Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: AGray on November 20, 2010, 09:14:14 AM
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I have been using Avast for years now and this is the first time I have had any issues with it.
I installed the latest version of the free version of Avast anti-virus on a new computer I just finished building for my wife. For whatever reason the web shield seems to be blocking any form of web-browsing through both firefox and IE 8. This is a fresh, less than one day old install of XP pro.
Avast version is the latest free 5.0.677
Windows XP- fully update with all the latest SP's and security updates
So far only using the windows firewall (disabling the entire firewall does not fix the issue)
Only other program running is ad-aware, also with all the latest updates.
I searched and found a number of other threads about this same issue but none of the solutions I found were of any help. Any assistance is appreciated.
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Hello AGray and welcome to the forum.
Did you reboot after installing Avast? Is the rest of Avast working properly?
What other security software do you currently have or did you have in the past on this machine including antivirus (AV), firewall (FW), and other security programs? If they were in the past, how did you remove them (the vendor's uninstaller's tool or another way)?
BTW, I would uninstall ad-aware since this has become obsolete years ago and was replaced with MBAM (Malwarebytes) free http://www.malwarebytes.org/ (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) (the blue button), which most of us use here.
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Yes I restarted. There have been multiple restarts, uninstalls using the avast utility reinstalls and more rebooting. The only other security related program is ad-aware, no other AV or firewall programs have been installed.
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Please uninstall ad-aware via the vendor's uninstaller's tool. Since support for this software stopped in 2007, you will most likely need to run CCleaner afterwards to remove remnants. As I said in an earlier post, you can later replace this obsolete software with MBAM, which most of us use.
CCleaner, a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. There is a Slim version available as well at http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds) - 4th options down. It removes unused files (cache, temporary Internet files, etc.) from your system, allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner (I suggest making a back up as a "just in case"). You will need to run both the cleaner and the registry cleaner after uninstalling ad-aware, then reboot. Most of us also use this software as a cleaner as well.
Next try the Winsockfix Utility:
Windows XP – http://majorgeeks.com/WinSock_XP_Fix_d4372.html (http://majorgeeks.com/WinSock_XP_Fix_d4372.html). Reboot.
If this fails to fix the problem, please try an Avast Repair:
- Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove programs > Avast Antivirus.
- Scroll down and choose Repair function in the pop-up window.
- Reboot.
Have you made any changes to the default settings of Avast since you installed it?
Please check the following to check the settings:
Open Avast GUI > Settings > Updates >
A. Engine and Virus Definitions:
- Automatic Update (default)
- For “Manual” or “Ask When Update Available ” > Settings > Status Bar > Uncheck the last box
B. Update Parameters: all boxes unchecked (default)
- If you use DSL, you may want to set #2 above to "My computer is permanently connected to the Internet."
- If you use dial-up, you will want to use #2 above to "I only connect to the Internet using dial-up modem."
C. Proxy Settings: Auto Detect using IE Settings (default)
- Some people have found that using "Direct connection / No Proxy" have worked for them.
- Use "Specify Proxy Server" if you use a proxy and complete the information below it for the proxy server > click "OK."
Please let me know if or what of these suggestions help, or if you have any questions. Thank you.
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I am having exactly the same problem on my Windows 7 machine. Mail shield is also blocking all mail transmission. I have scanned for viruses and have found nothing. I do not run AdAware and never have on this machine. Help me too please?
Thanks,
Jen
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I am having exactly the same problem on my Windows 7 machine. Mail shield is also blocking all mail transmission. I have scanned for viruses and have found nothing. I do not run AdAware and never have on this machine. Help me too please?
Thanks,
Jen
That's a completely different problem.. ;)
Please open a new thread for your problem..!! We'll help you there, don't worry.
asyn
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@SafeSurf, I tried all of your suggestion and nothing worked. Even with no other security software loaded on the machine, no firewall, anti-virus or anti-malware programs loaded, it is still having the same issue with webshield blocking internet browser access.
PS where are you getting your info about ad-aware no longer being supported? I have been using since before 2007 with full support and updates past 2007. Just to be clear I am using the latest version published by Lavasoft.
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I had a similar problem. At first since Avast! wasn't working I tried uninstallling and reinstalling a previous version but this had no effect. I was using the latest version of IObits Advanced Care System Free v v3.7.2 and had pressed the Network monitor button. I had to uninstall it before Avast!'s webshield would work again. Not badmouthing the company. I have had no compatibility problems with IObit's Security 360. Well none so far.
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@ AGray,
The information I received that you asked about is through a search as well as troubleshooting for numerous users. Perhaps you have a different version from others. Either way, I still suggest as at least a TEST to uninstall ad-aware to see if this fixes your problem.
Are you sure you did not have any other security programs, even trial versions on this machine in the past?
Since the Avast Repair did not work for you, I would suggest an uninstall and clean install of Avast:
1. Save a copy of newest version of Avast (5.0.677) for the version you need and save it to your HDD:
Free – http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_free_eng.exe (http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_free_eng.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.
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.
6. Reboot.
7. Install the newest version of Avast and reboot.
8. Get Internet access and register your copy for Free:
Free – http://www.avast.com/registration-free-antivirus.php (http://www.avast.com/registration-free-antivirus.php)
9. Update the Avast definitions.
Please let me know if this resolves your problem. Thank you.
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@ ainnyc, Please do a forum search and you will come up with results that may surprise you regarding IObit and Advanced Care System (ASC). Thank you.
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Thanks for the Heads up Safesurf. I guess I am lucky not to have had problems before this. I will check out some of the alternatives mentioned on this board.
