Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: ManyQs on April 13, 2012, 03:48:18 PM
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I had an attempt to upgrade to 7.0.1426 go horribly wrong and could only get the computer to work again by doing a system restore and then Avast wouldn't doing anything correct. Tried to uninstall the normal way and no go.
Need all bits and pieces of Avast off my system so maybe I will put a new installation into place.
Any ideas?
It's a Vista Home.
Thank you.
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1) download and save http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
2) download and save the avast version you desire http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93866.msg747322#msg747322
3) reboot into "safe mode" (press F8 repeatedly)
4) run aswclear for each version on avast you have now or ever had (step 1)
5) reboot into "normal mode"
6) use a good cleaner like CCleaner http://filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
7) install avast saved in step 2
8) reboot
Hope this helps. Please report back if you encounter any other problems. :)
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Thank you for your prompt response.
Could I skip number two and do a new install later when all the pieces are removed.
I do mean pieces, by the way. The uninstall through the control panel style went wrong, also. There are not as many files, or parts of files, as there were before this disaster started.
There is a program file, by the way, listed as Avast5, so it must have been constantly upgraded over the past couple of years. There is still an Alwil folder and I don't think that is used anymore, is it?
Anyway, the uninstall utility can go in and clean all that out, yes?
Thank you for your help.
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Anyway, the uninstall utility can go in and clean all that out, yes?
Run the uninstall tool the number of times you need to point the uninstallation process to these old folders or, thinking in another way, run it the times you've installed a different avast! version (run once for version 5, other for version 6...).
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I ran it for Avast5 and all but the Alwil folder in both Program Files and ProgramData was gone when I checked. And the Alwil folder showed nothing in it, so I deleted that, too.
BUT in the registry there is an Avast folder with something called Secure Connect in it. I should just leave that alone, right?
Can go for a completely new installation of Avast 7, yes?
And thank you for the help.
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BUT in the registry there is an Avast folder with something called Secure Connect in it. I should just leave that alone, right?
Yes, let it there. You've run the beta of Secure Connect from avast! It's another program.
Can go for a completely new installation of Avast 7, yes?
Yes :)
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Okey-dokey. Here goes. Tech has passed me the ball and I'm bobbing and weaving between the opposition -- . . .
Will be back with an update as soon as . . .
As I race down the pitch the green spreads out behind me and the fans throw pieces of paper above me and we run and run and . . .
Reaching a steady speed of 385KB per second and the NET is there and the ref asked if I have admin privledges -- Dumb ref -- of course I do -- Uh oh, who's this player? Google Chrome? FOUL!! Off the pitch you chromehead!!
Doing an Express Install and the fans are cheering!!!!
Going . . . "Please wait" . . .
"Scanning your PC" -- like I'd bring my PC out on the pitch -- HAH!!!
We take you back to ManyQs' workstation where it's all very boring and no fans and no cheering and . . .
"Please stand by..."
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Looks like we won that game, Tech. Thank you for your help.
And a thank you to you, Para-Noid for pointing me in the right direction.
Now I better go take a look at those default settings. Don't remember them and program upgrades I don't like to be on auto.
My goodness, I've never seen so many Avast windows open on my desktop. Big one, little ones -- cute green colour, by the way. Have to get a screen shot of this. Got it.
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Had a slight problem trying to register for the full one-year. When trying to enter the email address it was inserting gobbligook along with some japanese characters. had to copy from Notepad. Has that been reported before? Should I do a new thread for that?
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You are more than welcome! Just be sure to clean the registry with CCleaner. CCleaner is very safe and used by many here on the forums. :)
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I'm not sure I understand the reason behind the registry cleaning advice, thank you. I was always under the impression that letting a registry cleaner in was a last resort type of action. I wouldn't mind spending the time to find what shouldn't be there, if you know where a list is.
