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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Aria1206 on February 05, 2007, 07:49:04 PM

Title: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 05, 2007, 07:49:04 PM
I am brand new to Avast 4.7 for home.  I have no idea how to scan for viruses; how to find trojan horses popups; basically a total dummy on this program. 

Would someone walk me through this step by step?  I am running WXPand have AOL dialup.  All help will be most appreciated.

Aria ???
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Spiritsongs on February 05, 2007, 08:17:45 PM
 :)  Hi Aria :

     First off, we should know IF you have or have had any other antivirus program on your
     computer ? If yes, what is the NAME and what have you done to "remove" it from your
     computer ?

     Since you use AOL, do you use them to "surf" the internet, or do you surf by using a program
     such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc !? I ask because there is a POTENTIAL "conflict" with
     those using AOL, which is explained in the "Web Shield Issues" of our "FAQs", found at www.avast.com/eng/faq-avast-4-home-professional.html ; have you read this. particularly :
   " Q: I use the 'AOL browser' for web browsing and reading emails via the 'AOL' Web mail. Does avast! Web Shield work with this program?
When I check the scanned count number on Web Shield configuration page, it always shows 0.

A:

Sorry, Web Shield cannot scan connections from AOL browser. It is however capable of protecting standard browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, ...) used with the AOL dial-up or broadband services. "

 Otherwise, when you RIGHT-click the Avast blueist "a" ball in your System Tray and select "Start 
 Avast Antivirus", eventually a screen titled "simple user interface" should appear. Read the info
 there .

 Are you using any of AOL's "free" security programs ? If yes, which one(s) ?
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 06, 2007, 03:33:19 AM
:)  Hi Aria :

     First off, we should know IF you have or have had any other antivirus program on your
     computer ? If yes, what is the NAME and what have you done to "remove" it from your
     computer ?

     Since you use AOL, do you use them to "surf" the internet, or do you surf by using a program
     such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc !? I ask because there is a POTENTIAL "conflict" with
     those using AOL, which is explained in the "Web Shield Issues" of our "FAQs", found at www.avast.com/eng/faq-avast-4-home-professional.html ; have you read this. particularly :
   " Q: I use the 'AOL browser' for web browsing and reading emails via the 'AOL' Web mail. Does avast! Web Shield work with this program?
When I check the scanned count number on Web Shield configuration page, it always shows 0.

A:

Sorry, Web Shield cannot scan connections from AOL browser. It is however capable of protecting standard browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, ...) used with the AOL dial-up or broadband services. "

 Otherwise, when you RIGHT-click the Avast blueist "a" ball in your System Tray and select "Start 
 Avast Antivirus", eventually a screen titled "simple user interface" should appear. Read the info
 there .

 Are you using any of AOL's "free" security programs ? If yes, which one(s) ?


I had Norton Antivirus on my computer but uninstalled it.

I use AOL to surf the internet and sometimes IE.

I did right click the blue ball to start Avast and nothing happened.  I did this while online.  Perhaps that is the problem? 

I desperately want to learn how to do a virus scan and make sure no trojan horses or other creepy crawlers get onto my computer.  I have a difficult time understanding terminology, so please bear with me.

Thank you for responding.
Aria ???
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 06, 2007, 05:53:16 AM
Hi Aria1206 - Welcome to the forum.

When you right click the a-icon you should get a pop up giving you several options.  Clicking the one that says "Start avast! Antivirus" will start a memory test followed by the user interface.

(If you don't get these things then its entirely possible there are remants of Norton AV still on your computer.  Norton is notorious for interfering with other av software.  If this is the case there is a removal tool, SymNRT, you can download here

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Obviously you will not want to follow the directions to reinstall the Norton products - just use the tool (if needed) followed by a manual hard drive search for any Norton or Symantec files which you can delete.)


One you do have the avast! interface you should

> Select an area to scan (clicking where highlighted below scans your local drives)
> Set the sensitivity (your first scan after installation should be thorough with archives.  This depth will take a long time and is not necessary for every scan)
> Press the start button

(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5586/scanguiyk5.png) (http://imageshack.us)

Since you seem particularly concerned about trojans you can supplement the avast! scan with AVG Antispyware.  There is a free version you can download here

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5

Many of us use this combination along with several other security programs, but this should be a good start.

If you have a particular problem you're trying to solve please post details so we can give more specific help, or ask general questions if you're just trying to gain familiarity with the program.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Beta on February 06, 2007, 07:18:25 AM
I had Norton Antivirus on my computer but uninstalled it.

