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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Mackinaw on September 05, 2010, 09:55:20 PM

Title: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 05, 2010, 09:55:20 PM
Need some helpful advise with this. 
Background:  Have Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit having performed an upgrade from Vista.  Had Avast Home Edition 4.8.1368 Free installed on Vista and 7.  Defender is on board as well.
Started getting a pop up (from Avast) regarding pending registration key expiration (11/1/10) about a month ago.  In the last couple of weeks, the Action Center started calling out an issue with not recognizing active anti-virus even though I was getting updates and could run scans with Avast.  Thought it was not one of the recognized AV for MS but found it was.  Then thought it was related to the pending expiration.  Decided to go ahead and upgrade to AIS.  Do not recall if I went via the pop link or the Avast site.  Completed the transaction, downloaded the software and installed the software, got the license, rebooted.  Didn't reboot fully - went to BSD and the option to repair or to start normally, opted for the former, which returns me to the restore point prior to installation.
 
Have been reading about both (related??) issues on Forum - the "nonrecognition" and the installation problem.  I have tried these steps:  downloaded Avast uninstaller, rebooted to Safe Mode to remove both 4.8 and AIS, returned to Normal, tried install again but still getting no farther than repair/restore.  Tried reinstalling 4.8 with what I believe is the original app and it failed.  Got a log that included the line "Operating system:  Windows Vista ver 6.1., so did not try that original app or 4.8.1368.

I have run Malwarebytes scan and no issues found.  Have run ccleaner as noted in some posts to get after any left over AV files.  I had AVG on the machine the first day (by mistake - had it on a previous box and did not care for it any longer but had a brain misfire and downloaded when this PC was new) and have run the uninstaller with nothing found on the machine.

Ideas?  Wondering about the Vista to MS 7 upgrade and any impact.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: CharleyO on September 07, 2010, 06:51:13 AM
***

Bump


***
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: CraigB on September 07, 2010, 10:29:24 AM
Need some helpful advise with this. 
Background:  Have Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit having performed an upgrade from Vista.  Had Avast Home Edition 4.8.1368 Free installed on Vista and 7.  Defender is on board as well.
Started getting a pop up (from Avast) regarding pending registration key expiration (11/1/10) about a month ago.  In the last couple of weeks, the Action Center started calling out an issue with not recognizing active anti-virus even though I was getting updates and could run scans with Avast.  Thought it was not one of the recognized AV for MS but found it was.  Then thought it was related to the pending expiration.  Decided to go ahead and upgrade to AIS.  Do not recall if I went via the pop link or the Avast site.  Completed the transaction, downloaded the software and installed the software, got the license, rebooted.  Didn't reboot fully - went to BSD and the option to repair or to start normally, opted for the former, which returns me to the restore point prior to installation.
 
Have been reading about both (related??) issues on Forum - the "nonrecognition" and the installation problem.  I have tried these steps:  downloaded Avast uninstaller, rebooted to Safe Mode to remove both 4.8 and AIS, returned to Normal, tried install again but still getting no farther than repair/restore.  Tried reinstalling 4.8 with what I believe is the original app and it failed.  Got a log that included the line "Operating system:  Windows Vista ver 6.1., so did not try that original app or 4.8.1368.

I have run Malwarebytes scan and no issues found.  Have run ccleaner as noted in some posts to get after any left over AV files.  I had AVG on the machine the first day (by mistake - had it on a previous box and did not care for it any longer but had a brain misfire and downloaded when this PC was new) and have run the uninstaller with nothing found on the machine.

Ideas?  Wondering about the Vista to MS 7 upgrade and any impact.
Hi Mackinaw, i find that the uninstaller's still seem to not remove all the remains of our leftovers, what i do is type avg in the run bar hit enter and then click the computer tab and let it search and if it finds anything related to avg then delet it, you can also type avast and search that then type alwil and search and delet any leftovers that popup. This option has always found the extra bit's for me that the uninstaller's fail to clean.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 07, 2010, 11:56:16 AM
 :)Thanks craigb, I will give that a try.  I noticed folders remain in ProgramData for Avast.

 ???CharleyO, Bump???
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: CraigB on September 07, 2010, 12:41:00 PM
No worrie's. Avg is a real pain to, had to uninstall from my brother's cpu and even after running the uninstaller and a window's search for leftover's i still found lot's of it through the software location's under regedit, this is also necessary for symantic.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: CharleyO on September 07, 2010, 07:33:41 PM
***

Your post had gone down the list without a reply and I "bumped" it back to the top since I did not have time to answer as I was very sleepy. So, that "Bump" was to keep it from getting lost before someone could answer you.   ;)


***
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 08, 2010, 01:07:32 AM
CharleyO, thanks for that bump.  craigb,searched for avast, alwil, and avg bits and pieces.  Did not find anything. 
Attempted the installation again and still end up in the Startup Repair mode.  There is a brief flash of BIOS (?) before going to error repair. 
Diagnosis Repair diagnosis and repair log includes:
System Disk = \Device\Harddisk0
Windows directory = C:\Windows
AutoChk Run = 0
Number of root cause = 1

Test Performed . . . then a lengthy set of tests all ending with the same result.
Result:  Completed successfully.  Error code = 0x0

Then Root cause found:  Unspecified changes to system configuration might have caused the problem and then the action of System Restore.

