I need help here! Please!

[deanna]

Okay, I did get the editor open but have not been able to open config.sys. It is really scary messing around in these system files when I am not sure what I am doing!

I backed out back to the c: prompt, I think I need to research this a little better. I do feel like this is where the problem is, and I read how to disable a command in there. I just need to find out how to pull config.sys file up in the editor. I am sure if I could disable Avast from the boot up this problem would go away. Then I could fix it from the top side!

I have messed around quite a bit in DOS but it was only on older computers that I wasn't trying to save the stuff on anyway. Under those conditions I was brave! And usually successful with what I was trying to do. This time is it is scary!
I want those school files realllllly bad! 

[..::ReVaN::..]

How about edit config.sys? O boy where are those DOS days hihi 

[deanna]

Okay, after further study the config. sys is not in Windows ME. So that is not where I want to be anyway! I will keep on searching!

[deanna]

The start up commands are in the registry for Windows ME! I miss Windows 98 for it's simplicity!

I know, I know, those were the olden days. I still think there should be a way to stop Avast trying to update these files in a case like this. Maybe future developement?

[galooma]

maybe what you need to focus on is disable cmd from dos see link http://www.computerhope.com/disable.htm
and this might lead to a recovery

[deanna]

I was excited there for a minute! But it says it only works in Windows 2000 and XP...
Bummer...

[scarygary]

I'm new here but I do have some tech background. Without knowing more information, let me ask you this; Have you tried to uninstall avast? Then reinstall. or, can you get into your system tools and do a complete restore to an earlier date before all these problems started?

[..::ReVaN::..]

She cannot get into windows....deanna have you tried the F8 boot logging option to see where it gets stuck.

[deanna]

ScaryGary,
Thanks for you reply, if you read my first post it will explain. I cannot get into anything except with my boot disk. I am in what is left of dos on Windows ME. I have found out the file that holds the start up commands. My next step is to get into the registry and disable Avast there.

Wish me luck!  

ReVaN,
I have tried the F8, tried everything there and it just goes back to updating my configuration files. I tried the step by step confirmation, turning each thing off and trying again. Still went to the updating thing! Ugh!

[deanna]

I think I might be on to something with the erase command, thanks to a link posted here on the board. But what is the file ext on Avast files? I ask because I cannot get in to look at them.
Still here and working, I hope someone out there is! 

[deanna]

Can anyone tell me the path to the avast files? Where does it live?

[TedNelly]

Avast normally lives here (default Setup)C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4

[deanna]

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions! I was up until 4 am trying to fix this sucker. This morning I gave up and took it to a computer tech. If he can't fix it, he thought he would be able to get the files that I need off of it. KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED! He said it sounded to him like a bad download file. maybe missing something, or part of it came in but not all!

Just wanted to let you know how this ended up. One thing I know for sure is, I will be in bed early tonight!
Thanks again and Happy New Year! 

[..::ReVaN::..]

Well i guess you could of just copied the files to a different partition that is if you have multiple partitions.Anyway HAPPY NEW YEAR to you too!

[deanna]

I called the tech today, he couldn't break it loose either, he did get all the files I needed and also others, my documents, email, and some software that I have purchased transfered onto my temporiary hard drive. He is going to run the recover cd and put my files back on. I am grateful of that.

He ran a virus scan and found nothing! I thought that it would be clean because I am careful there, and have good protection, firewall, and avast. He will finish it tomorrow and it will come home. Now I am going to be worried that this will happen again, with the avast update files I mean. I really like avast and how easy it is to use. What do all of you think? I respect your opinions...

One thing is for sure, I will back up on a more regular basis!!!