Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Nikilet on November 27, 2011, 08:00:28 PM
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I always save attachments to my desktop, right click and scan with Avast before opening. I've read this isn't necessary, but it's what I do. Only now Avast doesn't seem to be scanning them. Nothing happens.
I've right-clicked and scanned other files and folders with Avast and it performs normally, but no longer with email attachments. What has gone wrong?
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have you tried avast repair....
not quite the same as your problem....but worked here http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=70727.0
if you want to check those attachments thoroughly, then upload to www.virustotal.com
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I really don't want to go to the trouble of uploading these attachments to that link. I just want to right click them like I always have and scan with Avast. My Avast is working fine. There have been no malfunctions or error messages. I can still right click any folder or installation file, whatever, and scan it. It just doesn't work on attachments.
Whoa!! I just went to my desktop (recycle bin) and did some checking. See attached screenshot.
The one wmv file shows a picture. The other one is just the normal icon I usually get with attachments. I noticed on the last two files I've received that after I save them to my desktop they have a picture instead of the normal icon, like what is on the Budweiser attachment. I was able to right click the Budweiser attachment and scan with Avast. The other one, with the pic of the barn, I could not scan.
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What exactly you meant with "I can't scan it"?
About the time it takes to scan a file or folder, it varies also depending on the type of file. For example, most known video files will be scanned very quickly.
Avast will start checking the file, and if it determines that the file can't be of any type of problem, Avast goes on, no matter the file's size. Why waste time on checking / scanning something that has no means / way / method to activate some malware?
It is possible that the files you were scanning are such that they can't represent any problem.
BTW, when you "download the email", do you mean that you are downloading an actual file attached, a link to a "web email", or an email file (like *.eml, for example)?
Of course some setting may be skipping those specific files, but if you haven't configured it to do so, it is probably nothing to worry about (as long as Avast is active and the shields are working).
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I'm talking about an attachment included on an email. I FOREVER AND ALWAYS have saved all those to my desktop and scaned them with Avast (and it's predecessors) before opening.
When I say I can't scan it, I mean that when I right click and select to scan with Avast, nothing at all happens. Nothing.
When Avast scans it's very fast -- basically a 1-2 second operation.
Although it might sound that way I do NOT intend to be sarcastic or snotty ... However, it doesn't really matter why I want to scan something. The point here is that I have ALWAYS done this and now I am not able to and I'd like to know why. When you've been performing a certain action forever and suddenly you can't, there's got to be a reason for it.
Within the past two days I have received 3 of these emails with wmv attachments. Two display with the thumbnail photo of the subject, and the other (Budweiser) displays with the normal icon for a wmv file. I can scan the Budweiser, But I can not scan the other two and I'd like to "learn" why.
In clicking on these files and selecting properties, I do notice that the Budweiser has a "Shortcut" tab and the other two do not. I also notice that on the other two, General tab, at the bottom there is a security item that is not on the Budweiser attachment. See screenshot where it shows the "security" item with the option to unblock.
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I have not questioned your needs to scan those files in this specific way. I don't know if I expressed myself not clear enough or what.
My questions were only technical, so to understand the real type of file you are trying to scan. I don't "care" about the specific icon, since the icon shown is one of the methods for malware to trick users into clicking on them.
Now, the WMV is usually a movie, so it "may" be fast to scan.
The "unblock" is a Windows protection method to reduce the allowed permissions to a certain file. For example, this is common with files downloaded using IE. Avast should be able to scan them anyway.
It is still not clear to me when you say "nothing happens"; isn't there any result screen or a tray notification screen that something is being scanned? If neither type of windows appear, but they indeed appear when scanning other files, then someone else might have some clue, because in such situation I currently can't recall of anything about it.
If, after scanning ANY file or folder no result is shown (as oppose to "sometimes yes, sometimes no"), then the adequate setting to allow the results windows to be shown is simply unselected.
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Please stick with me here because something is off here and I want to get it straightened out. When I right click an item and choose to scan with Avast, I am used to seeing the window in the attached screenshot (I just scanned this Budweiser file again to get this).
On the other files when I say nothing is happening I mean there is no result screen or tray notification screen. There is literally no indication that a scan has been done.
Some things I am scanning are producing the results window, and some things are producing nothing at all -- no kind of indication that the file was scanned. This makes me interested in your final comment: If, after scanning ANY file or folder no result is shown (as oppose to "sometimes yes, sometimes no"), then the adequate setting to allow the results windows to be shown is simply unselected.
This is apparently a "sometimes yes, sometimes no" situation. Where do I go to check if the "adequate setting to allow the results window to be shown is simply unselected"?
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I also have a jpg file and a pdf file on my desktop and when I scanned those there was no kind of reaction or indication either.
Is there any way to edit a post rather than post another reply?
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There's also a zip file I got via email on my desktop that I tried to right click and scan with avast. Didn't work.
All of the files that I CAN NOT right click and scan with avast -- I CAN right click and scan with Malwarebtes.
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see screenshot
http://i1-win.softpedia-static.com/screenshots/Avast-Home-Edition_43.png
"special scans"
are there any settings there....about file type to scan ? when you have that checked
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I would request from you to post here the info of each of the checkboxes of that picture posted by Pondus. Which checkboxes are enabled and which ones disabled currently in your Avast?
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I have attached my Basic Settings window just as it appeared. This is apparently the way it has been set ever since I installed the program last October.
I tried selecting that "Special Scans" box and then clicking "OK" but it didn't show any settings about the file type to scan.
I did a "repair" of Avast and rebooted. That didn't work. I also ran the sfc /scannow and no integrity errors were found.
I have a jpg file on my desk that I got through email. When I tried to right-click scan there was no reaction, no result at all. But I took a jpg file out of my trash which is a screenshot I took and it has a little blue arrow on it and I was able to right-click scan that.
pause .....
Please see my "Capture" screenshot. What is the significance of those two files displaying that blue arrow on them? I ask because I can right-click scan both of those files, but not the others.
