Mystery Password

[REDACTED]

Hello,

I am using Free Avast Antivirus 2016, version 12.2.2276.  I never created a "settings" password yet now one is required.  Please help.

Thank you for the support and the free Anivirus.

[Eddy]

To reset the password, you need to perform a clean installation of avast.

Please (re)search before posting as things like this have been explained many times already.

[DavidR]

You might be able to get away with not reinstalling.

- Lost, Forgotten (or didn't set) Password and avast is calling for a password.

Ordinarily this would entail reinstalling avast, you may be able to remove a file C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\Avast\aswresp.dat. Before you can delete it you would need to disable the avast self-defence module.

If that doesn't work you would need to boot into safe mode, where avast doesn't start and remove it.

[REDACTED]

To Eddy:  Thank you for the information.  I originally searched for "uninstall Avast" but unfortunately did not come across what you suggested. I will certainly search again using the parameters you suggested.

To David R:  Thank you for your suggestion.  Unfortunately, to change any settings in Avast I must first enter a password.

[Asyn]

1. Download Avast Free Antivirus: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe
2. Follow instructions: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed Avast versions..!!)
3. Reinstall Avast with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.

[DavidR]

<snip>
To David R:  Thank you for your suggestion.  Unfortunately, to change any settings in Avast I must first enter a password.

Then the second option given to boot into safe mode (where avast isn't running) and you should be able to delete it.

If that doesn't work you would need to boot into safe mode, where avast doesn't start and remove it.

[REDACTED]

Hello,

After uninstalling Avast in Safe Mode with the uninstaller and reinstalling it, a password was no longer required. 

Thank you Eddy, David R. and Asyn for your assistance.

[Asyn]

You're welcome.

[DavidR]

Hello,

After uninstalling Avast in Safe Mode with the uninstaller and reinstalling it, a password was no longer required. 

Thank you Eddy, David R. and Asyn for your assistance.

You're welcome, glad that you now have it resolved.