new install avast free - taskbar issues

[robmar0se]

In the last week I have installed Avast AV free on two Windows XP SP3 machines, neither of which are used for anything other than MS Office and the internet (IE8 + OE6).  Both moved over from AVG13 (fully removed and AVG removal tool run).

In both cases we get a freeze on booting where the task bar remains "blued out" intermittantly, but more often than not.

However when I uninstall Avast, problem goes away. 

Done chkdsk - clean, memtest clean, and sfc.

Any ideas?

[Asyn]

- Which version of avast! free..??
- Other security related software installed..??

[robmar0se]

Latest download 8.0.1483 - one has malwarebytes (not the interactive version) - the other nothing.

Combobytes was run on both (and uninstalled). Both had some minor suspect files.  I reran Combofix on one PC plus malwarebytes, plus TDss killer, and a quick Avast scan. All reported nothing.

Note:  the freeze does not occur in safemode.

[Asyn]

1. avast! GUI -> Settings -> Troubleshooting -> Enable: "Load avast! services only after other system services"
2. Click OK.
3. Reboot.

[robmar0se]

Many thanks you're being most helpful.

Yes this change is making things better, but is not eradicating the issue.  So far one fail as before on 5 boots - will try some more.

I attach a screen garb of programs on the PCs; note they both come from different sources, but both do have Rapport software.

[robmar0se]

Further research proves that problem is actually still there, and can be created on demand.

If the system is not connected to the network when booting, starts okay within 70 seconds, and remains okay when ethernet cable is re-attached.

The system ALWAYS fails when booting with ethernet cable attached, ie task bar remains blued-out.

Further research shows the problem exists also when Avast is uninstalled, however it is apparent that Avast exacerbates the problem, in that if Avast is not present, the system will start although it may take a number
of minutes to finish installing the task bar and initial functions.  With Avast present it never finishes.

In safe mode  with networking, no boot issues or problems, ie starts up fine; with msconfig with all non-MS services and start up items disabled, we get the original problems

I have tried this with another ethernet nic installed with the same results.  However the system performs as it should with and without Avast with a wireless nic installed (in normal mode).

In another system with the same problem, we have done a clean install of Win XP SP3, no problems subsequently with or without Avast.