You may need to make sure that Norton is totally removed from your system.  For, in order to avoid conflicts, we shouldn't have any two resident virus scanners on our computers.  The link below leads to Norton Removal Tool.  Please follow the instruction there and remove Norton completely.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

After that, check if Avast is working.  If it is still not responding to clicking, you may need to reinstall it.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 06, 2007, 08:47:09 PM
Hi Aria1206 - Welcome to the forum.

When you right click the a-icon you should get a pop up giving you several options.  Clicking the one that says "Start avast! Antivirus" will start a memory test followed by the user interface.

(If you don't get these things then its entirely possible there are remants of Norton AV still on your computer.  Norton is notorious for interfering with other av software.  If this is the case there is a removal tool, SymNRT, you can download here

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Obviously you will not want to follow the directions to reinstall the Norton products - just use the tool (if needed) followed by a manual hard drive search for any Norton or Symantec files which you can delete.)


One you do have the avast! interface you should

> Select an area to scan (clicking where highlighted below scans your local drives)
> Set the sensitivity (your first scan after installation should be thorough with archives.  This depth will take a long time and is not necessary for every scan)
> Press the start button

(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5586/scanguiyk5.png) (http://imageshack.us)

Since you seem particularly concerned about trojans you can supplement the avast! scan with AVG Antispyware.  There is a free version you can download here

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5

Many of us use this combination along with several other security programs, but this should be a good start.

If you have a particular problem you're trying to solve please post details so we can give more specific help, or ask general questions if you're just trying to gain familiarity with the program.

I used the Norton url you posted (thanks).  I rebooted and then right clicked to get to "Start Avast".  Nothing happened when I clicked to "Start Avast".  When I try to log off I get a message that says something about "Skin...." and I keep clicking on "end now".  My Avast does not look like a radio dial (neat!).  I would like to have that look, but I cannot find User Interface, but I am not using the Professional Edition.  Would you recommend I uninstall/reinstall? 

Thanks for the url for Trojan horses.

Aria   :-[

I have uninstalled and am preparing to reinstall.  I don't know exactly what I'm doing but will keep on trying.

Thanks.....
Aria
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 06, 2007, 08:59:15 PM
That is one of the default skins.

What happens you run C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashSimpl.exe this is the simple user interface, that you start on-demand scans. You may well get an error message make a not of it for your post.

If you do get an error with ashSimpl.exe try this C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashSimp2.exe this is the skin less interface.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 06, 2007, 10:36:43 PM
Hi Aria1206 - Welcome to the forum.

When you right click the a-icon you should get a pop up giving you several options.  Clicking the one that says "Start avast! Antivirus" will start a memory test followed by the user interface.

(If you don't get these things then its entirely possible there are remants of Norton AV still on your computer.  Norton is notorious for interfering with other av software.  If this is the case there is a removal tool, SymNRT, you can download here

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Obviously you will not want to follow the directions to reinstall the Norton products - just use the tool (if needed) followed by a manual hard drive search for any Norton or Symantec files which you can delete.)


One you do have the avast! interface you should

> Select an area to scan (clicking where highlighted below scans your local drives)
> Set the sensitivity (your first scan after installation should be thorough with archives.  This depth will take a long time and is not necessary for every scan)
> Press the start button

(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5586/scanguiyk5.png) (http://imageshack.us)

Since you seem particularly concerned about trojans you can supplement the avast! scan with AVG Antispyware.  There is a free version you can download here

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5

Many of us use this combination along with several other security programs, but this should be a good start.

If you have a particular problem you're trying to solve please post details so we can give more specific help, or ask general questions if you're just trying to gain familiarity with the program.

I used the Norton url you posted (thanks).  I rebooted and then right clicked to get to "Start Avast".  Nothing happened when I clicked to "Start Avast".  When I try to log off I get a message that says something about "Skin...." and I keep clicking on "end now".  My Avast does not look like a radio dial (neat!).  I would like to have that look, but I cannot find User Interface, but I am not using the Professional Edition.  Would you recommend I uninstall/reinstall? 

Thanks for the url for Trojan horses.

Aria   :-[

I have uninstalled and am preparing to reinstall.  I don't know exactly what I'm doing but will keep on trying.

Thanks.....
Aria

I have just reinstalled, clicked on the blue ball and cannot find System Interface or how to run a scan or whether I'm supposed to reregister.  I am sorry to be such a bother, but I am determined to somehow learn this program.  My daughter uses the Pro version at work and loves it.  I don't know what I am doing wrong.