This is frustrating.  What am I missing?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: CraigB on September 08, 2010, 07:44:39 AM
Problematic little bugger isnt it, all i can think of is trying the action centre and run a check in trouble shooting/ run maintenance task's and check for performance issue's, if that cant find or solve anything then we might have to bump this along to one of the member's with more technical knowledge.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: CraigB on September 08, 2010, 10:42:48 AM
bump
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: SafeSurf on September 08, 2010, 10:50:00 AM
What other security software do you have on your machine currently and in the past that have not been mentioned?  Did you reboot after doing the uninstalls?

After doing the System Restore (prior to the Avast installation), are you back to Vista or Win7 now?  Is your machine working correctly other than Avast at this point?  If it is and you have completely removed prior security software, I would suggest a clean install of Avast.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 09, 2010, 02:46:32 AM
SafeSurf, I did reboots after the uninstalls. 

I had Spywareblaster on there but removed it before attempting to intall AIS the next time/this time.  I did remove folders for any files related to Avast, AVG (empty), and Spywareblaster.  As for what was on the box with 4.8 prior to the attempts to intall AIS, Defender, MS FW, Spywareblaster, and Avast.  Malwarebytes came later.

The upgrade from Vista to 7 was earlier this year, so the restore point takes me to just prior to install of AIS.  I did the next install using the disc I had requested rather than what I downloaded.  Still no luck.  There is a brief boot (in blue) screen but I was unable to catch what is shows. 

As for performance, it appears to be working fine.  I have been avoiding it a bit because of this issue and not wanting to be connected to the internet.  Using a laptop in the interim  It is odd that after reboot, I get the Dell logo, then the Windows Starting screen, a brief and brilliant flash of the boot, then a second Windows Starting, then the Startup Repair.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Lisandro on September 09, 2010, 02:52:48 AM
System restore messes avast installations all the time...
Use AVG Remover that can be downloaded here: http://www.avg.com/download-tools
Then I suggest an installation from scratch:

1. Download the latest version of avast! Uninstall Utility (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-uninstall-utility.html) and save it.
2. Download the latest avast! (http://www.avast.com/eng/programs.html) version and save it.
3. Uninstall avast from Control Panel (if possible). If, for any reason, you can't run it, try booting in Safe Mode (http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml) and doing it from there. Anyway, boot after that.
4. Run the avast! Uninstall Utility saved on 1. If, for any reason, you can't run it, try booting in Safe Mode (http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml) and doing it from there. Anyway, boot after you've run it.
5. Install avast! using the setup saved on 2. Boot.
6. Register your free copy or add the license key for Pro.
7. Check and post the results.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 09, 2010, 02:05:52 PM
Tech, et al,
I have run and ran again the AVG Remover and the log states nothing was found. 
Not possible to uninstall from Conrol Panel.  Did uninstall via Safe Mode using the utility.  Rebooted.
Installed the AIS (rather than the Free version or Pro, since this the issue/software that I want to install), added license.  Rebooted.
Went to Repair and then restore point. Still unable to catch what flashs on screen between Windows Starting screens.

Have started a ticket with support.  They had me run a HJT scan and provide the log.  Newbie, here, I know, but saw mention of Avast 4 in the log.  At any rate, there has not been a response to the log but they did instruct me to download the latest version/updated version released "yesterday"  I am not sure 1. If the new version is for Free or AIS or 2. If the later, how would I get a copy b/c I paided for the download and do not wish to do so again.

Thank you, all
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Lisandro on September 09, 2010, 02:41:17 PM
Went to Repair and then restore point.
Restore point just messes the situation... as Windows does not make a full snapshot as Comodo Time Machine, for instance.
The uninstall tool could be run to remove version 5, then booting, removing version 4.8.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 09, 2010, 03:01:56 PM
Tech, Good morning,

Thanks for the note. 

Restore point is not what I am selecting directly, meaning, when it fails to boot after the install, it comes back with two options:  Repair or Start Normal (with consequences  . . . . I assume not good ones).   Then it does the testing I have noted in another Post, then it goes to restore point.  I do not recall (could be wrong) getting an option to decline restore point.  I will walk through the steps again and let you know.

