Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Spiritsongs on September 30, 2006, 06:18:00 PM
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:) Hi all :
Last night when I booted, the Avast Icon would NOT
appear in the System Tray; in the past this has happened,
but when I rebooted, it would appear. After last night, I
rebooted at least 6 times without an "appearance". Went
to Add/Remove Programs to "Repair", but an "Antivirus
Setup" dialogue box appears & going through it a "Debug"
log eventually is the result. So I downloaded & ran the
Avast Uninstall Tool and further "cleansed" my system of
Avast. Downloaded afresh, got "New" Registration
Number, Installed & still no icon in system tray. Info
shows I have ver 4.7.889, not 4.7.892 .
recommendations ?
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There is definitely something wrong there, 4.7.889 was a beta build I believe, it went from 4.7.871 to 4.7.892 on the regular avast release versions. So perhaps that could have an effect but, since you say you used the uninstall utility that should have cleared any registry remnants
You could try a manual program update and see if that works in getting 4.7.892 but, it would seem that the install failed in some weird way but I can't see how it would show a beta build release version. It would probably be best to download the latest version of avast and confirm that it is version 4.7.892 . Use that when you reinstall.
avast! icon missing - As a temporary measure you can create a desktop shortcut for this file C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe.
As these are the usual avast icon killers, what other security based software do you have that might block new startup entries, e.g. Spybot S&D (TeaTimer), AdAware (AdWatch), SpySweeper, PrevX, WinPatrol, ProcessGuard, etc. ?
Check the option in the Appearance tab of Program Settings. Or Make a link to ashdisp.exe in your startup folder. Or Add the path to ashDisp.exe into a value named avast! in the Windows Registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run (see c:\avaststartup.reg if help needed)
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I too lost my Avast tray icon (yesterday or today) for no apparent reason I can detect. Surfing is all I've been doing, no system changes. First I tried a System Restore to the 28th. Still no tray icon. Then I tried a repair install online and got error screen like Spirits got. I check msconfig and no Avast listed anymore! So in frustration, I removed my 4.7.871 with aswclear.exe to be safe, as did Spirits. Then d/l'd and installed 4.7.892. All appeared OK but still no tray icon after reboot.
Checked SetupLog info and toward the bottom I keep seeing "Install Check: C:\Program Files\Alwill Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe does NOT exist" Sure enough, it is NOT appearing in this folder. So I can't do a desktop shortcut as you recommended, David and not sure I'm competent enough to do your other suggestions without some guidance.
A clean Avast Removal Tool and reinstall should install clean, no? Is this a problem with the latest program update 4.7.892 on the website? 4.7.892 had been running OK up until this icon disappearance I noticed today. FYI All files are running in task manager normally so I assume all resident shields are "working". But when I checked msconfig, avast is no longer listed there, after the install of a clean version!
Any suggestions Avast team? A bug in the new release? I only run SpywareDoctor with all realtime guards "on" and Comodo FW with my Avast. Several on-demand only scanners as needed.
EDIT: Running per Task Mgr: ashWebSv.exe, ashMaiSv.exe, ashServ.exe, aswUpdSv.exe.
I used 4 resident shields (Standard, Web, Network, Mail)before all this occurred today. I clearly have no way to configure myself to just 4 resident shields because I have to way to see that on-access screen anymore.
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I also just discovered nothing happens when I click either the desktop A-icon, Menu, Updating, AVS Update or by clicking the link on the main page of GUI, Database Only link, Update Now. Nada, program renders no errors except in event viewer; prgm just does nothing. I checked Event Viewer, Antivirus and see lots of this error along with update errors, but just today, since the fresh reinstall after the traay icon disappeared.......
Event Type: Warning
Event Source: avast!
Event Category: Client
Event ID: 90
Date: 9/30/2006
Time: 7:03:59 PM
User: N/A
Computer: STUDY
Description:
Function setifaceUpdatePackages() has failed. Return code is 0x20000019, dwRes is 20000019.
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:) Hi David ( & Others ) :
Of the programs you mentioned, only have the FREE
version of Ad-Aware. Just did a "Search > All files and
folders" using the search "term" "ashDisp" and nothing
was found .
Have the exact same Avast processes running in Task
Manager as buttoni .
P.S. It was an "Alert" from my firewall that the "new"
Avast was 4.7.889 ; how true I do not know !?
I have also been having trouble getting my ISP's
"Accelerator" icon to appear in System Tray after booting
and their "instructions" mention it uses a proxy server on
my computer & that IO > Connections > Settings should
have "Use a proxy server for this connection" box
"checked" and "localhost" & port number 8080 entered;
Should this be entered somewhere in my Avast Settings ?
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I too am having the problem of my ISP icon not appearing in the tray, Spiritsong! I even reinstalled my ATT DSL Browser software to resolve that issue! The ISP tray icon appeared and I thought I had solved THAT problem. But then I noticed it too had disappeared! What is going on? I'm starting to feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. I've done Ewido, Avast & Adaware scans in safe mode and I'm NOT infected with anything they can detect. My Avast Update connections setting is presently & has always been "I am permanently connected to the internet". This setting is correct for my ATT DSL connection & has heretofore allowed me to update successfully. I'm having no problems connecting to the internet for all other purposes.
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If you start the ashsimpl.exe (Simple User Interface) on the Menu there is an about avast option, which should be able to provide information on the avast version.
There have been previous issues with icons disappearing from the system tray in Windows, it doesn't happen to just avast, it seems there is a flaw in displaying or icons going missing http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=system+try+icons+missing, this search string returns many hits.
http://www.tech-pro.net/howto_013.html
http://winhlp.com/WxSystray.htm
@ buttoni
If the file is missing there will be no icon, so you should try an avast repair and see if that can restore the file. Check the windows Start button, Run, type 'msconfig' without the quotes and click OK, check the Startup Tab and see if there is an entry for ashDisp ?
