Dear David,
Thanks for your reply. Regarding your reply:
“Unfortunately the windows system restore doesn't cover everything on your computer unless you made a system image (even then I'm not sure if that goes down to program level).”
Apparently so.
“The Avast Self-protection module could also block attempts to modify avast locations.”
As I recall, I turned off its “self defense” mode (or whatever its called) when I tried restoring my computer to a happier time.
“Did you not try an Avast Repair before trying a system restore (as that could impact on the potential for repair) ?”
I know I tried an Avast repair, but I don’t recall the exact order.
“Did you check that the avast firewall was set to Private as opposed to Public ? This could make life difficult, depending on how you connect.”
No, I didn’t. I normally connect via a WiFi hotspot, ether at home or using my smart phone. All the connections are – and presumably were for some few years – set for “Public,” but switching them to “Private” (which I did for a test just now) didn’t help.
Of course, I could have read the clear and informative Avast user’s manual for guidance – if there was a clear and informative user’s manual.
“For any 'lads in some third world sweatshop' to fix it first they would have to know about it and some more details, such as any error messages displayed, etc.”
Actually, if the lads were operating according to a well thought out plan on what the software was meant to do and how it was meant to do it, and if perhaps they solidified the plan by developing it, the software, and a user’s manual at the same time, they wouldn’t have to play digital fireman.
“Your bonus answer is this problem is related to the Avast CleanUp product not the antivirus product.”
While I sincerely feel bad for the folks affected by the ACU debacle, and while I don’t want to sound as if I’m blaming the victims – or the exploited third world lads (the key is revolution, lads, revolution!) – paying extra to have an Avast product rummage around your computer’s innards just doesn't seem wise even to me (which is setting the bar pretty low).
Bonus Bonus Question:
Apparently it was not news that there is a problem with Avast's new firewall. I think I found three similar posts before I posted. This still leaves the question as to whether Avast is even now working on the problem.