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Here is a Wiki article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Registry
Basically the registry lets your OS function more effectively. The registry over time gets clogged with a lot of broken
keys and/or registry values you no longer need. Cleaning the registry will also help the performance of your machine. CCleaner will create a backup/restore point just in case
something gets deleted you want to keep. CCleaner will present you with a list after each scan so you will make the ultimate
decision. As I stated before CCleaner is extremely safe for the average user. Registry cleaners are not a "last resort". They are a good
idea. :)
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One begs to differ, I have seen many reg cleaners used unwisely and breaking the computer. If you use them there may be a millisecond difference but I do not think you will see it
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I have never had any problems with CCleaner. And I always make a backup before deleting registry errors.
Like you I have seen reg cleaners used unwisely. That is why I recommend CCleaner for the novice. I tried
Glary Utilities and it cleans a lot deeper than CCleaner. CCleaner does not do a very deep cleaning.
So when it comes to Glary Utilities user beware.
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Okey-dokey, folks. Bad news for me. I shouldn't have been so glib up there in that post about the downloading. I had to remove all of Avast again. My system was in a terrible mess, again. That was after it seemed to want to run okay.
This time around, I first did a system restore from a restore point on the 10th, which was a fair bit back before the first attempt at an upgrade. Okay, that caused a red-X on the little Avast icon, so I used the aswclear tool and got rid of all the stuff from Avast, again. Used Microsoft's FixIt tool, for no clear reason, but for a just in case.
I apologize to some of you, but I'm not too keen on using a registry cleaner at this time. Of course, I realize now that question about a list to look for in the registry is probably quite stupid considering all the stuff in there from Avast and Alwil before that. But I am willing to try one more Avast install.
BUT this time I want to go the custom route and ONLY install the very, very basic stuff I need.
What I would like to know is if someone can list the very basic stuff I should look for as I go through the steps to do this in the custom mode.
Last time I did a custom thing was on the Gateway a few years ago and I am sure the options have increased quite a bit. I'd like to be kind of forewarned, so to speak.
To be quite honest, I'm not feeling so good about trying Avast again, but ever since I walked away from Norton many years ago I've only used Avast and I'm not so keen on shopping around for any new folks. So I'm going to try one more time.
By the way, the other computer giving me all the trouble IS working quite fine now, as it was before that horrible upgrade experience I wrote about in the OP. The computer isn't broken, is my point. If Avast breaks it again, I'll have to keep that Dell and Avast apart for the remainder of the Dell's lifetime. I don't want to have to do that.
So how about a super basic list, please.
And thank you, anyone.
Oh yes, Tech, I saw your request for help in that other thread, but I had no idea what advice to offer.
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Just the basics. Web shield>file system shield>behavior shield>script shield>mail shield>network shield.
Is your OS up to date? What other security software are you using or ever used? If uninstalled how was it uninstalled?
What version of avast did you have? ???
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The OS is Vista Home and the "Important" updates are current. Many "Optional" updates I don't want. Or haven't had time to study to make informed decisions on.
Also have MSE on that unit, which I was assured wouldn't conflict with Avast.
Had V6.0.1367 and yesterday tried to do an upgrade through the UI but it went very wrong from the get-go (see OP). Following advice here I got rid of the "pieces" and did a clean install of the latest version. Thought it went okay, but was fooled.
Used the same aswclear tool this second time of getting Avast off the unit and did a series of uninstalls -- first from Program Files, then from ProgramData. Done by pointing the tool at each folder. Even used the aswclear to remove the Alwil folders from each.
Didn't go into the registry this time. I'm just going to leave that alone.
Unit has been working like a charm for the last 4 or 5 hours.
So I am wanting to go through the custom install and install only what absolutely must be had. Your list is it, right?
No chance you can point me to the full list, if y'all have that on file around here? Just wondering what to look out for. Of course, I am aware of the check boxes set at "Yes" for Google Chrome. That won't be installed, of course. But WebRep I don't want. Don't particularly want that Streaming Update thingy. In fact, I am thinking of unchecking that in the options for the Epson, too.