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David, ashDisp is not in msconfig because a Search shows it is not on my HDD. Each time I have tried to do a Add/Remove, Change/Remove, Repair Install (which I have done several time before successfully) I no longer get the nice big clickable buttons at the left, Repair, Uninstall, etc. like I used to. I get installation screen, What Language?, Avast Setup Welcome Screen, Read Me screen, EULA screen, Proxy Screen (I click Direct Connection, as always, because I have NEVER used Proxy setting for Avast and my DSL connection), Tells me where it will install program, and then says "There was an error" and I click View Log button. Here it is:
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Started: 01.10.2006, 08:36:20
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Running setup_av_pro-37c (892)
01.10.2006 08:36:20 system: Operating system: WindowsXP ver 5.1, build 2600, sp 2.0 [Service Pack 2]
01.10.2006 08:36:20 system: Computer WinName: STUDY
01.10.2006 08:36:20 system: Windows Net User: STUDY\peggy
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Cmdline: /uninstwiz
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Old version: 37c (892)
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Install check: 'C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe' does NOT exist
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: SGW32P::CheckIfInstalled set m_bAlreadyInstalled to 0
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: DldSrc set to inet
01.10.2006 08:36:20 system: Computer DnsName: STUDY
01.10.2006 08:36:20 system: Computer Ip Addr: 192.168.1.64
01.10.2006 08:36:20 registry: Get registry: Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Version=6.0.2900.2180
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Operation set to INST_OP_INSTALL
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: GUID: 4e5c92e2-e785-40f0-b877-7b0798986a70
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Default server pseudo definition loaded as ''.
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: SelectCurrent: selected server 'FailSafeServer' from 'main'
01.10.2006 08:36:20 package: GetPackages - set proxy for inet
01.10.2006 08:36:20 internet: SYNCER: Type: use IE settings
01.10.2006 08:36:20 internet: SYNCER: Auth: another authentication, use WinInet
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Entered SetupProcessPro::Do( INST_OP_INSTALL )
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Entered SetupProcessWin32Avast::Do( INST_OP_INSTALL )
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Entered SetupProcessWin32::Do( INST_OP_INSTALL )
01.10.2006 08:36:20 general: Entered SetupProcess::Do( INST_OP_INSTALL )
01.10.2006 08:36:28 internet: SYNCER: Type: no proxy
01.10.2006 08:36:28 internet: SYNCER: Auth: no authentication
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: progress thread start
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: progress start - 1
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: compatCopyFile( \servers.def.vpu, C:\DOCUME~1\peggy\LOCALS~1\Temp\_av_proI.tm~a00892\onefile ) failed with error 0x00000002
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: InvalidateCurrent: invalidated server 'FailSafeServer' from 'main'
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: SelectCurrent: unable to find any suitable server in 'main'
01.10.2006 08:36:31 internet: while trying to get file 'servers.def.vpu', error 0x00000002 has occured, try 1
01.10.2006 08:36:31 internet: tried 1 servers to get file 'servers.def.vpu', but failed (0x00000002)
01.10.2006 08:36:31 file: GetNewerStampedFile:GetFileWithRetry failed: C:\DOCUME~1\peggy\LOCALS~1\Temp\_av_proI.tm~a00892\onefile, servers.def.vpu, error: 0x00000002
01.10.2006 08:36:31 package: Download servers.def, servers.def.vpu failed with error 0x20000011.
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: compatCopyFile( \servers.def, C:\DOCUME~1\peggy\LOCALS~1\Temp\_av_proI.tm~a00892\onefile ) failed with error 0x00000002
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: InvalidateCurrent: invalidated server 'FailSafeServer' from 'main'
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: SelectCurrent: unable to find any suitable server in 'main'
01.10.2006 08:36:31 internet: while trying to get file 'servers.def', error 0x00000002 has occured, try 1
01.10.2006 08:36:31 internet: tried 1 servers to get file 'servers.def', but failed (0x00000002)
01.10.2006 08:36:31 file: GetNewerStampedFile:GetFileWithRetry failed: C:\DOCUME~1\peggy\LOCALS~1\Temp\_av_proI.tm~a00892\onefile, servers.def, error: 0x00000002
01.10.2006 08:36:31 package: Tried to download servers.def but failed with error 0x00000002.
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: progress end - 0
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: progress thread end
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: InvalidateCurrent: invalidated server 'FailSafeServer' from 'main'
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: SelectCurrent: unable to find any suitable server in 'main'
01.10.2006 08:36:31 internet: SYNCER: Type: Invalid
01.10.2006 08:36:31 internet: SYNCER: Auth: no authentication
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: SelectCurrent: unable to find any suitable server in 'main'
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: progress end - forced
01.10.2006 08:36:31 general: progress thread end
About Avast shows I am running 4.7.892 upgraded from whatever the last version was (4.7.871 I believe).
Any thoughts on why, when I click Change/Remove button in Add/Remove, I no longer get the Repair Uninstall button to click on? I found that particularly odd. So what it's trying to do here may not be a "repair" install, but a full install ontop of a full install! I'm stabbing in the dark here.
Comodo FW is allowing OUT for ashServ.exe, IN/OUT for ashWeb.exe, ashMai.exe,ashWebSv.exe. I even "unstealthed" my modem/router today & retried Repair (just to be sure that wasn't cause). No change. All the scenarios play out exactly the same way as previously mentioned. I never had these issues before this upgrade and feel it has to be something with this upgrade. It seems a total uninstall via aswclear removal tool and download of fresh copy from Alwil download server (both I did)should have corrected any problems, since the problems just occurred in the last two days & seem to be directly related to that upgrade. Unless the downloadable copy on the server is not "squeaky clean"? I'd sure like VLK or someone on the programmer's side to explain the total lack of ashDisp.exe in a clean downloaded copy of the program.
Interesting note: There is a marker for ashDisp in Windows Prefetch folder, but a Search yields no instances of it in Avast folder or elsewhere on HDD after fresh download at website.