Aria
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 07, 2007, 12:10:06 AM
If there is a system problem then a reinstall is unlikely to change anything.

Did you try what I suggested running the file/s directly and report any errors ?

Try not to use the quote function in its entirety edit out what isn't being commented on and have your comment outside the quote. With so much text and images what you are saying gets buried amongst what has been said and is no longer applicable. In this case the only information required is the purple text everything else has been covered.

Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 07, 2007, 04:27:27 AM

If there is a system problem then a reinstall is unlikely to change anything.

Did you try what I suggested running the file/s directly and report any errors ?


The reinstall gave me "Resident Protection" when I double click on the a blue ball.  I did not have that before.

When I ran the files (you did not say WHERE to run them) in my "Search" box all I got was a list of places that had spyware and other types of software. The command looked like DOS to me but I was not informed if I should run the command from DOS.  Also  I did not know what I should be searching for.

I do not know how to find "System Interface" or how to make the program look like the front of a radio.  I don't know how to run a scan either.

Thank you for responding.
Aria
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 07, 2007, 04:55:51 AM
I'm unclear, Aria, when you try to open the program do you get something, but it doesn't look like the interface I posted?  Or do you get only errors and no interface?  In this case what do the errors say?

Also, when you hover your mouse pointer over the a-icon without clicking what wording appears?

When I ran the files (you did not say WHERE to run them) in my "Search" box all I got was a list of places that had spyware and other types of software. The command looked like DOS to me but I was not informed if I should run the command from DOS. Also  I did not know what I should be searching for.
click the Start button at the bottom left on your screen
click My Computer
double click the drive where your programs are installed (usually C:)
double click Program Files
double Click Alwil Software
double click Avast4
double click ashSimpl.exe

In theory this should open the user interface, but what spyware are you referring to?
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 07, 2007, 07:52:10 AM
quote]
click the Start button at the bottom left on your screen
click My Computer
double click the drive where your programs are installed (usually C:)
double click Program Files
double Click Alwil Software
double click Avast4
double click ashSimpl.exe

In theory this should open the user interface, but what spyware are you referring to?
Quote

I did this and IT WORKED!  I made a shortcut and put it on my desktop.  My "Interface" which I assume is called "Resident Protection" is what appears when I double click on the a blue ball.  It does not look like the front of a radio like yours does.  How can I make mine look like yours.  And THANK YOU for walking me through so I could find the scanning program!

Now if you would be so kind as to walk me through how to change how "Resident Protection" (?) looks.

Thank you so very much for all your help. 

Aria   :)
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: oldman on February 07, 2007, 09:16:31 AM
quote]
My "Interface" which I assume is called "Resident Protection" is what appears when I double click on the a blue ball. It does not look like the front of a radio like yours does. How can I make mine look like yours. And THANK YOU for walking me through so I could find the scanning program!

Now if you would be so kind as to walk me through how to change how "Resident Protection" (?) looks.

Thank you so very much for all your help.

Aria :)

Ok, please RIGHT click on the 'a" icon. You should get a pop up menu, select start avast antivirus. You should get the interface pictured above.

Double left clicking the icon (or even single left click) will bring up the resident scan interface. You are looking for the simple user interface.   ;D
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 07, 2007, 01:13:01 PM
Ok, please RIGHT click on the 'a" icon.
As oldman says, you need to right click the a-icon.

There are two (maybe even three) buttons on your mouse.  When we say "click" on something we mean press the left button once.  When we say "double click" we mean press the left button twice, quickly.  But when we say "right click" we mean a single click of the right mouse button.  Sorry if this is too basic - just want to make sure we're all doing the same thing  :)

If, when you right click the a-icon you get options that include  On-Access Protection Control and Start avast! Antivirus then we're on the right track for both of your questions.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 07, 2007, 04:44:49 PM
I know the difference between right click and left click.  When I right click on the a ball I get a menu which includes many things.  When I click on "Start avast! antivirus nothing happens.  When I left click on the a ball I get "avast! On Access Scanner".  I have to click a blue ball with an "S" on it which is on my desktop to run a scan.  That is the avast! Simple User Interface".  It does not look like a radio.  I found it as previously described in an earlier post.  It has the numbers 1-4 down the left side and places to check where one wishes to scan; short, standard and thorough scan. 

If this is all I need, then I the interface will never look like a radio.  I am not using the Pro version I am using the free home version.

If there is more I need to do please let me know.  Thank you all for helping me get this far.

