Avast Crashing my PC

[aidan.mulcahy]

Hi,

Windows 10. Avast Premium user.

I'm assuming it was after a Windows Update, but not sure. When Avast is running, my PC begins to die. First, web access and then gradually every app. Even Task Manager won't open. And cannot open Avast UI either, so blocking itself too? It's like Avast is blocking every application. I tried multiple suggestions:

• Decreasing the level of security
  Repair
  Update Engine
  Update program.
  Uninstalled/Reinstalled Avast.
  Rolled back Windows Updates to before April.
  Reinstalled Avast again.
  

Still not working.
I have now uninstalled Avast and am on the latest Windows Update too. Everything is working.

Any suggestions on getting Avast working?

[aidan.mulcahy]

And, sorry forgot to mention. I needed to use Safe Mode to uninstall. As, when I tried to uninstall in normal mode, it said that Setup was already running.
I could see the Avast Installer tasks in Task Manager.

[bob3160]

What version of Avast? What AV program was installed before Avast and how was it removed?

[aidan.mulcahy]

Hi,

thanks for replying.
Since posting, I updated to Premium version 20.3.2405 again. Same thing happened, so I have uninstalled again.
Not sure which version I was on before that but I do update to latest versions very regularly so I expect it was the previous version.

If it helps. during the last attempt this afternoon, Outlook was stalling at 'reading profile' but as soon as I disabled all shields, it immediately opened. Re-enabled shields. Re-started Outlook and seemed fine. Rebooted to see what happened and it was just like the original problem. Web died and couldn't open any apps. (In fact, in previous attempts, I couldn't even shutdown correctly. I needed to turn off keeping the off button pressed.)
Back in to Safe mode and uninstall.

Could it be Firewall settings? Really feels like Avast is blocking everything.

thanks again.

[bob3160]

Make sure the firewall is set to private.
If it's set to public, it would block everything.
Still need an answer as to your previous Antivirus and how it was removed.

[aidan.mulcahy]

Hi,

WRT my previous Antivirus package. I have been using Avast since about 2010. I have never used another one as it's always protected me.

I uninstalled previous versions via the add/remove Windows functionality, which opens the Avast Modify/Repair/Uninstall screen. BTW, I have tried each of those options already.

Based on your suggestion, I re-installed again and made the firewall Private setting as you mentioned. Same as other attempts. Everything seems to work but when I reboot it all goes pear-shaped. I turned off the Avast Firewall altogether (just to see) but still the same issue.
 
I've uninstalled again, needing to use Safe Mode.
Another bit of info, when it's in its 'nothing working' state, Windows Search also doesn't work and when I look in Settings, most screens are empty/blank.

Am I safe with Windows Defender?

[Asyn]

You could try the latest beta: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=15

[bob3160]

I would suggest the following:

If Repair doesn't fix the problem, try the following:
If your Avast settings are not the default settings and you want them restored after the Clean Install, follow this before removing Avast.
https://goo.gl/TXjM7h
Clean Install of Avast:
https://goo.gl/4Ptzkf
If you need additional help with the Clean Install, watch this:
https://youtu.be/p-h3myRD51A

[aidan.mulcahy]

Thank you.Will try