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I tried selecting that "Special Scans" box and then clicking "OK" but it didn't show any settings about the file type to scan.
after you select the special scan you should see this here
Scan Computer -> Scan Now -> Scroll to Scan from Windows Explorer -> Then you get the normal scan settings.
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s26/sh/05664481-f30c-48d4-9fde-33536def2bbf/17e87d5c0cf640a2f88fba5903df0011
do you have all files selected ?
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Yes, I have that selected.
I use my right-click scan feature quite a bit and I sure hate that it's not working. I'm trying to think of anything I've done that could have caused a change, but I really don't know what it would have been. I ran a little thing the other day to add "move to" and "copy to" to the right-click menu. Could that have changed anything?
Another thing I've noticed recently is that twice when I've restarted an Avast shortcut icon has appeared on my desktop. This never used to happen. It happened today, in fact.
Have there been programs updates in the past few days that could have caused any of this?
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I found the following link and wondered if this ShellExView might help.
http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=99468
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I don't know about the ShellExView, so I'll leave that to someone else to answer.
About the blue arrows over the icons, it "seems" to be shortcuts to the actual file. I say "seems" because any file can have such an icon (or similar). Right click on the icon with the blue arrow and select properties. Can you describe what you see (or attach an image)?
The additional Avast shortcut in the desktop was already commented by other users, but I don't remember what was related to (maybe some sandbox issue, but not sure).
About the previous screenshots of your settings, I use the
"right click -> Avast scan"
every day, and I go to Avast main GUI -> settings -> "basic", and both "special scans" and "behavior" are checked in my system, while your screenshots are showing them as UNchecked. Maybe you should try it.
Please report back.
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I had already checked the "Special Scans" per the info from Pondus. It made no change.
I now checked "Behavior" also and still, it makes no difference.
I'm sure you are right about that blue arrow indicating shortcuts of actual files.
I also use the right click -> Avast scan every day and that is why this is going to really cripple me.
My son-in-law put in 2 GB RAM (total 4 GB) for me when they were here Thanksgiving. Would that have any effect. It all went without incident.
I can't accept that there is not a fix for this. Actually, in Googling I found a number of complaints about this right-click scan issue, but none of them were comparable to my situation.
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Yes, some users had some problems with their context menu, but that is not "exclusive" to Avast. It can happen to any program, since it depends on registry keys.
Those registry keys depend sometimes on the specific file type. But your case seems different. Your context menu shows up, but seems not to work.
Have you rebooted after setting those changes in Avast settings?
What about downloading the setup.exe again and running it ("right click -> run as administrator" is in this case necessary) just over the current installation? It would be similar to a "repair". If you do, please reboot immediately before retesting it.
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My context menu shows up and seems to function fine. I might have already mentioned that I can right-click on the same files and select to scan with MBAM and it scans them. This does seem to be an Avast problem rather than anything with my system.
I did reboot several times last evening, but I don't think it was immediately after setting the changes. I suppose I could try running the setup file. I don't know if that would do any good when I've already run the repair, but I will try it and let you know. And I understand that you want me to reboot right away after running.
I can save actual emails to my desktop and the right-click avast scan will work on those. It will work on program shortcuts. It works on FILES. (I am making a correction to this because it should have said FOLDERS) I created a new folder on my desktop, then took some of the same files I've been working with and placed them into a folder. I can then right-click on the folder itself and Avast will scan all of the files, but if I open the folder and try to scan the files individually, it doesn't scan. See screenshot. I tried to scan each one of those files in the folder from the desktop, and tried to scan them individually from within the folder and Avast would not perform the scan. But when I right clicked on the folder itself then it scanned everything.
I know this can be considered a work-around, but that's not the way it is supposed to work and what if that work-around stops working too?
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I'm not exactly sure how I get that setup.exe file again. I went to my account online at Avast thinking it might list my licenses and downloads, but I couldn't find it if it did.
Also, if I do something like this does that then mean I will have to download and install all the program updates and definition updates? If I have to go through all that perhaps it would be better to just uninstall the whole program and reinstall it.
Please advise.
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I know this can be considered a work-around, but that's not the way it is supposed to work and what if that work-around stops working too?
Don't worry. No even one of the frequent users in this forum nor any of Avast Team members would consider that a valid workaround. Something is definitely wrong.
perhaps it would be better to just uninstall the whole program and reinstall it.
Well, that was my next suggestion. My previous one was that you download the same exact setup.exe you are now talking about: the LATEST STABLE version of the same edition of Avast you currently have.
For now, avoid the uninstall.
Download the latest stable version, right click, properties, "unblock", "OK", right click, "run as administrator", follow installation instructions, reboot, test the context menu and scan.
If that works, Avast should also update its definitions database if necessary (if the setting is for automatic definitions updates).
If it doesn't solve the problem, then I'll give you more instructions.
Please report back.
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Well, that was my next suggestion. My previous one was that you download the same exact setup.exe you are now talking about: the LATEST STABLE version of the same edition of Avast you currently have.
I still am unsure about this. Do you mean I just go to Avast and download the Avast Internet Security 6.0 and install it right over the top of what I have, which is 6.0.1282? Or did you mean the file I used when I originally installed Avast IS?
Sorry, but I don't want to just assume and charge ahead and then wish I would have asked questions.
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Not need to be sorry. I would say, in computers, ask before you act every single time you are not sure.
just go to Avast and download the Avast Internet Security 6.0 and install it right over the top of what I have, which is 6.0.1282?
That is what I mean. Download the current stable LATEST available version of AIS (the new just released today version 6.0.1367).
After rebooting, if that didn't solve the problem, I'll give more instructions. Please report back.
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Well now I seem to have another problem. I right-clicked the AIS setup.exe and there is NO OPTION to run ad administrator. It's always been there so I have not a clue what has happened. I then right clicked on some more files and same thing -- no "run as administrator."
I was able to click on AIS setup, properties, compatibility and check the box in there that says to run as administrator.
Do you have any clue what I could do to get this back? Could this be caused by AIS?
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Installing the AIS file over my existing installation did not work. I no longer know what to do.
