What a mess Avast 2014 has caused me

[Tallin]

I have two Laptops,

• Windows 7 running Avast free Version 2014.9.0.2013.
• My older Laptop running Windows XP until yesterday working very well.  I was running Avira free, however decided to install Avast 2014 checking first that the system requirements were correct.

I did a scan before rebooting and that is when the trouble started, on reboot.  After momently booting to desktop, a BSOD saying the usual "Windows has shut down to protect your Operating system etc "  The Laptop then went into a loop rebooting until I turned it off.  I was unable to get into Safe Mode either to try and uninstall Avast 2014.

I then googled the issue coming up with several links all over the internet http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=137732.0 AND http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=137820.0

This issue with Windows XP and Avast 2014 has been going on for months, so why not a warning from Avast to stop folk like me having to take my Laptop to my IT technician for attention.

Very disappointed in Avast on this occasion, very, very disappointed.

kind regards, 

[Pondus]

was any previous used AV fully removed (using vendors removal tool) before installing avast?

have you tried latest beta version  http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=144768.0

if problems uninstalling   http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility

[Tallin]

Thanks for your reply and so quickly too.

I disconnected from the net, completely uninstalled Avira using Revo Uninstaller, rebooted, and only then installed Avast 2014 from the download on my desktop.

No, I have not tried the Beta version, why would I when Avast 2014 did not warn me it had an issue with Windows XP.

I was not aware of an Avast uninstall utility having used Avast Free for years with no issues.  I always uninstall with Revo or IObit uninstaller - have never had a problem with either.

I will update the forum when my IT Technician rings me with the result of his fix.  This will most likely be tomorrow Saturday here in OZ....

What version of Avast is safe for my old Laptop that has suffered downloading and installing Avast 2014?

best regards,

 

[Cast]

Just fyi that beta isnt really a beta as the latest version of avast is on 2014.9.0.2013 while whats linked is version .2012)

Also I have heard that security software should never be uninstalled by Revo uninstaller but as I dont use Revo I dont really know.

[Tallin]

Thanks for your post Cast.  I have the latest Free Avast on this system, my newer Laptop, so at least I found no issues with it running Windows 7

I couldn't find anything of value re Revo uninstaller (not recommended) as regards to it not uninstalling security software, however that is not my problem.  My issue is that the latest version of Avast Free does not marry at all well with Windows XP.

kind regards,

[Pondus]

I always uninstall with Revo or IObit uninstaller - have never had a problem with either.

dont use revo for security programs.....use the vendors tools....

found here  http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/   /    http://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB11#artTitle



and IObit software ....something to read
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29681
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30989
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33217

[Tallin]

I will update the forum when my IT Technician rings me with the result of his fix.  This will most likely be tomorrow Saturday here in OZ....

Update as promised is as follows:  This is one mans opinion with 25 years experience in his own IT business.

• My laptop was infected with 5 different Autorun viruses
• Avast 2014 was removed as it does not marry well with Windows XP home
• AVG free was installed.

It is hard for me to grasp that my laptop had a virus as before uninstalling Avira and installing Avast 2014 there was not a thing wrong with it as far as I am concerned....however I asked an expert to fix it so who am I do disagree with him.

No more Avast for me on my Windows XP laptop, but it is installed on my Windows 7 machine...latest version.

Best wishes,