With gratitude,
Aria 
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 07, 2007, 05:10:09 PM
What you are seeing is the No Skin Simple User Interface, which you have to have selected or you are using the wrong file name in your shortcut ashSimp2.exe is the skinless and ashSimpl.exe is the skinned version of the SUI.

The fact that the options on the right click menu don't appear to work, there is something wrong with your installation.

Try a repair of avast. Add Remove programs, select 'avast! Anti-Virus,' click the Change/Remove button and scroll down to Repair, click next and follow. You need to be on-line to do this.
If that doesn't work (right click selections don't work) try, uninstall, reboot, install, 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.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 08, 2007, 02:34:13 AM
The skinless SUI works fine for me.  However when I try to open the command without the 2 in it, it doesn't work.

I did the repair online but there are no noticeable changes to my eyes. 

The installation of this program has done something to my computer and I cannot explain what it is. I forgot to mention that I use Zone Alarm - not Windows Firewall.  I am unable to uninstall ZA. 

Since I am a simple person - disabled senior citizen - I will attempt to keep this program up and running.  If it doesn't work I don't know what I will do.  I have uninstalled/downloaded Avast four times and don't intend to to it again.  When I ran the scan it took one hour and 25 minutes.  My computer is a Dell with an 80GB hard drive; 5 hundred something DRAM; no sound card and no speakers (my decision).  I am a writer so I need the internet for research purposes and AOL gives me a deep discount. 

Thanks to all for helping me.  If anyone has something to add I would be grateful.

Aria   :(
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 08, 2007, 05:18:01 AM
The installation of this program has done something to my computer and I cannot explain what it is. I forgot to mention that I use Zone Alarm - not Windows Firewall.  I am unable to uninstall ZA. 
Its frustrating for us too, Aria.  We want it to work as much as you do  :)

Can you try to describe what's different about your computer now?  It doesn't need to be technical. 

Are you using Zone Alarm Free or Pro?  There is an issue with Zone Alarm's Privacy Shield and avast!, but that's only in the Pro version.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 08, 2007, 06:47:09 AM
I don't know how to explain what the difference is in my computer.  It seems to be sluggish; slower in opening any files from Desktop but not online.  It is a very nebulous thing and since my computer terminology is very weak that's the best way I can describe it.  I dread the fact that I might have to eventually do a master restore (is that the correct term?).  This computer is only a year old and I simply cannot afford to purchase a newer one and try to learn Vista (egad!).

As for Zone Alarm, I use the free version. 

I would really like my SUI to look like the front of a radio, but I simply do not know how to do it, much less where to search for instructions or even how to follow them if I found them.  That is pathetic, but it is what it is.

Thank you so much for your caring response. 

Aria   ???
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 08, 2007, 01:22:34 PM
It seems to be sluggish; slower in opening any files from Desktop but not online.
If you compare the computer performance without an antivirus to the performance with one, it will always be slower to some degree with the av installed.  Almost all the files you open are being checked for malware and this will use some memory and processor power.  Compared to Norton, however, avast! is much easier on resources.

You could check to see if your protection is set higher than you need.  If you right click the a-icon and click On- Access Protection Control you should get a window that looks like this

(http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/175/scannerok9.png) (http://imageshack.us)

If there's a button at the bottom that says "Details >>" click that to get more detail, then highlight "Standard Shield" in the left hand column.  Normal sensitivity is usually sufficient for most users.

I would really like my SUI to look like the front of a radio ...
Close the settings window and click the a-icon again.  Then click Program Settings.  Make sure Enable Skins for Simple User Interface is checked.  If its not, put a check in the box

(http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/6963/avastsettingsou7.png) (http://imageshack.us)

Does any of that help?


EDIT When you have a chance would you look at this thread

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=26490.0

and see if you're getting similar errors (in your native language, of course).
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 08, 2007, 02:51:12 PM
The skinless SUI works fine for me.  However when I try to open the command without the 2 in it, it doesn't work.

What errors are you getting, can you explain 'it doesn't work' whay do you do and what happened.

Some systems simply can't use the third party skinning tools that are used for the avast skins and they have to use the non-skinned interface, that in itself shouldn't affect your protection. However I'm concerned as I have mentioned that when you click the option to Start avast antivirus, nothing at all happens, no errors and no action. For that reason I suggested a reinstall in my last post, I feel you are at that point now.

Quote from: DavidR
Try a repair of avast. Add Remove programs, select 'avast! Anti-Virus,' click the Change/Remove button and scroll down to Repair, click next and follow. You need to be on-line to do this.
If that doesn't work (right click selections don't work) try, uninstall, reboot, install, 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.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 09, 2007, 01:02:33 AM
I have reset the settings to "Normal" and have realized a faster response to loading things.  Thank you for that information.