All the best,
Mackinaw
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 13, 2010, 12:26:18 PM
Still no luck.  There was nothing left of 4.8 to remove, removed 5 in safe mode, rebooted. Installed AIS, with license, rebooted and failed.  Rather than go to restore point following the repair attempt, allowed it to attempt to repair again.  Then it failed and gave me several options.  I selected Restore point and it gave me about a months's worth of restore points.  Went back to a point prior to AIS install issues.  4.8.1368 was available but was corrupted.  Reinstalled that via filehippo.  Lost the license I had but on a demo 60 days.  Is working but still getting the Windows 7 notice that I do not have AV. 
From here, did another run at AIS with newest version but get the same results.
So, the original issue of Windows not seeing AV is not related to this issue, correct?  Very frustrated.
Should I be uninstalling 4.8.1368 and / or disabling Defender or Firewall or ????
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Lisandro on September 13, 2010, 01:12:25 PM
Mackinaw, you need to use avast uninstall tool to remove version 4, then boot, then run the tool again, remove version 5, then boot again, try to install the latest 5 version after that.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 13, 2010, 11:03:30 PM
Tech,
I have uninstall tool but does it not require a folder/path to point to in order to uninstall 4 or 5??  When I noted that I did not have anything left of 4.8, I meant that there is not a file/folder to point toward.  So I ran it on AIS folder.  Are you saying I should have been able to run it without identifying a folder? 
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Lisandro on September 14, 2010, 12:06:47 AM
I have uninstall tool but does it not require a folder/path to point to in order to uninstall 4 or 5??
If you don't have any, create a new one, empty, and point the uninstaller to it.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: wonderwrench on September 14, 2010, 05:55:51 AM
You should be able to read the error message by disabling automatically restart in system properties advanced tab. Reproduce the error and snap a picture of it and post it. If you cant take a picture write down the basic error message and post that.
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on September 26, 2010, 04:05:22 AM
wonderwrench, thanks.  Do you mean under Startup and Recovery>System failure> deselect "automatically restart"?  How does that help with the brief screen flash I get just prior to going to system repair?
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Lisandro on September 26, 2010, 04:18:05 AM
That could avoid automatic restart and you can see the error message.
Please, zip and upload the C:\Windows\Memory.dmp file to this anonymous ftp server: ftp://ftp.asw.cz/incoming (ftp://ftp.asw.cz/incoming)
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on November 07, 2010, 08:41:27 PM
Tech,
Reverted back to 4.8 - still unsuccessful with upgrade but am back at it.
Did take your advice re: Comodo Time Machine, so with this last fail, was able to go back to state prior to attempt.  Pretty slick.  I know if it is going to fail because I get the Dell logo and MS Starting Windows twice and select CTM to get my snapshots.  I do not see any memorydump file.

Tech support had recommended that I run HiJack This and Fix the following:
Run again HijackThis
- In the next window, clic on the bouton "Do a system scan only"
- then select the following lines by checking the relatives boxes to these lines. After that clic on the button "Fix checked":
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [Launcher] C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell DataSafe Local Backup\Components\scheduler\Launcher.exe

This did not work.  Before I go back to running the uninstal utility, would upgrading to the 5.0 Free be worth a try?  I am getting warning that 4.8 is about to expire.
Thank,
Mackinaw

 
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on November 08, 2010, 12:00:19 AM
Okay, got a look at the blue screen by disabling autorestart.  Did not get an screen shot but this is what it says:

INVALID_KERNAL_HANDLE

Then the usual "if this is the first time . . ." and the rest. Then, STOP info that included 0x00000093, 0x0000000000000000, 0xFFFFF8A000001768, and then more zeros.

Bit more info this time.

Ideas?

Mackinaw
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: Mackinaw on November 11, 2010, 05:07:39 PM
Correction,

INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE.

Tech support is recommending uninstall (with utility) and then reinstall with AIS.

Thoughts?

Mackinaw
Title: Re: Windows 7 Starting in Repair Mode after attempt upgrade from Free 4.8 to AIS
Post by: SafeSurf on November 12, 2010, 09:46:53 AM
Uninstall Avast and do a CLEAN install:

1. Save a copy of newest version of Avast (5.0.677) for the version you need and save it to your HDD:
AIS –  http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_ais.exe (http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_ais.exe)
2. Download the Avast Uninstall Utility, aswClear5.exe http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility) and save it to your HDD (it has uninstall tools for all products of Avast).  Save it to your desktop so you can find it easily.
3. Disconnect from the Internet at this time.
4. Go to Control Panel and uninstall Avast through Add/Remove Programs if possible and reboot.
5. If Step 4 fails, boot into Safe Mode (http://Safe Mode) (hit F8 repeatedly) and run the Avast Uninstall Tool.  Uninstall all products you have used for Avast on this machine at this time including AIS.
6. Reboot.
7. Install the newest version of Avast and reboot.
8. Get Internet access and register your copy or add the license key for AIS.
9. Update the Avast definitions.