I ran Check Disk and no problems found.
I ran scf /scannow again and no problems found.
Is there any possibility that something as silly as Logitech software could be causing this? I ask because I was having some kind of problem before which I can't even remember now, and I uninstalled Logitech and did not reinstall it because my mouse seemed to be working fine without it. But I notice it's been kind of unresponsive.
I got on this older Gateway notebook I have which runs Win XP and it really seemed nice to have my right-click scan working, and also my "run as administrator."
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The following boot-start or system-start driver(s) failed to load:
aswSnx
I looked in the Event Viewer and there really didn't seem to be a lot of crucial items, but I did find this. Isn't this an Avast driver?
Well, it's 4 a.m. here and I've been pretty much all day and all night trying to figure all these glitches out. At least you can't call me a quitter. But I am going to bed now and I hope when I come back here ady4um, or someone, has stumbled across a fix for me. I really hate to uninstall Avast because other than this right-click scan deal, it seems to be running seamlessly.
Then, of course, there's the "run as administrator" deal. It would seem that I'm having a bunch of context menu problems. Is it a problem with registry items.
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Then, of course, there's the "run as administrator" deal. It would seem that I'm having a bunch of context menu problems. Is it a problem with registry items.
I don't know if the "run as administrator" problem is just a context menu problem or what.
Are you using a Windows account that is part of the "Administrators" group?
There are some utilities to edit / rebuild / delete context menu items, depending on the specific version of Windows you are using.
Maybe you should check with some additional security tools (so to haver some resulting logs with concrete info). Other forum members (usually in the "Viruses and Worms" subforum) may suggest which tool to run so to attach to a post a specific log.
(I'll try to gather some info for this additional issue, but no promises.)
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In addition to the above questions in my previous post, are you using a Windows account that is part of the "administrators" group, or are you using THE "Adminstrator" account?
After trying the installation of the newest stable version of AIS, have you rebooted? (Sorry to be "heavy" with this, but sometimes it is just *that* simple.)
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Yes, I run windows from administrators account. I don't know what you mean for sure when you ask if it's part of the "administrators" group or is it THE "Administrator" account. I'm guessing it's part of the administrators group. All I know for sure is that it is the administrators account I set up.
Yes, I rebooted after I ran AIS setup.exe. For sure!
I don't know what you mean when you say In addition to the above questions in my previous post...
I went back and glanced through and nothing is jumping out at me that I did not answer.
So, do you think it's time to try uninstalling Avast and starting from scratch?
P.S. If I go through"Start" I can right click on things and the option to "Run as administrator" is there. It's crazy, just like the right-click scan deal. I can put items into a folder and right click the folder and get a scan. But I can not right click on the item itself and get a scan.
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In Windows, there is one account / user name that is named exactly like that "Administrator".
Download the following:
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility)
Reboot into Windows Safe Mode ("F8" just when Windows is about to "kick in" when booting).
In the removal utility, select the correct folder and correct version / edition of Avast.
Repeat this for other versions / editions of Avast you ever had before (for example, if you have updated some time from Avast 5 to 6, or if you had Avast Free 5 and then AIS 6).
Reboot again (please do not skip the reboot) into Windows Safe Mode. Try running in this mode the setup of AIS 6.0.1367. This is NOT the normal method for the installation, but the things you are describing under normal mode are too strange. Avoid updating or configuring anything in Avast. Simply reboot after the installation tells you it has finished.
If the installation under Safe Mode won't be possible, then try installing under Windows Normal Mode and reboot.
(The setup has changed a little from the previous stable 6.0.1289 to the current 6.0.1367, so I don't know if installing under Windows Safe Mode will work. The removal utility, for sure it will work, and it is much better to run it under Windows Safe Mode).
I won't to stress out that you should avoid any additional configuration or update of AIS, except if AIS does it by itself. So, no even inserting the license for now.
Please report back.
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If I don't insert the license I will be left without protection because the shields will not be activated without the license and since this is not the free version, I will not have protection.
Goodness, I don't know if I can accomplish what you've asked. I started out with Avast antivirus free (don't know what the version was); and then I went to Avast Pro and I know that was 5, and then I immediately asked for my money back on the Avast Pro and went with the Avast Internet Security 5 instead.
If I understand correctly, you want me to uninstall each one of these, one by one, and since I do not know what the free version was, that would mean at least Avast Pro 5, Avast Internet Security 5 and Avast Internet Security 6???? Is there any way to trace which free version I installed because I honestly do not know?
In some Googling I did in the wee hours, in anticipation of uninstalling Avast, it said to: Either, start Windows in Safe Mode or disable the avast! self-defence module. Then it gave instructions to disable that module and I copied and pasted into an email and saved to draft so I could refer to it.
Please know I'm not arguing with you. I'm trying to "understand" what I'm being told to do.
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Could you give a screen shot of your right click menu please - like so
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Let's start for the simple one: If you don't know or are not sure, run the removal utility for all versions of Avast, all from Windows Safe Mode.
I'll tell you even more.
Once you have finished running the removal utility for all versions, reboot again into Windows Safe Mode and search for any folder containing "avast" or "alwil" at least in part of the name. Delete all those folders (including those in hidden areas. For example, if there is a folder (no matter where) with the name "Avast5", or "avast5, or "avast 5", delete it.
Now reboot again into Windows Safe Mode and run the installation of AIS and reboot into Windows Normal Mode and test the context menu scan.
About the specific setup.exe and the license, you are wrong. If you download the setup.exe for AIS, you have 30 days with protection anyway, before your licence. (The licence will still be valid up to the same date it was before anyway.) So, I don't know why you think you have no protection. Or maybe you are not downloading the correct file?
In fact, this problem is independent on the edition of Avast. For the context menu scan, all edition will do. But, since you want to have AIS with your valid license key after this problem is solved, then I am recommending to download AIS's setup.exe.