I already had installed/uninstalled/rebooted four times.  If that isn't going to make the "right click" on the a ball work I am not concerned about it unless it is a MAJOR portion of the program.  I am able to scan for viruses; the program updates itself on a regular basis; I check for updates as well on a regular basis and I am content with not having it look like a radio. 

I am still getting a message while trying to log off my computer which says "Active Skin Window Helper" or something like that.  I just click "end now" and log off.  There are no other problems that I can detect.

If you two have any other suggestions I am open to reading them.  Oh, I don't get the error message in English like the Oriental one referred to by Mauserme.  Isn't a "mauser" a WW2 German large gun?  Just curious.  Seem to recall that as I was very much around during WW2.

Thanks again to mauserme and DavidR.  Your patience is certainly a virtue and much appreciated.

Aria
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 09, 2007, 01:26:20 AM
Not being able to use the right click options from the avast icon (do any of them work ?) shouldn't reduce the protection but it most certainly hampers your use and ability to easily configure the various options on the right click menu.

With the error relating to active skin window helper, I believe it is still trying to open the skinning interface.

In mauserme's image Settings, Common, uncheck (disable) any reference to Skins, if the skinning interface isn't trying to run perhaps you won't get that error on closing and perhaps you might even get the Start avast Antivirus to open the Simple User Interface but in the skinless option.

Try that and let us know how you get on.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 09, 2007, 02:41:42 AM
I am able to scan for viruses; the program updates itself on a regular basis; I check for updates as well on a regular basis and I am content with not having it look like a radio. 
Then you really do have the major program functions.  Since the default installation options are good for most users the lack of some configuration options might not be an issue for you.  Seems like you're ready to be done with this, anyway  8)

I would, however, take DavidR's suggestion about un-checking the skin option as this may very well solve the errors you get when you shut down Windows.  If it does solve the problem and you're content with the skinless interface then just leave it that way.

Isn't a "mauser" a WW2 German large gun? Just curious. Seem to recall that as I was very much around during WW2.
Without getting too far off topic, Mauser made a variety of items before and during WWII but I don't know if artillery pieces were among them.  I have a high regard for the efforts of the Allied Forces during the war, my father being one of them, and my interest in some of the smaller things produced by Mauser and a few other manufacturers is my way of keeping the memory of their sacrifice alive.

PMs (personal messages) have been disabled on the forum but if we ever get them back I would be very much interested in knowing your experiences if you are willing to share them.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 09, 2007, 04:52:17 AM
I did uncheck what was suggested.  By the way, just what is supposed to happen when "Start !avast Antivirus" is clicked? 

Thanks to both of you for your help.  It's great to know there are still gentlemen in this world!


Wish PMs would be allowed.  Is there a way to email? 

A bientôt mes amis!

Aria
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 09, 2007, 05:43:32 AM
I did uncheck what was suggested. By the way, just what is supposed to happen when "Start !avast Antivirus" is clicked?
When you right click the a-icon you should get a pop up giving you several options.  Clicking the one that says "Start avast! Antivirus" will start a memory test followed by the user interface.
Is that what your asking? ???  Well, let us know if unchecking that option resolved the "error on exit" problems.

Its possbile we may have PMs again in the future so stick around.  There's a lot to learn here, too.  With email, short of publicly posting your address (not a good idea) I don't know how we could arrange it. 

a tout à l'heure
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 09, 2007, 06:22:54 AM

Quote
When you right click the a-icon you should get a pop up giving you several options.  Clicking the one that says "Start avast! Antivirus" will start a memory test followed by the user interface.
Is that what your asking? ???  Well, let us know if unchecking that option resolved the "error on exit" problems.

Its possbile we may have PMs again in the future so stick around.  There's a lot to learn here, too.  With email, short of publicly posting your address (not a good idea) I don't know how we could arrange it. 

a tout à l'heure
Quote

The unchecking did not make the "error on exit" go away.  As for the "Start !avast Antivirus" issue, I tried it several times and nothing happens.  I can get the SUI only by holding the cursor over the "s" ball on my desktop and clicking "Open".  If that works, what will be the problem if there is no memory test?  Perhaps I need one! C'est ça! 

Thank you. I can't get the hang of quoting on this forum.  Someone should write a book for "Being Dumb for Dummies"!