* David, please feel free to split me off into a separate thread if you deem appropriate. What I was experiencing seemed so parallel to Spiritsong I thought this might be better for troublshooters. Didn't mean to "cut in" on his thread.
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One last bit of info, I notice I have allowed avast.setup OUTBOUND access in Comodo Firewall. I failed to site that in previous post.
My only other thoughts is that could my modem set in "stealth mode" during the download of the fresh copy, have prevented ashDisp.exe and update feature from installing properly? (but I got no install error messages during/after the install to indicate anything was amiss). If you think that possible, now that I have "unstealthed" it, I could try to do clean uninstall with aswclear and redownload. I'll wait to proceed until someone replies.
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:) Hi All :
As of last Thurs Sept 28, I had ver 4.7.871 and had NOT
done a PROGRAM Upgrade to 4.7.892 ; it was after the
installation of VPS 0639-4 the next day that the Avast
icon in the System Tray never "appeared", even trying to
do a PROGRAM Upgrade to a "newer" version does NOT
"correct" the situation, so I wonder if VPS 0639-4 is the
"source" of the no-show of icon in System Tray and/or
the lack of ashDisp !? I differ from buttoni in that I use
Dialup and have Win XP SP1.
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board newbie here, not overly technical. I lost my tray icons, too, when I turned on the computer this morning. Several reboots, nothing. Began turning off other layers of protection one at a time and rebooting to make sure nothing was causing a problem (by the way, avast has been getting along great with comodo, cyberhawk, spyware terminator and winpatrol just fine for the last month until this problem). Then I came here and did some reading, come to find out I don't have the ashDisp.exe, either. No trace of it, it's as if it was never there. Checked via msconfig and a few other programs that list the startup programs.
about avast tells me Build: Oct2006(4.7.892)
So, is there any headway on what this problem may be?
Has anyone heard of a complete cleaning and reinstall fixing it?
Since I don't have an uninstall option apparent other than Add/Remove, and since I read somewhere around here that the Avast uninstall is better, where can I get it if I need it?
Thanks for any help, I love the product but not this problem. I assume I've still got the same amount of protection running, I just dont' have the icons?
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I see there is a similar thread going on in this forum, too. :P
I just tried the Add/Remove option via the control panel to look for a repair option. However, the only option I had was to install Avast. I went through the process until it asked me to confirm the installation folder, that's when I stopped.
Apparently I can't uninstall even if I want to, unless someone has a suggestion.
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Well, I just tried one last ditch thing awaiting further Avast assistance. I uninstalled a second time using the aswclear.exe at this link:
http://files.avast.com/files/eng/aswclear.exe
Then I did a Search and deleted all things Alwil/Avast it would let me. Then I deleted all things Alwil/Avast I could find in registry search (backed registry up first). Then I removed all Avast application rules in Comodo and turned off Comodo completely. I shut down SpywareDoctor. Left my modem "unstealthed". I thought, there's nothing remaining that could block a clean, successsful install. I have no other realtime security onboard. I did fresh install of full program using the setup icon for the downloaded copy I had saved to my my desktop. Install went fine, but still no tray icon, no ashDisp.exe file exists on my HDD, Avast is not in msconfig Startup listing, but Win Prefetch indicator for ashDisp.exe still there and I still can't update through UI. So everything happened exactly the same as last night, even taking those extra precautions I just mentioned. Deja vu. :(
Avast team, the downloadable copy is NOT including a copy of ashDisp.exe and in addition is not configuring itself properly during the install. ??? There is no earthly reason the exact same single file should be consistently discriminated against during a fresh install!
Until this update and now fresh install problem is fixed, I cannot fine tune or turn on/off the on-access scanners, cannot build a VRDB, cannot update, and can't watch that cute little ball rolling around when I open mail. The only thing I can say with certainty is Task Manager shows all the usual Avast files running (except ashDisp.exe) and I assume I'm fully protected from malware.
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If it is useful to you, here are my currently running Avast Windows Services:
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The ashDisp.exe doesn't effect your protection other than you haven't got the interface to the on-access scanners or context menu. As a temporary you can run the Simple User Interface, C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashsimpl.exe this once running you can update the VPS (iavs signature file) it will also give access to the menu, which should give access to other stuff (sorry about the technical term).
Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you a copy of ashDisp.exe zipped. You may still have to do the stuff mentioned in my first post to Spirit.
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I have had a desktop icon (properties=ashAvast.exe) that I have been able to use all along (just no tray icons). I also have ashsimple.exe in the normal location. Both will invoke the user interface. But what I'm saying is clicking on Updates the User Simple Interface screen does NOTHING. The program, when it is freshly installed, with all security realtime turned off before the install, is not setting itself up correctly for me, with regards to tray icons, updating, Add/Remove Change/Remove screens, or A-ball right click Context Menu features . TaskManager shows aswUpdSv.exe is running. But when I click on update VPS the CPU flickers maybe two times and stops I get no confirmation screens telling me any updating is happening or that I am already up to date. Nothing, nada, zip. Does anyone there have a machine they can do a clean uninstall/download/fresh install on to see if ALL downloads are doing this from the website? There are several people reporting this problem now. I wiill pm you with email for that zip file, but there is definitely more malfunctioning than just the lack of ashDisp.exe.
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:) Hi All :
Decided to try the "time-consuming" method of solving
the "problem" . Used the Avast Uninstall Tool, rebooted,
used "Search > All files and folders" & the search "term"
"Avast" that resulted in 8 files found ( 2 were cookies ),
"Delete(d)" them, ran my registry cleaner which "Fixed"
more Avast "entries". Then went to www.filehippo.com,
clicked on the Avast link, Selected the "old" version
4.7.871 and started the download. When it finished,
clicked the "exe" to start the installation and thereafter
the 2 Avast "balls" appeared in the System Tray.
Generated the VRDB, rebooted & the balls still there.
