it helps.


Wouldn't it be nice if this was actually done automatically as part of the program update and restart process ?
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Hried on August 20, 2020, 12:58:09 PM
It is done automatically upon every restart - which is the point of restart of the AV service. Also, the update to 20.7 will do this for you.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 20, 2020, 01:57:07 PM
It is done automatically upon every restart - which is the point of restart of the AV service. Also, the update to 20.7 will do this for you.
Hopefully the re-write of the removal tool will soon be done.
I'd like to be sure that when I totally remove Avast (any version) that it is totally removed.
It's to only way to truly do a clean install which is sometimes needed.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: DavidR on August 20, 2020, 02:18:44 PM
It is done automatically upon every restart - which is the point of restart of the AV service. Also, the update to 20.7 will do this for you.

Thanks for the clarification.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 20, 2020, 04:09:00 PM
Thanks Petr, testing it asap...
- [UI Bug] Can't get into Geek Area via Enter key/symbol. (Devs are aware)
This has been fixed in UI 549.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 20, 2020, 04:24:03 PM
Thanks Petr, testing it asap...
- [UI Bug] Can't get into Geek Area via Enter key/symbol. (Devs are aware)
This has been fixed in UI 549.
Would be nice if Avast updated the UI for those of us using OMNI.
(https://d1ka0itfguscri.cloudfront.net/Lh/2020/08/20/14/23/cYjY20m1lW/preview.jpg)


Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 24, 2020, 11:20:39 AM
Hopefully the re-write of the removal tool will soon be done.
I'd like to be sure that when I totally remove Avast (any version) that it is totally removed.
It's to only way to truly do a clean install which is sometimes needed.
Hi Bob, you can get the latest version (for beta) here: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 24, 2020, 01:44:36 PM
Hopefully the re-write of the removal tool will soon be done.
I'd like to be sure that when I totally remove Avast (any version) that it is totally removed.
It's to only way to truly do a clean install which is sometimes needed.
Hi Bob, you can get the latest version (for beta) here: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366)
I'm on the latest beta. It's the UI build that's not the same in Omni as in the rest of the AV products.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 24, 2020, 01:52:50 PM
Hopefully the re-write of the removal tool will soon be done.
I'd like to be sure that when I totally remove Avast (any version) that it is totally removed.
It's to only way to truly do a clean install which is sometimes needed.
Hi Bob, you can get the latest version (for beta) here: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366)
I'm on the latest beta. It's the UI build that's not the same in Omni as in the rest of the AV products.
My reply was regarding your request for the removal tool.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 24, 2020, 01:56:53 PM
Hopefully the re-write of the removal tool will soon be done.
I'd like to be sure that when I totally remove Avast (any version) that it is totally removed.
It's to only way to truly do a clean install which is sometimes needed.
Hi Bob, you can get the latest version (for beta) here: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366)
I'm on the latest beta. It's the UI build that's not the same in Omni as in the rest of the AV products.
My reply was regarding your request for the removal tool.
Avast has already acknowledged that they are still working on the removal tool.
What makes you think that it's already been addressed? Have you tried and tested it?
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 24, 2020, 02:01:33 PM
Hopefully the re-write of the removal tool will soon be done.
I'd like to be sure that when I totally remove Avast (any version) that it is totally removed.
It's to only way to truly do a clean install which is sometimes needed.
Hi Bob, you can get the latest version (for beta) here: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?msg=1558366)
I'm on the latest beta. It's the UI build that's not the same in Omni as in the rest of the AV products.
My reply was regarding your request for the removal tool.
Avast has already acknowledged that they are still working on the removal tool.
What makes you think that it's already been addressed? Have you tried and tested it?
Download it and check the version#. ;)
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: bob3160 on August 24, 2020, 02:06:51 PM
That's not checking its ability to clean out all things Avast.
Title: Re: New beta version 20.7.2422
Post by: Asyn on August 24, 2020, 02:13:21 PM
That's not checking its ability to clean out all things Avast.
I just provided the link for the latest version. That's all.