Aria......Je suis une chanteuse de classique (among other things!)
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 09, 2007, 02:42:18 PM
I did uncheck what was suggested.  By the way, just what is supposed to happen when "Start !avast Antivirus" is clicked? 
Aria

It should first open a window ans starts to check memory for programs that might be infected and running in memory. On successful completion of the memory check the Simplie User Interface is opened, Skinned (like the radio image) or Un-skinned (the one you are having to use) depending on your program settings.

I think that the problem of it not making any change on the error at exit may have to do with you trying to use the Start avast antivirus, although nothing appears to happen, behind the scenes the skinning interface may be trying to start and failing. So the same condition exists on exit.

Using a Quote:
Select and Copy the text you want to quote and click the quote icon, that will place two quote tags {quote}{/quote} position the mouse pointer between the two tags between the ] and [ then paste the text you want to quote.
(the quotes are in square brackets my example changes them so the tag doesn't work)
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 10, 2007, 02:08:53 PM
... what will be the problem if there is no memory test?
Wish I had thought of that.  It could be problematic.

If you're not completely bored with this would you try opening the program from the start menu

click start at the lower left of your screen
hover the mouse pointer on All Programs and slide up to avast! Antivirus.
then slide over to avast! Antivirus and click it

Is this more successful?

Aria......Je suis une chanteuse de classique (among other things!)
Je comprends. 

But my French is so weak maybe I should stick with "Ima Singa".
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 10, 2007, 02:36:55 PM
... what will be the problem if there is no memory test?

The memory scan is useful in that if a virus is already in memory it may hide something that your scan might other wise find.

Basically it ensures a clean memory start state before the scan, if a virus is found in memory avast offers the option of scheduling a boot-time scan (XP, winNT, win2k only), that option wouldn't be available if you didn't scan memory and it was infected. So avast recognises that if your memory is infected it is best to abort the scan and do a boot-time scan or at least offer it assuming your OS supports it.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 10, 2007, 04:45:52 PM
From mauserme:
If you're not completely bored with this would you try opening the program from the start menu

click start at the lower left of your screen
hover the mouse pointer on All Programs and slide up to avast! Antivirus.
then slide over to avast! Antivirus and click it

Is this more successful?


I just tried this without any success.  I can use any of the other options on the a ball, just not the Start !avast Antivirus.  And since the unchecking of enabling skins and such, I no longer get error messages and my computer is running smoothly.

I have not used my French in 40 years.  Until that time it was what I spoke with many friends in University, but alas that time is ended.  It is so rusty it makes me sad.

I have been busy fighting Turbo Tax (a lot more complicated this year).  Much sadness there as well.

To DavidR:

Thank you for your instruction.  However I am in the forest with the terminology and how to do it.  I do not understand why everything else is working smoothly and the start antivirus is not.  I will keep working on it.

Aria   :(

Title: "Turbo" Tax problem(s)
Post by: Spiritsongs on February 10, 2007, 09:36:21 PM
 :)  Hi Aria :

    "Busy fighting Turbo Tax" caught my attention; I had been a Licensed Tax Preparer for many
     years until I decided a couple of yrs ago NOT to renew my license, even though I continue to
     prepare Returns "unofficially" for several of my long-time "clients". For several yrs I volunteered
     throught AARP; finally got disgusted with Seniors coming in for FREE Preparation with cash
     Assets around $500,000 . Felt they were well able to afford a $35 Prepararation Fee.
     You being a disabled Senior, does your non-Social Security Income exceed $9600 ? If not, there
     is no requirement to "file" ; I never found anyone eligible for Schedule R. If you are interested
     in continuing this, start a "thread" in our "General" Forum and I will try my best to assist you .
     
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 11, 2007, 03:57:01 PM
I just tried this without any success.  I can use any of the other options on the a ball, just not the Start !avast Antivirus.  And since the unchecking of enabling skins and such, I no longer get error messages and my computer is running smoothly.
It's good the errors are gone but this is really bothering me about the memory scan.  I just don't have an answer for this.  :(

Tech is on vacation right now but maybe when he gets back at the end of the month he'll think of something.  I'll give this topic a bump when I see him on the forum again.  Unless David has any other ideas of course...

I have been busy fighting Turbo Tax (a lot more complicated this year).  Much sadness there as well.
Me too.  Whatever happened to the flat tax idea?

[QU0TE]However I am in the forest with the terminology and how to do it. [/QU0TE]
A quote should look like above when you're finished typing.  Open the quote by enclosing the word "quote" in square brackets.  Close the quote by enclosing "/quote" in square brackets.  Think of them as open and close quotation marks - just make sure you include the "/" in the close-quote marker.

