@ AndyR
The safe zone doesn't come with the free version (certainly not on my version), it only comes with the Pro or AIS version and for work use it shouldn't be the Free avast version (Home and non-commercial use).
So are you using a trial version of avast Pro/IS (which isn't free), that gives 30 days unrestricted use before you have to either purchase or uninstall ?
No. I have had the free version installed for years; and have never updated. Last night there was an update; and this morning I couldn't use my PC.
I think that something in the update got confused and Safezone became active with no wa to fully load as the content is not there.
Safezone requires virtualization I think; and anyone with virtualization off (default) will not see this issue i guess?
I fixed it by switching it off and logging in; then restarting it with virt back on; problem has gone away...
The problem was: 2 seconds after login; screen taken over by avast. Grey background with pattern. Avast logo bottom left, time and green left icon bottom right. One item on screen was browser but had no icon like it was missing. Any attempt to cocme out of this screen forced it to reload; all key commands were swallowed by this.
Like this image but
the icon for browser was missingMy avast confirms I am currently registered for Free Antivirus only.