Merged the icons, did my Settings, ran a scan ( nothing
detected ) and rebooted. Icon appeared in System Tray.
By the way, the GUI showed the latest VPS Update of
0639-4, whereas what I downloaded from the Avast
site 2 days ago showed 0639-1 . Also configured the
"Providers" to my liking, which included "terminating" 2
of them . At this point in time, still have "a" ball in
System Tray .
For the near future, I recommend using the filehippo
site for downloading Avast .
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Just signed up as I have been watching this thread for some time now. Sorry for jumping in on this thread....but yes buttoni...I have done everything you have done so far but still no icon by the clock. I have un-installed avast with the tool and downloaded avast again with a new register key and still the same results. No icon and no ashDisp any where to be found. All my actions I have done the same as you and all results are pretty much the same.
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@ Spiritsong:
My GUI also showing the 0169-1 signature file from my download at the Alwil website. Thanks for taking the time to give the details of what worked for you. But Avast folks need to fix the latest version being downloaded at the main website, too. We shouldn't have to uninstall and go back to the older version. I want to wait until VLK or a programmer gives further suggestions before taking any steps that may mess things up worse than they already are. As more users are reporting this now, I think the ball is in their park now, since the upgrade malfunctioned and the fresh downloads do, too.
@David: I have tried twice to send you a PM. Both times it doesn't appear to go through. My outbox shows empty. Absolutely nothing has gone right in the last two days! :(
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Just as an experiment ...
I downloaded the latest avast setup file from the avast website following the avast home edition links ... saved file setupeng.exe to disk.
I just uninstalled (via add/remove programs) my avast 4.7.892. After rebooting I ran aswclear.exe to remove any leftovers.
Then I ran the setup file. I selected typical install. I allowed avast to install to its default directory choice, it installed without any error messages. I allowed it to restart the system.
On restart the normal avast new install popup screen, it opened the two icons on the task bar and installed an update to VPS. ashdisp.exe is present in the avast programs folder and ... all appears to look just like a normal clean avast install.
I am running Windows XP SP2 and the Windows XP firewall (I am also behind a router).
Sorry that I cannot recreate the problem.
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:) Hi all :
In the past I seem to recall, on rare occasions, of 1 of the
Avast Servers going "bad". It was "fixed" in a relatively
short period of time . I think my download using Avast
site 2 days ago was from "download24......" !?
BUT that does NOT explain, unless the VPS Updates use
the same Servers as the PROGRAM Updates, why the
Icon(s) ( ashDisp ) "suddenly" "disappeared" from those
who were using 4.7.871, as buttoni & I, and NOT the
latest 4.7.892 !?
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thanks, message sent.
If it doesn't work, would it be worth going with the previous version of avast until teh problem is resolved? Is that even a possibility?
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Fixed the disappearing icons... perhaps not a conventional fix, but it worked.
First, David, thank you for the prompt response and for ashDisp. I extracted it to the Avast4 folder, rebooted just to see, but no icons. So, I added ashDisp to Comodo's application monitor (don't know if that was encessary or not), then I used Spybot S&D to add ashDisp.exe to the startup list. Rebooted and they are there! Ran msconfig just to be sure, and ashDisp is there on the startup list.
Thanks again! I'll stay posted in here to see if the original problem is figured out (why ashDisp.exe went away in the first place). Hopefully my fix is all that I need and it's all good as new. Hopefully.
;D 8)
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Alanrf, I would gladly try yet again, from the www.filehippo.com site this time, if I only could. :'( But I am no longer able to uninstall my currupted Avast via Add/Remove programs first. As I mentioned in an earlier post, when I click the Change/Remove button, I no longer get Uninstall, Repair, etc. buttons at the left, it goes straight to an Install Avast Setup screen, followed by EULA, etc. sequence of screens which fails with the log shown in red on page one this thread. Aswclear.exe is now the only uninstaller available to me.
@David:
I feel certain that a copy of ashDisp.exe isn't going to help me. I have several corrupted program features. The file would restore the tray icons, but won't fix the updating problem or the incomplete screen choices in ControlPanel's Add/Remove Change/remove screen. I need to be able to fully purge the corrupted program copy from my system without the ability to do it in Add/Remove Programs. I could Search/Manual Delete off HDD and Search/Manual Delete in the Registry, if there are no other options available. Is aswclear.exe able to do a full uninstall off the hard drive or is written to only go after registry leftovers? Perhaps a Windows Run command with some kind of Avast path designation that would invoke the Windows Uninstaller specifically to uninstall Avast?
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aswclear offers the full uninstall of avast ... you will need to point it to the directory in which avast is currently installed.
In my case the regular uninstall was available via add/remove programs. I just used aswclear to ensure there were no file or registry remnants for my test uninstall/reinstall.
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That's good to know about aswclear.exe, Alanrf. Then it should be getting the crucial bits off my system. I did notice very little left to manually delete, even in the registry.
I just keep pluggin' with this. Last night I tried to download the latest version 4.7.892 once again, but this time from filehippo and exactly the same results, unfortunately. No Go. I did notice one thing last night. After the uninstall via aswclear, during my manual file deletions of remnants, Windows would NOT let me delete ashShell.dll. Could that be significant here?
Anyway, I think I'm going to uninstall with the means available to me and try installing the older version 4.7.871 from filehippo.com like you did, Alanrf, and see if that version will install properly. At this point, what else can I try? I'm convinced this lingering ashShell.dll or some other remnant/function "hidden" to me is preventing a successful install and fuly- functional of 4.7.892. I'll post back my results.
Oh, BTW I ran a SFC /SCANNOW and no corrupt/missing files in Windows System files were found. So whatever is going on with Add/Remove in Control Panel appears to be just Avast related.
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Same thing here. I can't uninstall it. All it wants to do is install then I get an error.
Will Avast still update?