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Unfortunately no. Those are all things that I tried already. I have booted into safe mode to remove it, tried it several times, reinstalled with the freshest version 5.0.677. As I said before this is on a fresh install of xp, less than an hour old when avast was installed. It was the first piece of security software installed and the problem started immediately upon avast being installed with no other security, or even any other programs aside from drivers having been installed at that point. I did try uninstalling ad-aware just to check but it proved fruitless. I'm beginning to think this may just be due to some gremlin with this particular machine. I even called Avasts tech support number and they were unable to figure out the issue (not that I have much faith based on my experience with them).
I thank you for the suggestions but this is beginning to become seriously frustrating for me as I can figure out neither the mechanism for the issue nor a solution.
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I'm having exactly the same problem on 2 new builds of Windows XP Home. All updates have been applied to Windows. No other security software has been installed. I could happily browse the internet with IE8 prior to downloading and installing Avast Free (5.0.677) Engine and Virus definitions 101121-1.
Done all of the suggested fixes, nothing worked.
Any help would be appreciated.
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@ AGray,
I can sense your frustration and I want to help you. It could be that a driver or some other unknown variant is causing an issue. I'd like you to submit a mini-dump file directly to Avast to analyze:
Here is additional information on how to invoke a memory dump file: http://support.avast.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=71 (http://support.avast.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=71).
Please, zip and upload the C:\Windows\Memory.dmp file to this anonymous ftp server and name it uniquely: ftp.avast.com/incoming (http://ftp.avast.com/incoming). Avast will analyze it and respond back to you either in this thread or your email. Please let us know the results. In the meantime, I will continue to support any issues you may have. Thank you.
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@ PureITy,
Since I have asked the OP to create a mini-dump file and Avast will now be involved in this thread, I am requesting that you please start a New Topic of your own as this will just confuse the current thread and we will happily help you there. You can cut and paste your original post to make it easier for you and refer to this original thread as things you have attempted to do to fix your problems in your new thread.
Go to this link, http://forum.avast.com/index.php (http://forum.avast.com/index.php), scroll down to the Avast Free/Pro/Suite forum and click it, click the New Topic button at the top of the list and post there. I thank you very much. :)
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Hi, I also have been using Avast for a long time and now the only way to to get on the web is to turn off web shield completely . I have tried to isolate the settings in web shield and the only way is to turn it off completely. I have uninstalled Avast and reinstalled but still the same problem.I think that this issue is to to do with Avast.I Was looking to upgrade, but don't want to find the same problem. This is with IE, FireFox and chrome.
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Hi, I also have been using Avast for a long time and now the only way to to get on the web is to turn off web shield completely . I have tried to isolate the settings in web shield and the only way is to turn it off completely. I have uninstalled Avast and reinstalled but still the same problem.I think that this issue is to to do with Avast.I Was looking to upgrade, but don't want to find the same problem. This is with IE, FireFox and chrome.
Welcome to the forum, CUSWO...!
But please start your own thread. Thanks.
asyn
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I would suggest running a SuperAntiSpyware scan ( http://www.superantispyware.com/ (http://www.superantispyware.com/)). It worked great for me when I had the exact same problem today. After it detected & quarantined a few dozen tracking cookies, Avast WebShield no longer blocked web access by either IE8 or Firefox. This simple fix took 10 minutes.
Good luck! ;D
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@ AGray,
Please take a look at this thread, which fixed the issue for some: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=57443.0 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=57443.0). Let me know if this helps you.
If not, please submit a min-dump file for Avast to analyze the issue:
Here is additional information on how to invoke a memory dump file: http://support.avast.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=71 (http://support.avast.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=71).
Please, zip and upload the C:\Windows\Memory.dmp file to this anonymous ftp server and name it uniquely: ftp.avast.com/incoming (http://ftp.avast.com/incoming). Avast will analyze it and reply to you in this thread or to your email. Please keep us informed and in the meantime I will continue to support you. Thank you.
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I would suggest running a SuperAntiSpyware scan ( http://www.superantispyware.com/ (http://www.superantispyware.com/)). It worked great for me when I had the exact same problem today. After it detected & quarantined a few dozen tracking cookies, Avast WebShield no longer blocked web access by either IE8 or Firefox. This simple fix took 10 minutes.
Good luck! ;D
I think this is more likely to be a happy coincidence, as tracking cookies aren't a security risk and shouldn't present themselves in this way, many are called tracking when in fact they are just cookies.
Adjust your browser settings not to accept 3rd party cookies, those that don't originate from the site you are actually viewing.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie)
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Cookies is important but if they can turn cookie as temporary and delete after it is use. we are safe.
As text, cookies are not executable. Because they are not executed, they cannot replicate themselves and are not viruses. However, due to the browser mechanism to set and read cookies, they can be used as spyware. Anti-spyware products may warn users about some cookies because cookies can be used to track people—a privacy concern, later causing possible malware.
will i like this part. in real life password stealer use cookie to invade your privacy ;)
Regards!!!
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@ AGray,
I'm following up...have you submitted the mini-dump file to Avast for analysis?
Have you taken a look at the other thread I mentioned in my previous post?
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I have had exactly this problem today. Brand new computer build with Win XP pro. Fresh WinXP pro install with chipset drivers and all XP updates. Absolutely no other software was installed or uninstalled. I next installed Avast 5.0.677, and I lost internet connectivity but still had network connection to home computers. Uninstalled Avast and internet back. Reinstalled Avast and turning on and off web shield turns on and off internet access.