If, instead, you click the quote button on something that's been posted the entire post will be put within those markers for you.  Then you can edit out the parts that aren't needed.  This is how to quote someone including information about the person/date/time when the original comment was posted.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 11, 2007, 04:14:03 PM
There is a way of running a memory scan like a command line option but I can't remember it or find it in my 'fallible filing system.'

But I found it in a forum search, http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=7436.msg59145#msg59145.

"C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashQuick.exe" "*MEMORY"
The *MEMORY parameter causes avast! to scan the operating memory of the computer: the true virtual memory.

Just copy and paste the above command line including the quotes (change the path if you installed avast to a different folder) into the Windows Start, Run window and click OK, that will run a scan of the memory. I just confirmed it, see image.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 11, 2007, 04:48:40 PM
There is a way of running a memory scan like a command line option but I can't remember it or find it in my 'fallible filing system.'

But I found it in a forum search, http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=7436.msg59145#msg59145.

"C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashQuick.exe" "*MEMORY"
The *MEMORY parameter causes avast! to scan the operating memory of the computer: the true virtual memory.

Just copy and paste the above command line including the quotes (change the path if you installed avast to a different folder) into the Windows Start, Run window and click OK, that will run a scan of the memory. I just confirmed it, see image.

I DID IT AND IT WORKED!!  Now what???  How can I get it into the program itself so I don't have to type it into the run line each time?  Not that there's anything wrong with that!!!

Thanks so much, DavidR!  You are as persistent as I am (in other ways).  Your help is celebrated and greatly appreciated.

Aria   ;)
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 11, 2007, 05:15:16 PM
You can't get it into avast, this is a workaround that you would need to run before running your on-demand scan.

You could create a batch file using a text editor, like notepad and paste the command line into it, then save it as MemoryScan.bat (save it in the C:\  folder). When you are saving the file, Notepad will show a file type of .txt in the Save As type: from the drop down list select All Files option.

You can go a step further and create a shortcut on your desktop for the batch file, double clicking on that will launce the batch file. You will notice a command window opens, this is required to run the command outside of the Windows, Start, Run window.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 13, 2007, 01:49:37 AM
You can't get it into avast, this is a workaround that you would need to run before running your on-demand scan.

You could create a batch file using a text editor, like notepad and paste the command line into it, then save it as MemoryScan.bat (save it in the C:\  folder). When you are saving the file, Notepad will show a file type of .txt in the Save As type: from the drop down list select All Files option.

You can go a step further and create a shortcut on your desktop for the batch file, double clicking on that will launce the batch file. You will notice a command window opens, this is required to run the command outside of the Windows, Start, Run window.

I did create the batch file with Notepad and pasted the command line into it with the proper name and used "All Filees".  I saved it in the C:/ folder and then made a shortcut to my desktop.  It will not run from the shortcut but I can open the shortcut and copy/paste the command line into "Run" and it will work.  I printed out your instructions (as I do all of everyones') and keep them.  I don't know what I missed that won't allow me to run it from the shortcut?  Any ideas?

Thanks so much for your help.  I know nothing about batch files or what Notepad does so if there is something I missed I would appreciate your walking me through this step by step.  I am a fairly fast learner but not know tech words keeps me in the dark.  Same thing happens when I lose directions trying to use a map.  I need step by step directions with landmarks.  My brain is wired very differently from most people.


Aria   :)
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 13, 2007, 02:18:18 AM
Well it should run from the shortcut on the desktop, mine does, look at the image and does the start in = C:\ if not that may be why.

I have uploaded a copy of my batch file memoryscan.bat (just in case you somehow didn't get the notepad creation correct), to be able to upload it I have had to add the .txt at the end of it. Save this in the c:\ folder, rename it and drop the .txt of the end. Create a desktop shortcut ensure the start in is C:\.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 13, 2007, 06:10:24 AM
Well it should run from the shortcut on the desktop, mine does, look at the image and does the start in = C:\ if not that may be why.

I have uploaded a copy of my batch file memoryscan.bat (just in case you somehow didn't get the notepad creation correct), to be able to upload it I have had to add the .txt at the end of it. Save this in the c:\ folder, rename it and drop the .txt of the end. Create a desktop shortcut ensure the start in is C:\.

I apologize profusely, but I do not understand any of the above.  I did d/l your batch file onto my desktop but have no idea where to go from here.  If you do not wish to bother with this any more, it is fine with me.  I have frustrated people far too much as it is.