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@Alanrf
Well, Alan, I uninstalled 4.7.892 using aswclear.exe just now, did all possible manual file/regkey deletions for keywords Alwil, Avast, Ash,Asw (just those that appeared to only be Avast-related). Rebooted and installed 4.7.871 like you from the filehippo.com site. No go. Same scenario: no tray icons, only dsktop icon, About shows Ver 4.7.871; TskMgr shows same Avast files running, can't update, can't get on-access scanner screens, can't build VRDB, nothing Avast is in Startup list on msconfig and now Windows Security Center baloon tells me my AV is "out of date & I'm at risk" at each reboot (which I just close).
Neither version will install & work properly for me now. SO I GIVE UP, FOLKS. I have retried 4-5 times now without success from either site. I have absolutely no other ideas and am leaving this older version on my system until someone on the Avast team can suggest something else to try. At least the protection side of the program is working, even if signatures are "out of date" according to Windows Security Center pop-up today. I think the technical problem is "way over my head at this point". :(
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@ irishgodfather
What was there when you clicked the View setup log ?
Can you post the last 30 lines or so of the setup.log file, perhaps someone from the Alwil Team or others can see what the error is about.
Since this Topic relates to Lost system files, what was your reason for (re)installing avast, since you have 5 posts in the forums, I assume you already had avast installed ?
Is this in anyway related to your Topic on Vista, e.g. installing for the first time under Vista ?
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The only program to ask permission of Comodo to connect for either install has been avast.setup, which I granted OUT access. Shouldn't other Avast files be asking Comodo to connect, like ashMaiSv.exe, ashWebSV.exe and especially aswUpdSv.exe? They have not as yet on either version reinstalls done in the last two days. I can do manually in Comodo if I know the "Parent Application" of the three files.
Don't know if this tells you anything, but in the Setup log, the install, as I read down it, looks like all goes OK. But I sure don't understand all that technical stuff. Reads pretty much like I remember it reading in months past. Then each time Setup shows entries like this section (which I assume are attempts to update itself?)
10:21:21 min/gen Started: 02.10.2006, 10:21:21
10:21:21 min/gen Running setup_av_pro-367 (871)
10:21:21 nrm/sys Operating system: WindowsXP ver 5.1, build 2600, sp 2.0 [Service Pack 2]
10:21:21 vrb/sys Computer WinName: STUDY
10:21:21 min/sys Windows Net User: SYSTEM
10:21:21 min/gen Cmdline: /downloadpkgs /noreboot /updatevps /verysilent
10:21:21 vrb/gen DldSrc set to inet
10:21:21 vrb/gen Operation set to INST_OP_UPDATE_GET_PACKAGES
10:21:21 min/gen Old version: 367 (871)
10:21:21 vrb/gen Install check: 'C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe' does NOT exist
10:21:21 nrm/gen SGW32P::CheckIfInstalled set m_bAlreadyInstalled to 0
10:21:21 vrb/sys Computer DnsName: STUDY
10:21:21 vrb/sys Computer Ip Addr: XXX.XXX.X.XX
10:21:21 min/gen GUID: 8bb577c1-ff39-4372-a833-56e7f66a33c7
10:21:21 min/gen Default server pseudo definition loaded as ''.
10:21:21 nrm/gen SelectCurrent: selected server 'FailSafeServer' from 'main'
10:21:21 min/pkg GetPackages - set proxy for inet
10:21:21 nrm/int SYNCER: Type: use IE settings
10:21:21 nrm/int SYNCER: Auth: another authentication, use WinInet
10:21:21 nrm/pkg Transferred files: 0
10:21:21 nrm/pkg Transferred bytes: 0
10:21:21 nrm/pkg Transfer time: 0 ms
10:21:21 vrb/fil NeedReboot=false
10:21:21 min/gen Return code: 0x20000019 [Unknown error]
10:21:21 min/gen Stopped: 02.10.2006, 10:21:21
I'll attach the full Setup.log on the currently installed version 4.7.871 for analysis
-
:) Hi Alan :
As one of my posts clearly states, aswclear.exe
does NOT completely REMOVE Avast from a computer .
Hi buttoni :
You mentioned the "Windows Security Center", which I
hope you know if its "firewall" is NOT disabled, could
conflict with your Comodo !?
As to "ashShell.dll", should seriously consider installing
"Unlocker" from http://ccollomb.free/fr/unlocker/ .
This good & FREE program adds another option to your
RIGHT-click Menu, to use when "Delete" does NOT work .
And after my recent apparently successful re-install of
4.7.871, my firewall asked for permission of Avast to
"connect"; it now says "ashServ" & "ashWebSv" are
"allowed" & 2 others are "ask".
-
Thanks for the interim suggestion, Spiritsongs. That sounds like a useful tool to have onboard. And I always forget about HijackThis Tools "Delete file on reboot" option, which I already have onboard. I'll try one of these options when I try another uninstall, which I no doubt will have to do, but am unwilling to until an Avast programmer advises further. Yes, I know two firewalls running is a no-no and WinFW SErvice has been off for over a year on my system. Security center only shows Comodo running as Comodo actually turns of WinFW during the install. But mine was already off.
Since you have Comodo, can you confirm whether the Parent Application for each of those files is C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4 [/color] for all of them and not some subfolder file? I'm new to Comodo (1 week, dumped McAFee PFW) and know how to add an application rule, but don't want to denote the Parent incorrectly. Didn't have to denote Parent Apps in McAfee.
-
Spiritsongs,
I did read what your post clearly stated.
I also rely on the evidence of my own system and my own knowledge of Windows systems. I have just uninstalled 4.7.892 again on my system using aswclear.exe.
avast has removed all files and folders it placed on the system, it has removed all registry entries that it creates on the system.
There is nothing left of avast that is executable by Windows on my system.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am not trying to minimize the problem that is reported in this thread.
