Browsers (IE, Firefox, Chrome) cannot startup

[REDACTED]

Hello Guys,
Hope someone can advise me on the following ..

I've just installed AVAST (Free download) and noticed that all my browsers failed to startup afterthat.
Not even if I rebooted my Windows PC.

I've to disable AVAST to get back things to normal.

What's the cause and solution ?

Thanks.

AVAST newbie.

[Eddy]

Sounds like a bug that already has been fixed.
Perform a repair of avast and if that doesn't solve it a real clean installation of the latest version.

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Hello Eddy,
Thanks for the fast response.

My AVAST program is at 17.7.2314 (Build 17.7.3660.226)
My Virus definition version is at 171012-0.

Is this an old version ?

Thanks.

[bob3160]

Repair Avast:
Control Panel> Program and Features (Add/remove program)>Select Avast> Select Repair. Reboot when completed
https://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB204


If Repair doesn't fix the problem, try the following:
Clean Install of Avast:
https://goo.gl/4Ptzkf
If you need additional help with the Clean Install, watch this:
https://youtu.be/p-h3myRD51A

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I followed directions on this page, and it fixed it for Firefox, but I still can't get Internet Explorer to come up.  (Yes, I know it's old, but it still works best for some pages on my XP computer, and I like it.)  I can see the process launch in Task Manager, but the window doesn't come up.

I did the repair and clean re-installation, I have tried disabling all add-ons in IE, turning off Avast's Web Shield, but nothing works.  It won't even work if I completely uninstall Avast, and I could not do a System Restore.  It will open in Safe Mode. 

I am using Avast Free on an XP computer, with Firefox 52.0.2 ESR, and IE 8.  Please help, as I really do need IE for some things. 

[bob3160]

Basically, XP isn't safe, IE 8 isn't safe. Using both only makes you more vulnerable.

[REDACTED]

I find this statement ironic, as the only program that has ever caused me any problems is Avast itself.  Two years ago, it completely froze my computer and the only way I could fix it was to revert to an older version.  This time I can't even do that, as it prevented System Restore from working.  Also last time, Avast administrators blamed every program but their own, and were completely useless.  I see that's still standard operating practice around here.  Thanks for your patronizing unhelpfulness. 

[MrMaxaMan]

I find this statement ironic, as the only program that has ever caused me any problems is Avast itself.  Two years ago, it completely froze my computer and the only way I could fix it was to revert to an older version.  This time I can't even do that, as it prevented System Restore from working.  Also last time, Avast administrators blamed every program but their own, and were completely useless.  I see that's still standard operating practice around here.  Thanks for your patronizing unhelpfulness.

In fairness you are using outdated software that isn't being updated to protect against security holes. It will leave you open to attack.

[bob3160]

I know the truth sometimes hurts especially when you may not be in any position to do anything about it.
That still doesn't change the facts and has nothing to do with patronizing Avast or any other program or OS.
It just happens to be a fact.