Avast Browser randomly opening for no reason?

[Andrew_ACHZ]

Not sure if this is related, but it seems to have started after I let my copy of Avast Internet Security upgrade to Avast Premium Security a couple of days ago.

Every now and then, despite not being set as the "default" browser, the Avast Security Browser just randomly opens up.

It doesn't open up on any specific page or anything, just opens up with a blank page as shown in the attachment.

Nothing related in my Startup Tab for Avast Browser, but in Processes, I see two entries - Avast Browser and Avast Browser (32 bit)

Obviously I can kill those two processes but they reappear after a system restart and to my way of thinking, just the processes being there shouldn't cause the browser to open?

Full scans with Avast, Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware show no infections of any type.


Any ideas how I can cure this behaviour?


System Specs:
Windows 10 Pro Version 1809 (Build 17763.737)
Avast Premium Security 19.8.2393 (Build 19.8.4793.535)
Virus Definitions Version: 190927-2
UI Version: 1.0.409

[Misha Zekovova]

Hi Andrew_ACHZ,

we'll look into this issue, thank you for reporting!

Can I also ask you for Diagnostic Information please?

1. Open the browser and click on the menu icon (3 dots)
2. Click on "Help and About Avast Secure Browser" and then "About Avast Secure Browser"
3. Click on "Diagnostic Information" (this will open a pop-up window)
4. Click the "COPY TO CLIPBOARD" button to capture the information and paste it here.

Thank you!

[Andrew_ACHZ]

Hi Andrew_ACHZ,

we'll look into this issue, thank you for reporting!

Can I also ask you for Diagnostic Information please?

1. Open the browser and click on the menu icon (3 dots)
2. Click on "Help and About Avast Secure Browser" and then "About Avast Secure Browser"
3. Click on "Diagnostic Information" (this will open a pop-up window)
4. Click the "COPY TO CLIPBOARD" button to capture the information and paste it here.

Thank you!

Sure, thank you. It continues doing it.



executable_path=C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software\Browser\Application\AvastBrowser.exe
profile_path=C:\Users\andre\AppData\Local\AVAST Software\Browser\User Data\Guest Profile
os_version=Windows 10 v1809 (x64)
av_version=19.8.2393
host_prefix=
browser_version=76.0.1632.101 (Official Build (32-bit))
cgid=218
cid=2108
uid=038319c68adf4cd5b64807bc6c1cb7e8


Enabled extensions:
ahfgeienlihckogmohjhadlkjgocpleb : Web Store : 0.2
kmendfapggjehodndflmmgagdbamhnfd : CryptoTokenExtension : 0.9.74
mfehgcgbbipciphmccgaenjidiccnmng : Cloud Print : 0.1
mhjfbmdgcfjbbpaeojofohoefgiehjai : Chromium PDF Viewer : 1


Disabled extensions:


Regards, Andrew

[Misha Zekovova]

Hi Andrew_ACHZ,
Strange behaviour indeed.. I can see you have older version of the browser, our last live official build is 77.0.1802.75 for Win x86. Can you please try update the browser manually?

1. Open the browser and click on the menu icon (3 dots)
2. Click on “Help and About Avast Secure Browser” and then “About Avast Secure Browser”
3. Click on green button “Check for updates”

Let me know if this helps. Thanks!

[Andrew_ACHZ]

Hi Andrew_ACHZ,
Strange behaviour indeed.. I can see you have older version of the browser, our last live official build is 77.0.1802.75 for Win x86. Can you please try update the browser manually?

1. Open the browser and click on the menu icon (3 dots)
2. Click on “Help and About Avast Secure Browser” and then “About Avast Secure Browser”
3. Click on green button “Check for updates”

Let me know if this helps. Thanks!

Aha!


I just tried that now and it reports that it's up to date at Version 76.0.1632.101 (See attached)


Avast Premium Security is also reporting that the Application is up to date. Release Date September 19, 2019 7:19pm - (ver 19.8.2393 - build 19.8.4793.535)


Is there any way to force a browser update?


Or uninstall / reinstall the browser without having to uninstall the entire security suite?


It just popped up again on it's own before typing this reply. Frustrating problem.


Looking forward to your further advice.


Regards, Andrew

[bob3160]

Maybe it's time for a clean install of the Secure Browser
Download the installer from here, https://www.avast.com/en-us/secure-browser
Download the Secure Browser Removal tool from here, https://download.avastbrowser.com/avast_secure_browser_uninstall.exe
Save your Bookmarks via the Book Marks Manager if you have custom bookmarks so you can import them when you re-install.
Uninstall Secure Browser via Programs and Features - Reboot
Run the removal tool, reboot, run the installer import your favorites if you saved them.
A video to help with the installation: https://youtu.be/r_VLA0HMLQM
Report back if that's solved the problem or not.

[Andrew_ACHZ]

Maybe it's time for a clean install of the Secure Browser
Download the installer from here, https://www.avast.com/en-us/secure-browser
Download the Secure Browser Removal tool from here, https://download.avastbrowser.com/avast_secure_browser_uninstall.exe
Save your Bookmarks via the Book Marks Manager if you have custom bookmarks so you can import them when you re-install.
Uninstall Secure Browser via Programs and Features - Reboot
Run the removal tool, reboot, run the installer import your favorites if you saved them.
A video to help with the installation: https://youtu.be/r_VLA0HMLQM
Report back if that's solved the problem or not.

I've uninstalled and reinstalled the Avast browser per the above directions, however, the installer installed Version 76.0.1659.101 (Official Build) (64-bit) and not the x86 version as suggested by "Misa Zekovova"

Strange behaviour indeed.. I can see you have older version of the browser, our last live official build is 77.0.1802.75 for Win x86.

My Windows system is 64bit so I assume that won't be an issue. Will report back if the uninstall/reinstall cured the problem or not once I've given it a day.


Thanks, Andrew

[Andrew_ACHZ]

Happy to be able to report that removing and then reinstalling the browser appears to have solved the problem.

Thanks for the help

[Misha Zekovova]

Glad to hear that Andrew_ACHZ! Happy browsing 

[bob3160]

Happy to help. Have a great day.

[Elpaso]

I would like to know why I can't install Avast Secure Browser on my Laptop,I have tried several time it says error occurred every time @m trying to install?

[mchain]

I would like to know why I can't install Avast Secure Browser on my Laptop,I have tried several time it says error occurred every time @m trying to install?

What does the error say?