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ady4um: When you told me before to install the AIS setup.exe, I ran into this very problem. I panicked because I had forgotten how to insert the license key. I finally figured it out but in the meantime, the program was not active and kept asking for the key. The file I ran came right from Avast site, (see screenshot)
essexboy: Screenshot attached. It varies depending what I click on, so I clicked on a folder so it shows more options.
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Another screenshot of right-click menu taken from START. Anything from there still shows the "Run as administrator" option.
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OK, I want to explain one thing that you are apparently not understanding. Those screenshots are not from real folders. They are shortcuts to folders. Those are different type of files. So when you say that you scan it, I doubt it is really scanning the real file or the real folder.
About the setup of AIS, can you download the TRIAL version (or edition or build) of AIS 6.0.1367 from the official web site only? I can't be more specific in the description, and I won't put here a direct link.
The trial version should let you use the program for 30 days. That's the whole point of the trial. After this problem is solved, you can add your license (and you have 30 days to do it).
The previous sentence is valid if you cleaned up all remnants of all previous version, editions, build, and then deleted the possible remnant folders I already instructted to.
When you download the setup.exe for AIS (the current stable trial), you can right click on it and select properties. "Unblock it" if necessary (as already explained). Also, one of the tabs in the properties should contain a valid signature (certificate) of Avast Software (or Alwil Software).
If, for whichever reason, the trail version of AIS can't be used or installed in your system, then download the Free edition of Avast. The reason is simple. If this problem is solved while using the Free edition, it will be easier to upgrade to AIS eventually. It would be better to install the Free edition, rather than to have no protection at all.
Please follow the instructions already given before (in previous posts) and report back.
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ady4um: I really don't get your first paragraph below. Are you talking about the screenshots I attached for essexboy? I truly have no idea whatsoever what you are talking about. What I was trying to show essexboy was that if I right click an item in my Start menu or under All Programs there, I still have my "Run as administrator" item in the context menu. If I click an item from within my C drive, or on my desktop, that item is not there. So I guess I'm still not understanding.
Please be assured that I so much appreciate your sticking with me here and trying to help, but I guess I'm not one to just walk blindly into the water and hope I'll float. Are you so sure about this AIS trial version? I initially installed the trial version and I used it up. When I finally made the purchase, I had exhausted my 30-day trial.
I wish someone would step in here and help ady4um explain things to me. Apparently I AM NOT getting some things, and bless his heart, I think he is getting frustrated with me.
essexboy, have you nothing more to say about your request for screenshot of my context menu?
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Yes, I was referring to the picture for essexboy, but also to previous posts from you.
My point was that "folders" are not being shown in those pictures. You seemed to think (from you own previous posts) that if you select a "folder", you can scan it with its contents, but when you select a certain type of files (like executable files) inside the same folder, the context menu for Avast is not reacting (or at least not showing you any reaction).
What you though are "real" folders, according to your pictures are "shortcuts to folders".
At this point, that clarification is not so important. This should be corrected for any type of file or folder.
Now, about the AIS setup, yes I am sure. My instructions were for you to completely remove all remnants of all possible Avast editions and versions (by using the removal utility several times under Windows Safe Mode, and then by manually deleting any relevant folder that may be left behind).
So, the 30 days limit is gone. You are supposed to be starting from scratch. If installing AIS says you have no time left, then there is some remnant still there.
But, I also gave you an alternative, just so we can solve this problem, or at least to find out if this is related to some Avast glitch, or to some Windows registry problems, or if you have / had some malware causing this. The alternative is to download the Free edition (not AIS).
The rest of the instructions remains the same. After the final reboot of my previous instructions (some posts above), you should have the Free edition of Avast, stable version 6.0.1367, and we hope that the context menu will work "everywhere and anywhere".
After getting to such success (whether by this method or by eliminating whichever the problem is), it will be much easier to install AIS over the Free edition (the new AIS 6.0.1367 is prepeared for that), insert your license and be secured.
I hope I was clearer now.
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I still don't get it. To me, the folders I create are by right clicking my desktop and selecting "New Folder" -- well, they are real folders. Perhaps in the computer world, they are not technically real folders. Thing is, I agree with you. I don't think it makes any difference.
I will have to attempt this removal/reinstall of Avast tomorrow as I just don't have what it takes anymore today.
I'm half beginning to thing there is some kind of registry problem, but I really don't know where to go for help. I live 100 miles from the nearest computer shop so it's not like I can load it up, run uptown and drop it off.
Thanks for your patience and help. Have a good one. I'll check in tomorrow.
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You will not get the run as admin on the second screen shot as a folder is selected rather that a file - Other wise the menu seems OK
I will have a root around my registry and see what it should say
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You will not get the run as admin on the second screen shot as a folder is selected rather that a file - Other wise the menu seems OK
I will have a root around my registry and see what it should say
I would so appreciate it if you would do that. I have Googled myself silly on this but I don't understand so much I found. In Windows Seven forum I did find an actual registry key file that was included for someone. I downloaded it but didn't use it. It is RunAsAdmin_add.reg
I'll wait to hear from you.
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I won't to stress out that you should avoid any additional configuration or update of AIS, except if AIS does it by itself. So, no even inserting the license for now.
Please report back.
I have done as you instructed. Right now I am running AIS 6.0.1367 in trial mode. I have done absolutely nothing within the program as yet. It made no difference. The option to scan with avast is there, but for the most part it's dead and produces no results unless it is used via a folder. I will wait to hear from you before setting up my scan schedules, inserting license or anything.
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essexboy: Since this process of uninstalling and reinstalling Avast did not work to remedy the "Scan with avast" problem, I am assuming that this and "Run as administrator" missing command are all a part of the same. I think a strong indicator of a registry problem is the fact that the "Scan with avast" command does show up, and it does work if I place files first inside a folder. I can scan the files through selecting a folder, but not by selecting the actual file.
If there is something wrong in the registry, can you help me fix these problems, or do you know a good place to go to get help.
I have used a Registry Cleaner, but it's one I trust and have not had problems with. I guess there is always a first time.
