windows firewall & security center etc

[stevebill]

Could be coincidence...
Im now using avast4. My windows firewall cannot be accessed from control panel, and the security center icon (in control panel) wont open. I cant use outlook express to send emails, cant access hotmail through outlook express.
However- I can access hotmail by using Mozilla firefox.
When trying Out. Exp. I am prompted for username & password incessantly- it wont let me in to use the program.
Not finally - but enough is enough - access is denied to Windows Installer - the computer thinks Im either running in safe mode, or that windows installer isnt installed properly. Result : Im unable to add (for example) java runtime.
Confused ? You bet I am, but interested too !
Stevebill

[Lisandro]

Man, you're in trouble...
But, in fact, what does this refer to avast?
Maybe the better will be overinstallation of your operational system.
In XP, it can solve the problem and you won't lose your programs, settings, data, files, etc.
Just choose 'Repair' installation of Windows and install 'over' the old installation.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;315341
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q314058
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm

[stevebill]

Thanks for your reassurance !
I didnt mention 1 crucial bit of info -- the original XP cdrom is mislaid somewhere between home (uk ) and new home (new zealand). My system is completely genuine and Ive used it since new. I have contacted Dell with that particular bit of the problem- no reply as yet.
I guess this digs me further into the mire ( "shit" for those not from England)
Stevebill

[Fast]

Hello Stevebill.  Just a silly minor question, but you don't happen to have any other antivirus-program still installed ?
I mean, you did uninstall any previous av-program did you ?

[stevebill]

Well, Fast, thats not a silly question. One problem I do have is that I cant access Windows Installer. Two components of Norton Antivirus cant be uninstalled.
Stevebill

[Lisandro]

One problem I do have is that I cant access Windows Installer. Two components of Norton Antivirus cant be uninstalled.

Symantec has a special tool to uninstall NAV. You can browse their site for it.
But, are you saying that you can't get Control Panel > Add/Remove programs applet?

[Fast]

I think the best you can do is uninstall Avast! via start>programs>avast>uninstall.
Reboot
Then, use the Norton uninstall utility to remove all traces of Norton.
Reboot
Do a registry clean with RegCleaner (see below for the link).
Reboot
Then do a clean install of Avast!

Succes

RegCleaner:  http://www.worldstart.com/weekly-download/archives/reg-cleaner4.3.htm

Fast 

[Fast]

And please read this: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2004020314035036?Open&src=&docid=2003111409501936&nsf=nip.nsf&view=docid&dtype=&prod=&ver=&osv=&osv_lvl=

Bye, Fast