Outlook 2010 addin fails when upgraded to version 2014.9.0.2021

[vagabondh]

Using Internet Security 2014 on Win 7 Ultimate machine. All windows updates are current. No other security software installed. I was running AVAST 2014.9.0.2018 and the Outlook 2010 addin for spam filtering worked fine.  Mail identified as SPAM/PHISHING was moved to the Junk Mail folder properly.

I allowed AVAST to install the new version 2014.9.0.2021 and after a restart the addin no longer loaded or remained loaded in Outlook 2010. SPAM was labelled as set in the AVAST settings with SPAM and PHISHING labels, but the mail remained in the Inbox (and the setting was to move it to Junk Mail), and a check on the addin showed it was in the Disabled group and was "unloaded". No SPAM toolbar was visible.

I used the control panel and repaired the AVAST to no avail. Rebooted. I then used the control panel to uninstall the AVAST program and rebooted. I then downloaded the "full install" from AVAST site (the 127MB download). Installed and Rebooted.  Problem remains unchanged.

I then attempted a Windows System Restore to just before the upgrade to v.2021. Reboot was a part of the process, but upon return of the desktop Windows reported that the restore failed and offered options, stating nothing had been changed. Without using any of the options offered, I started Outlook and the addin was functioning as previously again. That "System Restore" does show in the list of System Restore events now.

Version check of the AVAST shows v.2018 is running, and the program requested I update the program to v.2021. That is not going to happen at this point....I get WAY too much SPAM (avg. 200 a day) to manually move each to the Junk Mail folder!

Has anyone else lost the Outlook addin after this version upgrade? Has this problem been identified or addressed? Your input is appreciated.

Steve

[Asyn]

Has anyone else lost the Outlook addin after this version upgrade?

-> https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=151651.0

[vagabondh]

Thanks for the response Asyn.
I didn't mention that I have an x64 OS in my original post.

My problem isn't that I have application or system crashes, nor that I don't know how to enable Office addins, but rather that the addin will not operate normally even if you activate it and Outlook will still operate otherwise. Is this the correct area for problem reporting? I believe my troubleshooting has narrowed it down enough to suspect that the version upgrade is primary in the problem.

Thanks again.

[Asyn]

Did you try a clean reinstall yet..!?

[vagabondh]

Using the proprietary removal tool and deleting all the folders manually? Not yet, but it seems I will at the end of the day! Thanks for the input.

I was thinking that there would be some institutionalized interest in the problems users encountered and had hoped I wasn't the first with this set of issues, just to eliminate the guessing. I might go through all the steps and when I install the update again I might encounter the same issue, so I think I will have to wait until the end of my work day.

Thank you again.

[REDACTED]

Using the proprietary removal tool and deleting all the folders manually? Not yet, but it seems I will at the end of the day! Thanks for the input.

I was thinking that there would be some institutionalized interest in the problems users encountered and had hoped I wasn't the first with this set of issues, just to eliminate the guessing. I might go through all the steps and when I install the update again I might encounter the same issue, so I think I will have to wait until the end of my work day.

Thank you again.

Avast Clean Un- & Re-Install
1. Download Avastclear, Rejzors uninstall tool and the appropriate Avast program edition.

Avastclear : http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avastclear.exe

Rejzors Uninstall tool: http://rejzor.wordpress.com/avast-cleanup-tool/

Here are the installer links. Note: You need to be ONLINE during this install.
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup_online.exe

......Now............
2. Uninstall Avast by Control Panel>Programs [If you don't have Avast in control Panel go to #4]
3. Boot to Safe Mode and Run Avastclear.
4. Run Rejzors Uninstall Utility in Normal Mode (removes traces avastclear doesn't) - reboot.
5. Be Sure To Check Once Uninstall is Complete:Device Manager>View>Show Hidden Devices
If there is anything related to Avast with a yellow triangle then uninstall it (highlight, right click) and reboot.
If you get an error just right-click & delete.
6. Install the Avast version you downloaded.
7. Reboot.

[vagabondh]

THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED SOLVE THIS. SERIOUSLY, you kept the time to three hours or so when it might have been much more! Thanks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now as for the AVAST team:
You should be embarrassed by the problems like this that plague users. It was your software that called  for and initiated the upgrade, it was your coding that failed to properly uninstall the old version and it was your software that wastes hours of time solving these problems (largely with a scorched earth removal and reinstall conducted by the wild guess technique!).
If that was what was needed WHY DIDN'T YOU ADVISE THE USERS TO DO IT THE FIRST TIME?

A Bush League, amateurish implementation  that soils your product in the eyes of the customers who pay your salaries. (I currently have licenced about 50 units of Internet Security or End Point Suite at my office and the offices of my clients - all paid editions. Many of those clients also purchased AVAST products for home use but I cannot track those.)

Lately your performance is less than poor, including failed updates, lack of proper assistance when your procedure fails and even changing the home page of browsers for corporate End Point Suite users. Oh, and I forgot, I could not use my media player for a while because of your 2014 firewall defaults, and now that I had to reinstall and lost all those settings I will probably have to address that issue AGAIN. Poor, poor, poor execution.

So when renewals come up again, I suppose I will have to shop around and see if there is another, more professional choice I can make for my clients. Step up your game, maybe hire some additional support staff and save me that time!

Poor, Poor Poor.....

Ask me how I really feel.....

[Asyn]

THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED SOLVE THIS. SERIOUSLY, you kept the time to three hours or so when it might have been much more! Thanks.

You're welcome.

[lionden]

vagabondh, I agree!  Having to stop productive work to fix this mess is very annoying and costly to me. 

[simon.r]

I agree ... Same problem (presumably) , except Outlook crashes out whilst loading add-ins.
I am adding my reply because this is the current version of Avast, and this needs fixing & the more volume hopefully means the more chance that it will get fixed.
Thanks to the helpers - I have not tried to fix yet (Like others this  interrupts work severely).

[bob3160]

I agree ... Same problem (presumably) , except Outlook crashes out whilst loading add-ins.
I am adding my reply because this is the current version of Avast, and this needs fixing & the more volume hopefully means the more chance that it will get fixed.
Thanks to the helpers - I have not tried to fix yet (Like others this  interrupts work severely).

Please try the fix and then report back. Thanks