By the way, that's what is interesting in this drama. I was quite successful upgrading the Epson from V6 to V7, but the Epson's first Avast program was V6. The Dell's first program was V5, hence the folder having that name yesterday, and maybe a possible reason for the first failed upgrade -- don't know.
Anyway, I think that pretty much covers everything.
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Two resident anti-viruses are not a good idea. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic260844.html/page__p__1441638#entry1441638
When you click "custom install" you will be presented with a list. Select what you want or don't want. If you aren't sure of what you are doing just use the default install. Then use avast for a while until you become more familiar then and only then do a custom install.
If you do not want "Google Chrome" de-select it during install. :)
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My apologies, but you do remember page 1 of this thread, yes?
And I definitely remember last year or possibly the year before that somebody wrote that MSE could reside on an OS with Avast without any problem. I guess I could find that if I search hard enough.
Is that something that may have changed with the new version -- v7?
Anyway, I have no choice but to do a custom install. If I want to stick with Avast, that is.
I'll just get to it.
Thank you for your attention.
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I cant find any info on who may have suggested to you that MSE and avast would be fine together ??? but that suggestion was not correct, and this was applicable for version 5,6,7, as Para-Noid mentioned you shouldn't have two AV's on the one system ( even with one disabled ) as there can be conflicts with low level drivers causing system locks blue screens and sluggishness.
I also wouldn't disable the steaming updates as that is how avast are able to push out emergency definitions to keep you protected faster untill the next full update goes through.
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Let me address the last point and then I'll go poke around about the other.
The previous versions didn't have the streaming of the vrus database and they were considered quite good, right? The main update still happens, yes? With the extra as indicated with the .x-1 or .x-2 etc, yes?
I get it that the streaming is now updating even faster, but after all these years of the older system how can it be that this streaming is suddenly so vital?
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It allows avast to push out def's for any recent bad detections which will in turn provide you faster detection of the baddies and give you more protection, it's getting vital to have these features nowdays as malware is evolving so fast and the AV companies are always playing catch up so the cloud def's just allow avast to catch up a little quicker.
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Of course, I understand the point. Just that whatever is messing about with the Dell is something that wasn't in V6, because V6 worked just fine.
Now the MSE thing, it might be I'm confusing Windows Defender with MSE. I'm not sure and it's 2 in the A.M. and might be a bit tired. Just took a look at the Epson and I see the real-time protection on the Windows Defender is turned off and I now seem to recall that might be what I read, but I am a bit too tired to dig any deeper before I get some sleep. But that's the Epson, not the Dell, which is the one giving me headaches right now.
All I know is the Dell worked fine for a fair bit -- from whenever V6 came out -- worked fine with the configuration as it was with V6 and didn't mess up until the attempt to upgrade. I'll dig around after some sleep and coffee.
Anyway, appreciate the attention to this thread from everyone.
Sorry to be such a pain in the arse, Para-Noid. I just got a bit grouchy there.
It's been a cold, rainy day, too. And the Dell giving me fits this morning when it was first turned on was quite the shock. Like it planned all night how exactly to piss me off after I thought it was all nicely fixed.
Computers can do that, you know? Plot against their masters, like cats do. And it's even worse when you put a bunch of them together like I have at this work station. They all plot together when you're sleeping and ...
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I get it that the streaming is now updating even faster, but after all these years of the older system how can it be that this streaming is suddenly so vital?
http://www.avast.com/pr-avast-software-streaming-updates-for-all-with-the-newa-avast-7
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Sorry to be such a pain in the arse, Para-Noid. I just got a bit grouchy there.
You are "not" a pain at all. We just want your forum experience to be a rewarding one. Just don't give up! As long as you don't give up we won't either. We can fix pretty much anything. Just keep reporting back what's going on. We are users just the same as you. If one user can't figure it out someone else can. There is a lot of teamwork here coming from every continent on this planet. :)
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Thank you for that link, Asyn.
And thank you, Para-Noid, for your kind response.
And be assured I am not a giver-upper type.
