after using avast_clear in safemode, XP sec center still thinks it's installled

[REDACTED]

Thought I would list the Clean Un/Re-Install How-To.
Of course you stumbled on....and I did not realize....Rejzor's tool does not work for XP.
However, it may be good to have this list for future as well as other PCs.
Some of the steps are not obvious..........

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 Avast 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. Run Avastclear in Normal Mode and allow it to Reboot PC into Safe Mode to complete the removal process.
4. Run Rejzors Uninstall Utility in Normal Mode (removes traces avastclear doesn't) - reboot.
5. Be Sure To Check PC's Device Manager....Control Panel>System Once Uninstall is Complete.
    Make sure to show any hidden devices by selecting pull-down menu 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.

[davexnet]

Appreciate those steps.

Are you saying avast_clear should actually be started in normal mode?

The last (and only) time I tried this, it said it was going to restart in safemode...
but it never did.  When the PC rebooted, normal mode was active as usual.

I therefore assumed the above avast_clear instructions must be wrong, and never tried it again.
I have always gone to safemode myself (by selecting F8 at boot time) and then starting the tool

[REDACTED]

Are you saying avast_clear should actually be started in normal mode?

He's not saying that, I think. His writing is for Rejzor's tool, not for XP, and apparently it'll go into safe mode. I just use XP so can't comment if that's so.

I have always gone to safemode myself (by selecting F8 at boot time) and then starting the tool

Totally correct for XP. I assume by "starting the tool" you mean Avast's own avastclear.exe. Official instructions are here:
http://www.avast.com/en-us/uninstall-utility

Hey, I just remembered something you may find useful. It's not a log of uninstalling. But it'll tell you places to check. When you install Avast, it writes a setup.log. Preserve it. Good place to read and use as cross-ref for cleanup, especially finding the 13 or so places in registry.

[REDACTED]

@ theknochs,
The Avast Uninstaller Tool is to be used in Safe Mode no matter what your OS is.  In the past, Avast suggested we could uninstall it via the Control Panel, but no longer.

@ davexnet,
You are correct in your post in that the Uninstaller Tool is to be used in Safe Mode as Avast instructs you to do.


If you have questions on how to use the Avast Uninstaller Tool, just read what it says http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility.

[bob3160]

@ theknochs,
The Avast Uninstaller Tool is to be used in Safe Mode no matter what your OS is.  In the past, Avast suggested we could uninstall it via the Control Panel, but no longer.

@ davexnet,
You are correct in your post in that the Uninstaller Tool is to be used in Safe Mode as Avast instructs you to do.


If you have questions on how to use the Avast Uninstaller Tool, just read what it says http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility.

Sorry to make some corrections:
1. Step one should be to remove avast through either Programs and Features or, Add/Remove (In the Control Panel). Depending on your OS.


2. The avast removal tool can effectively be run from regular mode as long as you allow it to reboot your computer to safe mode as requested and then allow it to complete it's actions after it reboots your system into safe mode.