Well, I certainly got lucky (I'll include 50% experience) finding the issue, but as for Avast interference, that would be for the experts to say.
You probably well know an antivirus engine likes to hook the drive channels to prevent a virus, and with
the newer bios, settings are accessible to a degree from windows, so it's an easy conclusion to make.
The drive configuration page is not the default bios entry thus blaming the user for an errant key strike at boot
, panic and exit makes less sense.
Perhaps Avast was setting itself (through the update) on the drive hook when it locked the system and the three finger salute was issued,
thus the bios setting was specifically in play.
Whatever the nitty gritty details, the info on what occurred is there for the coders and users.
Yes, I do not think I am incorrect - but of course it could be a more complex combination of the software and reset / more an MSFT issue.
Bios is American Megatrands