In fact, too stubborn might be more descriptive. I absolutely hate machines to get the better of me. That includes these computer things. That attitude stems from my aviation days way back in earlier years. Can't have some flying machine, both fixed and rotary, getting all nasty and not doing what's requested. So that stubbornness about machines has carried through to these neat, new computers.
"New" meaning any computer these days is faster and does more than the old TRS80. My TRS80s have the world's worst malware -- old age! And it's beginning to infect me, too.
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Thank you for that link, Asyn.
You're welcome.
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Just the basics. Web shield>file system shield>behavior shield>script shield>mail shield>network shield.
I don't mean to be trouble, but in future, if someone were to ask about the minimum stuff that gets installed, you might want to inform them that Webrep with that bar showing when the member is online also gets installed and they have to remove the bar and uncheck the box in settings after installation. I mean, in the interest of full disclosure. Some folks might feel that is pretty good information to have as they are deciding whether to use the product. Knowing right off that they can get rid of it might be nice to tell them. But more importantly, there won't be any surprises even after they asked for information.
Just a thought.
Oh yes, I didn't see that on the list during the setup. You know, that window that lists what is getting installed. Just like the Google stuff isn't on the list, IF it is to be installed. But that's in another thread I started. Sorry. Seems not ALL information is so readily forthcoming from Avast before the final click to install. Not so good, in my not so important opinion.
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WebRep does not show when a member is online. WebRep allows a user to rate a website they visit. It is based entirely on popularity and has nothing to do with security. The same goes for any avast user, if the user likes a site they can vote for it, conversely if they dislike a website. The mere fact that you figured out how to disable WebRep shows how easy it is to do so. Whether or not you leave it on or disable WebRep remember it really doesn't take up much HDD space. As far as Chrome goes I noticed it right away. Anymore when you install software beware of "options" during the set-up phase. Anyway, I hope your avast is up and running. :)
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First, to beg, I saw many chapters would be unwise to use of cleaning agents to break the computer.
Some people do not use registry cleaners due to the fact that some do more harm than good. Personally I have found CCleaner to be safe even for the novice. Some cleaners go way too deep while CCleaner does not do a deep clean. Using CCleaner after uninstalling software is a good idea. But that's my opinion. Like you there are others who disagree with me. And I'm okay with that. To each his own. :)
I tried Glary Utilities and found it did more harm than good. I have since uninstalled Glary Utilities and used CCleaner to clean-up the left overs. :)
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Para-Noid, space on the hard drive was not the issue under consideration when I was asking about the basics.
I had in mind software conflict. Best way to diagnose issues related to software conflict is reduce the package down to the basic minimum and then build it back up ste-by-step.
Also, your explanation regarding WebRep tends to sound like the flow of information is one way. Forgive me for a possible afront, but I would suggest more care when describing WebRep to members here.
Your statement that "WebRep does not show when a member is online." is not correct. A WebRep status bar is installed and a little green indicator gives a rating of the webpage one is visiting. That's an information flow in the opposite direction than you noted.
Here is a thread on the subject:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=76722.0 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=76722.0)
I also wonder why a company in the Net security business, as Avast is, would be involved in popularizing a tool which you state is solely for the purpose of 'popularity ratings'. There really isn't any security merits in its use? What good is it, then? Why have it at all? I don't get that. Just a fancy, feel-good tool? So we might state that Avast has started down the road of loading useless tools along with the necessities for Net security? That doesn't seem quite right. I'd be interested to know if an Avast Team member agrees there is no security merit in the WebRep tool.
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Webrep now also incorporates phishing detection and i believe there are still more features to be added in the future.
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Webrep now also incorporates phishing detection and i believe there are still more features to be added in the future.
Now that's more like it. Glad to read that.
A platform upon which to add security tools not installed on the main platform. Clever, that. Yep, pretty neat.
Thank you for the feedback, craigb.
By the way, I've been meaning to extol your avatar. That's also "pretty neat".
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Thank you for the feedback, craigb.
Your welcome, glad you like my avatar :)