I need to clarify one point for buttoni. In the test uninstall/install I performed yesterday I downloaded nothing from filehippo. The avast setup file I used to reinstall avast was the one for 4.7.892 downloaded from the avast website. It installed perfectly for me and it does contain the ashdisp.exe file. The folks I support have also all updated to 4.7.892 without problems.
In the setup log posted above by buttoni it is very clear that the ashdisp.exe program is installed on the system and the registry entry to start it is created. It is also clear that something has removed it since it cannot be found in the next avast log section.
I have to guess (and that is all it is at the moment) is that some element of protection in the systems having the problem is considering ashdisp.exe an unacceptable startup program and removing it.
None of the folks I support are using the Comodo firewall, most are using ZA and a couple just the Windows XP firewall. I know that Windows Defender involves itself in asking the system user to permit or deny changes in startup. Do you know if the recent update to the Comodo firewall contained any similar protection?
-
:) Hi buttoni :
Did not mean to imply I have Comodo, which I do NOT;
have the bought out, then abandoned by Symantec/
Norton known as "Sygate Personal" and I quoted its
"Aplications" Menu .
One thing about the browser you are using: my Duplicate
Bridge partner has AT&T DSL and she has mentioned she
does NOT use its "browser", but clicks on her "IE" icon
and uses that . AT&T ( and AOL as well ) "use" IE, but
there appears to be slight differences, so I wonder IF
there may be a positive result of DIRECTLY using IE when
on the filehippo site to download !?
-
In the setup log posted above by buttoni it is very clear that the ashdisp.exe program is installed on the system and the registry entry to start it is created. It is also clear that something has removed it since it cannot be found in the next avast log section.
I have to guess (and that is all it is at the moment) is that some element of protection in the systems having the problem is considering ashdisp.exe an unacceptable startup program and removing it.
BINGO, Alanrf. I think you just may have hit on my problem. I have been running SpywareDoctor 4.0 a few months now. It has a StartupGuard feature. Though the screenshot attached clearly shows it will remove offenders, I thought it would warn me before deleting!!! :o Apparently not!!! I confess didn't know it removed "silently". I though turning off SpywareDoc during my Avast prgm update was all I needed to do. Wrong. SWDr deleted multiple fiiles/registry entries after my reboot. Wonder why it sees these files as "harmful"? It did nothing when I installed Comodo a week or so ago? Now I see why those other Avast files never asked for internet access with Comodo.....They weren't THERE!! :o
I'm gonna run with your theory and try a full uninstall of the older version 4.7.871 using aswclear.exe (as this is my only means now to do so). I'll once again do the "Search and Destroy" mission on remaining files/RegKeys. I'll PERMANENTLY turn of SWDr StartUp Guard (don't ever want to deal with this again!). I'll reboot and then try a fresh install from Alwil Avast website. and see what happens. Can't be any worse off than I am right now, right? ;D
Interesting note: The Results tab view on this SWDr feature had no entries. Hmmmmm.........Curious. I expected to see several Avast entries there. ???
@ Spiritsongs: Sorry I misunderstood about your firewall. Let me try Alanrf's theory out first, since it is more likely the culprit. ATT DSL tech told me on the phone once that IE6 does "all the driving" in their browser and all they did was put their & Yahoo's "branding" on the screens. I think Alanrf has really hit on the solution. Will post back results of my on-going "adventure?" ASAP
-
IT WORKED!!!! ;D What a rollercoaster of uninstalls/reinstalls this last two days has been. I downloaded v.4.7.892 from Alwil site. Removed existing Avast with aswclear.exe (it got all but 4-5 pretetch entries). Only couple empty folders and keys left in registry to delete. Install went OK and it took my license key w/o a glitch. About Avast is showing v4.7.892 with VPS 0640-0 created 10/02/06. I have both of my cute little A-balls spinning around in the System tray. AshDisp.exe is present and in Startup lineup in msconfig, And Avast scanner is working fine. At reboot I checked & SpywareDoctor 4.0 StartUp Guard is off and will stay off for good. I'm so disgusted with how slow it loads at bootup, resource usage & false positives, I think I'll be checking out another realtime anti-spyware package very soon! This episode was just frosting on that cake!
My thanks to David, Spiritssong and especially to Alanrf for interpreting my Setuplog and triggering me to take a closer look at SpywareDoctor (besides just turning it off during an install) I really appreciate the help & time you all spent on this. :-* coming your way through cyberspace! Whew! That's over!
Now to go cook dinner! Thanks again for being there and helping. :)
-
buttoni,
I am very glad to hear that you are up and working on 4.7.892 with the rest of us.
-
I hate to say it but what did I put in reply #1 of this topic. It could have saved you a lot of pain.
As these are the usual avast icon killers, what other security based software do you have that might block new startup entries, e.g. Spybot S&D (TeaTimer), AdAware (AdWatch), SpySweeper, PrevX, WinPatrol, ProcessGuard, etc. ?
But at least you have found the problem and it is resolved.
-
@ irishgodfather
What was there when you clicked the View setup log ?
Can you post the last 30 lines or so of the setup.log file, perhaps someone from the Alwil Team or others can see what the error is about.
Since this Topic relates to Lost system files, what was your reason for (re)installing avast, since you have 5 posts in the forums, I assume you already had avast installed ?
Is this in anyway related to your Topic on Vista, e.g. installing for the first time under Vista ?
This is for the drive I have XP on.
I've been using Avast for years with no problem.
The other day my task bar icon disappeared.
I was told in a different forum to uninstall and reinstall it. I went to add/remove to remove it. That's where I got the error.
As far as View setup log. No idea where to do that.
My main concern is will Avast still update?
It's listed as up to date and running in security.
-
As far as View setup log. No idea where to do that.
Clicking the button at the time would have been the easiest option but, you can find it here C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\setup.log it is a text file and can be opened with a text editor, notepad or wordpad depending on size.
My main concern is will Avast still update?
If avast hasn't installed correctly although it might look like it is OK, the least of your problems is updates, rather security/protection. Your best bet is a probably reinstall - uninstall, reboot, run the uninstall utility, reboot, install using the latest version you downloaded, reboot.