Aria
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 13, 2007, 02:06:38 PM
I have frustrated people far too much as it is.
Don't worry about that - we're a pretty persistent bunch.

Right click the icon for the batch file, then click properties.  Make sure the "Start In" location is C:\

Oh, btw, you quoted David very nicely ...
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 13, 2007, 02:33:20 PM
The batch file 'memoryscan.bat.txt' you downloaded needs to be in the c:\ folder (where I assume your other file is) not the desktop.

Only the shortcut to execute the batch file should be on the desktop.

When you run a batch file shortcut it is best for the 'Start in' folder in the shortcut properties to point the same folder as that where the batch file is.

So you need to:
1. Copy the batch file to the C:\ folder
2. Rename the batch file memoryscan.bat.txt to memoryscan.bat
3. If you called your batch file the same windows might object, if so call it memoryscan2.bat.
4. Create a desktop short cut, right click the memoryscan2.bat and select 'Send to,' Desktop (create shortcut).
5. Ensure shortcut properties has C:\ as the Start in: location.
You should now be good to go.

As mauserme said 'nice quote'
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 14, 2007, 06:26:52 AM
I have frustrated people far too much as it is.
Don't worry about that - we're a pretty persistent bunch.

Right click the icon for the batch file, then click properties.  Make sure the "Start In" location is C:\

Oh, btw, you quoted David very nicely ...

Thank you!  I'm still slaving over income tax and so very weary!

Aria
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: oldman on February 14, 2007, 10:06:22 AM

You should edit your address so it's not active or readable to a harvester bot, or you may end up with some gifts.

for example  dewberry126-at-lycos.com

Glad you are getting avast sorted out, and good luck with your taxes. Me soon  :(
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 14, 2007, 02:12:24 PM
Or better still post it as an image and a harvester can't read it but a human can.

Whilst it is possible to use optical character recognition, that is too time and processor intensive for harvester bots to be considered worthwhile.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: qrius2noall on February 14, 2007, 05:53:43 PM
 :)
As a newbie, it was of immense interest and learning to go through this post.The persistence of ARIA and the helping hand exteded by the EVAGELISTS here is really commendable.

As somebody who may be is even less adapt at computers than ARIA,this whole post worked as a tutorial too.

As a very proud and extremely satisfied user of this wonderful antivirus AVAST,for the last couple of months,I really admire the dedication of you guys.More so ,as a very recent member of this lovely forum,I may not contribute much by way of technical help,but the thing which really makes me feel happy are the nice things written about AVAST in so many different computer forums,which I make it a point to browse as a tool for self learning.I could go on and on but w'd like to end this post by saying.....

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE!

CHEERS
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 14, 2007, 07:10:45 PM
Glad that you took the earlier advice to stick around and browse the forums ;D

There really is a wealth of information for those prepared to seek it out, so for that you are most welcome and glad that we could help.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 14, 2007, 08:40:09 PM
@ Aria - I emailed you early this morning.  Its good to see you've edited out your address.

@ qrius2noall - Thanks for the kind words.  I think we might need to add "blushing" to our list of emoticons.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Aria1206 on February 15, 2007, 05:30:42 AM
@ Aria - I emailed you early this morning.  Its good to see you've edited out your address.

@ qrius2noall - Thanks for the kind words.  I think we might need to add "blushing" to our list of emoticons.

I replied but it bounced back.

I am still working on that batch file and not getting anywhere.  I've decided to just copy/paste into "Run".  It works just fine that way and does the same thing. 

Aria
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: mauserme on February 15, 2007, 01:23:32 PM
I replied but it bounced back.
Not sure why that happened.  I emailed you again with a note to include an underscore in my address (rather than a space).  Give that a try.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: DavidR on February 15, 2007, 02:47:02 PM
I am still working on that batch file and not getting anywhere.  I've decided to just copy/paste into "Run".  It works just fine that way and does the same thing. 

Does it work if you go to C:\ in explorer and double click on the memoryscan.bat ?

If it does try dragging the batch file from c:\ to your desktop (left click on the file and hold, keeping the left mouse key down drag it to an empty part of your desktop screen and release the left mouse key. Try double clicking it from there, that also works for me from the desktop.
Title: Re: Totally Lost!!!!
Post by: Lisandro on February 28, 2007, 04:23:45 PM
I am still working on that batch file and not getting anywhere.  I've decided to just copy/paste into "Run".
Aria, mauserme asked me to jump here and here I am.
Can you post the contents of the batch file, exactly, copying and pasting the contents here?
Thanks.