There was also something I added to the context menu very recently and I recall downloading a little file that I had to click on and select to "merge" something. I just can't remember what it was that I added. Whatever it was, it worked, but maybe it messed something else up???
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I'll leave you in the hands of essexboy now. Just a comment about the ".reg" files. Sometimes the content of a reg file is compatible for both Vista (your OS) and for Seven. Sometimes it is compatible with all editions of Vista. But this is not *always* the case. So, whatever you downloaded for Seven, you should be sure it is compatible and useful for your particular edition of Vista. Otherwise it may be more of a problem than a solution.
In any case, before applying reg files, I would suggest a backup your registry.
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Will do. Thanks for your help! ;)
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OK I have extracted the relevant reg entries from my windows 7 - can you confirm that is what you have
Open a notepad file and copy the following to the file, you must include
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\avast]
@="{472083B0-C522-11CF-8763-00608CC02F24}"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\avast]
@="{472083B0-C522-11CF-8763-00608CC02F24}"
From the file menu select Save as..
In the file type select all files
Save as Avast.reg to your desktop
Right click the reg file and select Merge
Accept all warnings and then retry the right click
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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[/b]
That is incorrect.
It should be:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
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Before I go forth, you do notice that I have Vista Home Premium SP2???
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Yep fixed now as the bb code went wrong somehow, I got bored of waiting for the preview to check it out
Yep will work for Vista
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When I right click there is no "merge" on the context menu.
If I left click I get the window shown in screenshot, but I did not select "Yes" yet. Please advise.
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It sounds as though the programme you used to change your context menu has messed it up as a reg file should automatically provide that option
Yes accept the changes
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Yes, I can remember having been told in the past to right click on something and select "merge" and it was there.
Anyway, I'm showing 2 screenshots. Everything should have worked, but I still can't right click on files the way I always have and scan them.
So it looks like my scan with avast is not very functional, I have no "merge" and I have no "run as administrator.
Keep in mind tho, I can right click and scan with Malwarebytes and it works.
What about that RunAs file I mentioned previously that I downloaded from a Windows Seven post?
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I made a full registry back up on 11/16. I wonder if I could help matters by importing that. I've never imported a registry backup before. Is it as simple as it seems? Just open registry editor, File/Import, browse to where it is saved and go ahead?
It just dawned on me, tho, that if I would do something like that I will lose registry entries for programs I may have installed, or changes that may have been made, including the new Avast install I just did.
I don't like it at all, but I guess I could live with having to scan with avast through a folder; and use the properties menu to "run as administrator."
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What programme did you use to change the right click menu ? If it was a good programme there should be a restore function to allow you to reset the system
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I don't think it was a program. It was just some little file I ran to make the change. I wish I could remember what I added but I just don't.
I've been doing some more reading. I'm still wondering about that RunAs file I mentioned. But also I'm wondering if I can help matters any by that ShellMenuView. I have downloaded it from Cnet but have been busy with other things and haven't opened it. It's not a program that has to be installed. Just a file.
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Just downloading to have a play
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Sorry, but I don't understand what you mean.
I guess I don't understand enough to know what to do with these Shell programs.
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I have just had a look at the programme on my system and it will not achieve what you wish to do. Do you have a restore point prior to the problem happening ?
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No, another foolish thing I did and have now remedied. I reduced the amount of space for SR so it was only keeping a few restore points. In almost all cases I would say, for me, this is sufficient. But in this case I wish I could have gone way back, like I used to.
I don't do a lot of intense work on my computer. I shop, pay bills, do email and even that is mostly newsletters and such that I get on various things, like health, etc.
I do belong to Shockwave Unlimited, but even that is mostly for when my grandson comes. I mostly play Hoyle cards.
Occasionally I scan pictures. I just wish I could again scan files with avast without first putting them into a folder --- and I wish I had my "run as administrator" command back on my context menu.
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Could you confirm that UAC is switched on
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Yes, it is. Earlier on I tried shutting it off and it didn't work so I turned it back on. I just double checked it.
There are several of those Shell programs. ShellExView, ShellMenuView, ShellMenuNew
You don't answer when I as you about that reg file I found on Windows Seven forum. Is that because you wouldn't touch it?
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Could you link me to the file again please
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The actual link to the post where the file is:
http://www.sevenforums.com/performance-maintenance/13505-ive-lost-my-run-administrator-command.html
It is the second item down by bansh
I've been looking at my right-click menu, and I think perhaps the last thing I added to it was "Context Magic." If that's the case, then I think that is an actual program. Just a thought.
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Context magic is an XP programme - the reg file from 7 forums will reset the run as admin for exe files alone..
There is very little information on this aspect of windows, as it relates to the inbuilt functions. Plenty of third party stuff though
With shellexview these are the avast ones that need to be enabled
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Do you know how to enable that avast right-click scan through this shellexview? I've run this several times but most of my entries read "No" straight across and I'm not sure I know what that means. See the two items in screenshot. I selected those, right clicked and see in the context menu that there is an option to enable those. I wish I could find something that would tell me more about how to read this.
Sorry, I forgot the screenshot.
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Download autoruns by sysinternals to your desktop http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902
Extract all the files to a new folder
Run autoruns
Select the explorer tab
Ensure that you have the following entries and they are ticked as active
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I have no Wow6432Node entries at all; none of those you have marked in the red boxes and none otherwise either. I have the other items you have outlined within the red boxes.
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I have a 64bit system - the ones I am interested in are the Avast ones.. If you have those then all I can assume is that the clsid are missing from the root area of the registry. Having said that a full clean install of Avast should have replaced them
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I guess it's a lost cause then. I did a full, clean install of avast before I started posting here.
In the screenshot you posted, I thought I was to look for every key within the red outline boxes. I see that you have 7 avast! keys in this tab and I have 4. I don't know if that means anything or not.
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Yes ignore the syswow as they are relevant only to 64bit
I will have a root around on the MSDN forums to see what I can find out - but to be honest I am not optimistic
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Even as little as I know, I find it so strange because my "scan with avast" command is there, and it will work if I right click on an exe file, or shortcut, but all the files I used to scan with it in this way can be scanned ONLY if they are first put into a folder. Does this make any sense? It doesn't to me.