It would probably be best to download the latest version of avast and save it to your HDD, somewhere you can find it again. Use that when you reinstall.
Download the avast! Uninstall Utility, find it here (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_uninstall_util.html) and save it to your HDD also.
-
@DavidR
As these are the usual avast icon killers, what other security based software do you have that might block new startup entries, e.g. Spybot S&D (TeaTimer), AdAware (AdWatch), SpySweeper, PrevX, WinPatrol, ProcessGuard, etc. ?
Thank you....
I was having the same issues with the system tray icons. Twice I uninstalled and both times came up not good.
After reading through this thread again today, I downloaded another copy of avast...uninstalled avast with the uninstall tool, shut down the real time protection in Windows Defender and shut down my firewall, and reinstalled avast, rebooted and there it is....both icons are now in place along with todays update!!!!!!
Thank you very much.....and thank you to all for helping to get this issue possibly solved. :)
Real Time protection is staying off from now on as I'm sure this maybe what was causing me grief also.
-
I hate to say it but what did I put in reply #1 of this topic. It could have saved you a lot of pain.
As these are the usual avast icon killers, what other security based software do you have that might block new startup entries, e.g. Spybot S&D (TeaTimer), AdAware (AdWatch), SpySweeper, PrevX, WinPatrol, ProcessGuard, etc. ?
But at least you have found the problem and it is resolved.
You did, David, and I noted it. But in my ignorance I didn't know that turning off SpywareDoctor during the install was not enough. I didn't understand that StartUp Guard would remove "suspicious" changes at reboot without the slightest warning/user confirmation alert. In fairness to me, however, this program has no user manual, a limited number of FAQ's on the website, no forum and only email tech support. How this feature takes action should be more full explained on the UI screen and an alert/warning should be incorporated for this feature.
Interesting to me is that my Comodo FW install last week didn't trigger the same kind of action! It too installed a file in Startup! Why didn't SWD "axe" that one I wonder? Surely you don't think PCTools Software could be singling out just Avast! ;) I mean, look what McAfee's Personal Firewall 8.0 release in August did to Adaware users(FW either wouldn't install or would promptly shut down if you had Adaware installed on the drive, even on-demand users like me). I wouldn't be at all surprised if Alwil doesn't want to take this up with PCTools Software.
I plan on emailing PCTools SWD support team through regular user channels to add to the next release "wish list" a user confirmation alert before it axes a user-invoked download!
-
@DavidR
As these are the usual avast icon killers, what other security based software do you have that might block new startup entries, e.g. Spybot S&D (TeaTimer), AdAware (AdWatch), SpySweeper, PrevX, WinPatrol, ProcessGuard, etc. ?
Thank you....
I was having the same issues with the system tray icons. Twice I uninstalled and both times came up not good.
After reading through this thread again today, I downloaded another copy of avast...uninstalled avast with the uninstall tool, shut down the real time protection in Windows Defender and shut down my firewall, and reinstalled avast, rebooted and there it is....both icons are now in place along with todays update!!!!!!
Thank you very much.....and thank you to all for helping to get this issue possibly solved. :)
Real Time protection is staying off from now on as I'm sure this maybe what was causing me grief also.
Glad I could help, welcome to the forums.
There is no need to disable real time protection, just be aware that you have it and if you are about to install a new program that has a system tray icon pause or terminate the protection first, otherwise something nasty could do its dirty work.
-
I wouldn't be at all surprised if Alwil doesn't want to take this up with PCTools Software. I plan on emailing PCTools SWD support team through regular user channels to add to the next release "wish list" a user confirmation alert before it axes a user-invoked download!
My major concern with these type of tools that they don't seem to ask permission just go ahead and delete the start-up entry and in your case the file as well without so much as a by your leave. This is obviously a default action in the settings somewhere that needs to be changed to ask 'are you sure that xxx program can add a startup entry' or words to that effect. Worse still if there is no option to ask confirmation as you mention.
I know many users would quickly get fed up with constant reminders/nags but, that so preferable to no notification resulting in this kind of grief.
-
I am puzzled by the Windows Defender comments from rv56.
One of the folks I support had been using Windows Defender for some time.
I was on the phone with him when he installed the update to avast 4.7.892 and he reported that Windows Defender merely asked him to confirm the permission for the avast startup entry. I do not use Windows Defender but if you do you may wish to check whether there is option to ensure it asks for user confirmation - as it did for the avast update.
Later edit: rv56, are any avast entries shown in the quarantine area of Windows Defender on your system?
-
Christ, I get sick of this topic. It's a problem with Windows XP if that is what you are using.
Go to My Network Places and in the left pane choose to hide UPnP devices. This does not disable the service but is the cause of missing icons in the system tray in almost all cases.
http://www.tech-pro.net/howto_013.html
http://www.michna.com/kb/WxSystray.htm
-
At least for one of the users here (and perhaps others) the cause of the missing icon was the deletion of avast's startup program ashdisp.exe and had nothing to do with UPnP devices.
-
Yeah, it just disappears all on it's own. Like the icon.
-
As far as View setup log. No idea where to do that.
Clicking the button at the time would have been the easiest option but, you can find it here C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\setup.log it is a text file and can be opened with a text editor, notepad or wordpad depending on size.
My main concern is will Avast still update?
If avast hasn't installed correctly although it might look like it is OK, the least of your problems is updates, rather security/protection. Your best bet is a probably reinstall - uninstall, reboot, run the uninstall utility, reboot, install using the latest version you downloaded, reboot.
It would probably be best to download the latest version of avast and save it to your HDD, somewhere you can find it again. Use that when you reinstall.
Download the avast! Uninstall Utility, find it here (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_uninstall_util.html) and save it to your HDD also.
That did it.
Thanks David.
Bill
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Don't you just love a program that requires, "uninstall, reboot, run the uninstall utility, reboot, install using the latest version you downloaded, reboot." If all else fails we can just reformat the hard drive and reinstall everything.
Just kidding. Hope your missing icon problem stays missing. No pun intended.
-
:'(
I'm without luck...
I tried every suggestion I read here many times.
Nothing.
Nada.
Could someone look into this log?
-
darek12,
your log is almost identical to that of buttoni earlier in the thread. Something in your system is deleting the program ashdisp.exe which is the program called at startup to get avast properly started (and puts the avast icon in your systray).
You have a program running in your system doing this. For buttoni it was SpywareDoctor. rv56 believes it was WindowsDefender.
So, tell us about the other security software you have installed on your system.
-
Win Defender and Firewall.
I did exactly what rv56 did - "I downloaded another copy of avast...uninstalled avast with the uninstall tool, shut down the real time protection in Windows Defender and shut down my firewall, and reinstalled avast, rebooted and..."
still nothing.
I did even more... I shut kill almost every process from Task Manager...
But, my version shows up as 4.7.879.0.
What's going on?
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The issue is to ensure that that the real time protection in Windows Defender is permanently turned off (at least for now). Windows Defender real time protection must not be allowed to run at all when the system is restarted. This is critical.
As to the rest forget all the task manager stuff ... that is not helping at all.
-
darek12,
please let me see the avast setup log from your next try.
Thanks.
-
I turned it off...
I even shut both completely down during re-installation...
-
Then may I see the setup log?
-
OK
I reinstaled it again.
-Safe mode [to be sure...Task Manager attached]
-Uninstall - aswclear [v. 1.0.0.1]
-Reboot.
-Safe Mode again.
-Install - setupeng [v. 4.6.0.0. ]
-Configuration - Typical [31,241KB; avast! 4.7]
-Reboot
-Normal start up [Task Manager attached]
-No way!!!!
avast! v. 4.7.879.0 on board [Setup log attached]
:'(
-
.
-
Look at the log for yourself ...
02.10.2006 23:48:40.000 1159850920 file Installed file:C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
03.10.2006 00:00:20.000 1159851620 general Running setup_av_pro-37c (892)
03.10.2006 00:00:21.000 1159851621 general Install check: 'C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe' does NOT exist
Your task manager is clearly showing that you are running Windows Defender on the normal startup and that is the most likely cause of the deletion of ashdisp.exe from the avast folder.
The only suggestion I have for you right now is to temporarily uninstall Windows Defender. Once avast is installed correctly then Windows Defender can be installed again and (I am fairly confident) it will not then delete the avast startup. Clearly there is an issue to be addressed before the next avast update but I think this will get you up and working again.
-
:D
Thanks everyone for helpful remarks and…patience.
Alanrf, I uninstalled Win Defender [rebooted and cleaned leftovers] and did suggested registry changing. Tech Support [thanks!] send me ashdisp file.
After reboot, both ‘evaporated’!
I started to look around.
Task Manager showed nothing suspicious.
I opened Registry, checked RUN…
Bingo!
A few weeks ago, I installed [and forget, never use, nothing checked!] SuperAntiSpyware.
Even no one programs I used show any running entries of it, but there was –SASWINLO.dll
I deleted the key and rebooted.
One more time, reg hack and asdisp on place.
Rebooted…
Yes!!!!!!!!
There are avast! balloons !!!!!!!!
Everything is OK now!
Thank you!
;D
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darek12,
First let me congratulate you on your determination, perseverance and success in identifying the real culprit on your system.
I am fairly confident that Windows Defender has not contributed to this problem. Though, having been accused, you will probably find it being suspected for many a year in this forum.
As I mentioned earlier in this thread, one of the folks I support has had Windows Defender running for a long time and I know, without any doubt, that his update and continued use of 4.7.892 along with Windows Defender has been without any issues. I would certainly not counsel you against re-installing Windows Defender if you want its protection.
I'll put my system where my mouth is and install Windows Defender so that I will know first hand how it works with avast.
-
:D
alanrf,
Thank you again.
Win Defender installed!
Updated [avast also!].
Rebooted few times.
No problem there!!!
;D
Best regards,
darek12.
-
I, too, can now be added to the ever lengthening list of people who have lost the Avast system tray icons, nor is Avast in Startup in msconfig. I've only been using Avast for about a month, at the recommendation of a friend, to try and get rid of all the spyware/adware that keeps infecting my computer and it seems to work well for that. I first thought that my 15 year old stepdaughter or one of her friends (who all think that they are computer experts becaue they know how to navigate AIM and MySpace) had done something to cause the problem. After reading several of the comments in this forum I still don't have a clue how to fix it. Can someone at Avast tell me in simple terms (because I don't have a clue what most of you are even talking about) how to fix this...or can it even be fixed. I am running Windows XP Professional and no other antivirus programs.
-
I, too, can now be added to the ever lengthening list of people who have lost the Avast system tray icons, nor is Avast in Startup in msconfig. I've only been using Avast for about a month, at the recommendation of a friend, to try and get rid of all the spyware/adware that keeps infecting my computer and it seems to work well for that. I first thought that my 15 year old stepdaughter or one of her friends (who all think that they are computer experts becaue they know how to navigate AIM and MySpace) had done something to cause the problem. After reading several of the comments in this forum I still don't have a clue how to fix it. Can someone at Avast tell me in simple terms (because I don't have a clue what most of you are even talking about) how to fix this...or can it even be fixed. I am running Windows XP Professional and no other antivirus programs.
-
I, too, can now be added to the ever lengthening list of people who have lost the Avast system tray icons...
You should say the people that have some aplication that messes avast installation ;)
I suggest:
1. Check the option in the Appearance tab of settings.
or
2. Repair your avast installation through Control Panel.
or
3. Make a link to ashdisp.exe in your startup folder
or
4. Add the path to ashDisp.exe into a value named avast! in the Windows Registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run