If I right click just about any item in my Start menu or in the All Programs area there I get my "Run as administrator" option -- but that is the only place. It does not appear any other place on my computer.
My "Merge" option is gone.
Does any of this make any sense?
I hope you will continue to root around on the MSDN forums, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you have given me.
One thing ... Would starting a new administrator's account have any effect on any of this? But, would that cause problems of any kind? Doesn't seem to me that a person should have more than 1 admn account. Then too, if I were to do something like that how would I get all my files and such to appear in the new account?
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It might be worth doing that
Create a new adminstrator account
Check that all functions OK
Transfer the relevant data from the old to new admin
Delete the old admin
Are you happy with the procedure to do that ?
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Are you happy with the procedure to do that?
Not sure what you mean.
How do I transfer the data. I want to know what's involved before I ever start.
I can't see how it would help because if somthing is messed up in the registry to cause this, won't it be messed up in any account?
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Each account has its own registry settings
To create the account http://kb.iu.edu/data/arnd.html start here On a computer not in a domain
Or with pictures http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/create-new-user-account-in-windows-vista-7/
To transfer the data http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151 start from Copy files to the new user profile
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That final link, to transfer data, it says those instructions are for WindowsXP.
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Oops sorry - next link
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-vista/fix-a-corrupted-user-profile start here To copy files to the new user profile
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It looks like I am foiled again! :'(
I created two new user accounts, both of them administrator accounts. I named one Cindy #2 and the other Temp.
I logged off this account and logged into Temp. I followed directions fine until I got to #5. I went to Start/Computer/C/Users --- there is no Old_Cindy folder there and there is also no New_Cindy there as per instruction #8.
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What user accounts are visible in that folder - could you screenshot it
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I can't get all accounts in one window.
Before yesterday I had Cindy, Braeden, Guest and that ASP.NET Machine Account which appeared one day on it's own. I Googled that and read it has something to do with Net.Framework and didn't know if I should delete it. The two I added yesterday to perform your instructions were Cindy #2 and Temp.
In Googling this problem I'm not the only one who has run into it. I found quite a few pieces of info on it but nothing I could understand that would help me.
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Hi essexboy! Have you finally given up on me? Was hoping you might have found something on this business of transfering files to a new profile.
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Nope still searching for a resolution as I type ;D
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Could you run an OTL scan for me please and select all users
Type/copy the following command into the scan box
"%AllUsersProfile%\*."
Then press run scan
So that I can see what is registered on the system
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Yes, I will. But first things first.
What is OTL? Is that the "Old Timers ..." something or other? An avast! tech had me run this to clean up another computer but I don't remember much more than that as he had me run several programs.
So first I need to know what it is, and then I need to know if there are any other special instructions for running it.
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It is a purely analysis tool for the first run
Download OTL (http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/OTL.exe) to your Desktop
- Double click on the icon to run it. Make sure all other windows are closed and to let it run uninterrupted.
- Select All Users
- Under the Custom Scan box paste this in
netsvcs
%SYSTEMDRIVE%\*.exe
/md5start
consrv.dll
explorer.exe
winlogon.exe
Userinit.exe
svchost.exe
/md5stop
"%AllUsersProfile%\*."
CREATERESTOREPOINT
- Click the Quick Scan button. Do not change any settings unless otherwise told to do so. The scan wont take long.
- When the scan completes, it will open two notepad windows. OTL.Txt and Extras.Txt. These are saved in the same location as OTL.
- Post both logs
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According to instructions at download site of OTL, I should right click and run as administrator. You said to just double click. Please clarify.
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I went ahead and ran this as administrator through the Properties/Compatibility tab. I am attaching files.
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The old folder will be named "Cindy" and the new one is "Cindy#2"
Are they visible ?
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Are both of these supposed to be within C\Users in the Temp account I created?
Cindy is there, but Cindy #2 is not. See screenshot.
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Could you open up the temp folder and see if it is in there
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Screenshot with contents of temp folder.
I am not logging off one account and then logging into another. I am just switching user. Just wondering if that presents a problem, although at first I think I did log off this account and then log into Temp and it didn't matter.
P.S. Is this Temp folder you told me to look in representing the new administrator account I created called Temp? If that is the case, then why wouldn't the new administrator account I created and named Cindy #2 be there?
Should I try changing the name of that Cindy #2 account to something else and see what happens?
Could it be that I have too many adminstrator accounts now with Cindy, Cindy #2 and Temp?
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Cindy#2 had a forbidden character in it - that is why it was not fully created... I would recommend that you rename the one called temp as that may well cause problems in the future. Temporary file cleaning programmes target folders named temp and clear them
After renaming the temp folder copy all files/folders bar the following to that folder
Ntuser.dat
Ntuser.dat.log
Ntuser.ini
The reboot to the new user and see if Avast right click works
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I created another Standard user account, naming it just Testing. I deleted the account, and chose the option to delete files. The account is gone from User Accounts, but there is still a folder under C/Users. Can I just delete that folder?
I changed the name on Cindy #2 to Cindy2. It still does not show up.
I changed the name of Temp to Testing Account. Testing Account does not show up in C/Users, but the Temp still shows.
Maybe I need to restart. I am going to try that.
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Just a comment. In Vista, you have to open "User accounts" in control panel so to change the name of a user, and then reboot. You can't just change the name of the respective folder. Is not enough, and probably not recommended to do it directly in that way.
Crating a NEW Administrator account, using a valid but simple name (not "admin", not "Administrator", not using spaces nor unusual characters, no numbers nor symbols, and less than 9 characters could even help a little, would be recommended; like "newcindy" for example. Then REBOOT).
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I did make any and all changes to user accounts through Control Panel/User Accounts.
The reason Cindy #2 wasn't showing up is because it apparently needed to be logged into to build the desktop, etc. After I did that it showed. But there is something really, really screwy going on.
That Temp account you told me to change the name of ... I did that (through Control Panel/User Accounts). It will not change. It shows the new name (Sophy) on login screen and in Control Panel/User Accounts/Manage another account -- but not in C/Users.
I actually changed the Cindy #2 to Cindy2. And now it's showing up at Cindy #2.
I'm wondering if I should delete both of these new accounts, and just start all over. But would they delete since in C/Users they are not labeled the same as they are in User Accounts or on the login screen.
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I removed those two new accounts I set up, and then I also removed the folder labeled "Testing" that was in C:\Users.
I mentioned I had set up a Standard account today to see if I could see that missing folder.
When it didn't work I deleted the account and I am certain I selected to delete files, and then delete folder. But the folder still appeared so I deleted it. I guess if my computer goes haywire I'll know it was the wrong thing to do. I did set a restore point.
Now I'm going to have another go at setting up two accounts and transferring profile.
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I went ahead and set up two more new admn accts. I can see all folders. Problem is I don't have a simple ntuser.dat.log file.
I have ntuser.dat.LOG1 which is 256 kb and shows it was created today, 12-6.
I have ntuser.dat.LOG2 which has 0 kb and was created in 2010.
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Could you reboot and log into those accounts and the files should be generated
-
NTUSER.DAT
ntuser.dat.LOG1
ntuser.dat.LOG2
NTUSER.DAT{3a539871... BLF File
NTUSER.DAT{3a539871... REGTRANS-MS File
NTUSER.DAT{3a539871... REGTRANS-MS File
ntuser.ini Configuration Settings
These files are in both of the new accounts I have set up.
These files are also in the account I am using, my "old" account.
I would assume that in transferring files and folders, I should NOT transfer any of the above to a new profile. I see I have to transfer my Windows Mail to a new profile too. It said it had to be done, but not how to do it. Any insight from you at this point would be greatly appreciated.
-
That is correct as though files contain all the registry settings so leave the old ones where they are
Do you use Live mail or windows mail ?
-
I use Windows Mail.
-
Have you considered switching to live mail as it is a smoother system ... Which really means I am looking for a solution
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No, that would be a last option for me.
I should go ahead with transfer of the rest and just see if any of these things I am missing or that don't work are fixed. Why do I have this sinking feeling they will not be???
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Yes transfer the files over - log in to the new user and check Avast out
-
What I'm wanting to do is copy all the files from my Cindy account and paste them into a folder on my external hard drive. Then I can remove those files that should not be transferred; then copy all again and paste them into the new administrator account I would be using. Is this all ok to do it this way?
-
Certainly using the copy command is fine - have you tried the new user yet ?
-
No, I haven't tried yet. I was out of town one whole day and now I'm sick so probably won't mess with it until I'm feeling a bit better, hopefully by tomorrow. I will post back here when I do and let you know what happens.
Really too bad things have to be so goofy with this right-click menu because other than that my computer is running real good. I just had my son-in-law put 2GB more of RAM in for me on Thanksgiving (total of 4GB now). That wouldn't have caused these problems would it?
Anyway, I'll get back to you.
-
No more RAM is better. Take your time and get well first
-
It occurs to me that we probably should be dealing with all of this somewhere other than the Avast forum. Will we get into trouble for going back and forth about these issues here?
Now I have another problem. I can not click on any link within an email. All I get is the same window, which I attach. I haven't done anything to cause this because I have hardly even been on my computer.
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I don't know what essexboy would say, but that's not really an attachment to an email. That's a link (url). Can you click on it outside your email client?
I mean, if you have some link in your desktop, is it working (opening your default browser)? If you copy the link to your desktop (instead of launching it from your email client), can you get to that site? Or is it still giving you some error message?
About your previous problems, is avast now working correctly? Previously, you didn't receive the final display of avast when scanning from the context menu. Can you see it now (using your new Windows accounts)?
-
That page may be down - I can access the root of the website. Two possible solutions that I have located
Windows Vista
To restore links in email programs using Windows Vista:
•Open the Windows menu.
•Type "default programs" (not including the quotation marks) under Start Search.
•Click Default Programs under Programs.
•Now click Set your default programs.
•Highlight Internet Explorer under Programs.
•Click Set this program as default.
•Now click OK.
•Close the default programs window.
Of course, you can now choose a different browser from the same Programs list and use Set this program as default to make it your default.
Check both IE8 and Windows Mail whether they have all the defaults.
IE8 :
Start button > Default Programs > Set your default programs > click Internet Explorer. Does it say " This program has all its defaults " ?
If no, click " Choose defaults for this program " > put a checkmark on all entries on the list > click SAVE
If yes, click Windows Mail. Check its defaults same method as above. Don't forget to click SAVE.
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ady4um: No, I still do not get any scan results when I right-click certain file types and select "scan with avast!"
It will scan .exe files, and .eml files, but I haven't found any others so far that it scans UNLESS THEY ARE FIRST PLACED INSIDE A FOLDER. It doesn't scan any of the normal files I use and previously always scanned with right-click, like: jpg, wmv, pdf, zip, etc. I don't really know what you are talking about when you refer to attachment. What I am talking with essexboy about right now is "links" in my emails and that has nothing to do with the right-click avast! scan feature.
essexboy: I already checked both of those. Everything OK. Thing is, this happened a day or two ago and then was ok after I resarted. Today when I started working in my email there it was again. I restarted after I posted here and so far it is back to normal. In my Googling there were lots of pointers to it being a Firefox problem, but sure don't understand why it would rear it's head now because I've been using Firefox. I'm just going to let that problem lie for now since restarting seemed to fix it for the time being.
I really need to get the files transferred to a new user account and see what happens with these other problems: 1) right-click scan with avast!; 2) Run as administrator command gone; 3) Merge gone.
As to that, I got to thinking ... In the Microsoft directions for transferring it says to NOT transfer ONLY the three files (ntuser.dat, ntuser.dat.log and ntuser.ini). So I'm wondering if I should delete those other 3 files we talked about, listed below. Could you please advise on this again? Sorry but I'm trying to make sure I don't make mistakes when transferring these files and have myself in a bigger mess that before. NTUSER.DAT
ntuser.dat.LOG1
ntuser.dat.LOG2
NTUSER.DAT{3a539871... BLF File
NTUSER.DAT{3a539871... REGTRANS-MS File
NTUSER.DAT{3a539871... REGTRANS-MS File
ntuser.ini Configuration Settings
These files are in both of the new accounts I have set up.
These files are also in the account I am using, my "old" account.
I would assume that in transferring files and folders, I should NOT transfer any of the above to a new profile. I see I have to transfer my Windows Mail to a new profile too. It said it had to be done, but not how to do it. Any insight from you at this point would be greatly appreciated.
-
That is correct do not transfer any of those files to the new account
Back to the drawing board by the looks of it
-
For merge we can create a regfix
Copy all of the text in the quote box to a notepad file - include Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile]
"EditFlags"=dword:00100000
@="Registration Entries"
"FriendlyTypeName"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,\
00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,72,00,65,00,67,00,65,00,64,00,69,00,74,00,\
2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,2c,00,2d,00,33,00,30,00,39,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\DefaultIcon]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,72,00,65,00,67,00,65,00,64,00,69,00,74,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,\
2c,00,31,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell]
"EditFlags"=dword:4cadc854
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell\edit]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell\edit\command]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,6e,00,6f,00,\
74,00,65,00,70,00,61,00,64,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,20,00,22,00,25,00,31,\
00,22,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell\open]
@="Mer&ge"
"MUIVerb"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,\
6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,72,00,65,00,67,00,65,00,64,00,69,00,74,00,2e,00,65,\
00,78,00,65,00,2c,00,2d,00,33,00,31,00,30,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell\open\command]
@="regedit.exe \"%1\""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell\print]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell\print\command]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,6e,00,6f,00,\
74,00,65,00,70,00,61,00,64,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,20,00,2f,00,70,00,20,\
00,22,00,25,00,31,00,22,00,00,00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\ShellEx]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\ShellEx\{8895b1c6-b41f-4c1c-a562-0d564250836f}]
@="{1531d583-8375-4d3f-b5fb-d23bbd169f22}"
Save the file as all types in the drop down box and call the file merge.reg
Double click the file and accept the warnings
Reboot and right click the reg file on the desktop, does merge appear ?
-
ady4um: No, I still do not get any scan results when I right-click certain file types and select "scan with avast!"
Well, my points were about the new Windows accounts. I'm not sure if it will finally work or not (it would depend on the "default" user , "system" user and "Administrator" user). Cleaning up avast previous installation (completely, really, all hidden avast / alwil folders too) and reinstalling anew (now that the new accounts are already created) may help with the problem with avast results screen.
I don't really know what you are talking about when you refer to attachment. What I am talking with essexboy about right now is "links" in my emails and that has nothing to do with the right-click avast! scan feature.
Yes, I indeed understood, but you didn't understand me, or I wasn't able to explain myself correctly using just a few words. I have no intention to get deeper into this. I'll let you figure it out with essexboy's help. Let us know when you actually finish testing your new Windows accounts.
-
The merge command recipe did not work. Just like the recipe you gave me earlier to add "Run as administrator" to menu. That one did not work either.
This is all very strange. Anyway, I'm going to try transferring the files now, altho the following comment from ady4um would suggest that this is not all as forthright as it would appear to be either. I'll get back to you. ady4um: Well, my points were about the new Windows accounts. I'm not sure if it will finally work or not (it would depend on the "default" user , "system" user and "Administrator" user). Cleaning up avast previous installation (completely, really, all hidden avast / alwil folders too) and reinstalling anew (now that the new accounts are already created) may help with the problem with avast results screen.
-
I am very sorry to report that the new profile did not work either. I still don't have the "run as ..." command, or the "Merge" command, and "scan with avast!" still doesn't work unless the files are placed into a folder first. It doesn't surprise me. I told you earlier I had a feeling it wasn't going to make a difference. I'd almost wonder about a virus or infection of some kind, however if that is the case then neither Avast Internet Security nor Malwarebytes work very well because I run them both. There is no question that they are kept up to date always. I also do an on-demand scan at least once a week with SUPERAntiSpyware.
Unless you have had a revelation, I guess I give up. I have one more option that I'm thinking of using ... Reimage. This program came highly rated by Cloudeight InfoAve Plus newsletter that I've subscribed to for years, and I basically have total trust in the information they provide. I did purchase a special for 3 licenses of Reimage just recently. The purpose was to use one of them on the older Gateway laptop that I have cleaned up for my grandson to use on his games. It suddenly booted and said I had DLLs missing and should insert my disk. Of course, I have no disk so I used this program. I was very impressed with the program, and the service I received through remote connection. The actual DLL problem was solved just by running the program, but there was another little problem that they offered to fix manually through a remote connection. The computer is now running very well.
Since the program replaces bad or corrupt Windows system files with fresh, new ones, I did explain to the tech who was helping me remotely what is going on with this computer and asked if he thought Reimage would help these problems. He said that he thought so, but if it didn't they would be happy to provide me with a remote session and fix it manually. Since so many other avenues have been exhausted, I'm thinking about giving this a chance; haven't decided for certain yet.
You have been absolutely wonderful! If you come up with any other options, please let me know. I can't thank you enough for the way you have stuck in there with me on this. If there is somewhere I can go and up your rating, please provide the link.
-
This is a registry problem I feel, hower, although I know something about the registry this is a bit deep for me. I have taken the usual route..
Please be cautious whenever you use a programme that changes the registry, always create a restore point first just in case.
If you have a good image I would use that
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Yes, I agree with you and I totally understand. I am very careful as a rule, but I admit sometimes I do some little thing that seems just to inconsequential to set a restore point. I think I will start being more picky in that area.
Thanks again for all your help!
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Sorry I could not be of more help
-
Heavens! Don't say that! You have helped and helped and helped and helped .......
No complaints from me. Have a great Christmas!