On-Access Protection when downloading and installing Windows XP Service Pack 3

[plohrey]

Hi all,

Should I Stop On-Access Protection when downloading and/or installing Service Pack 3 for Windows XP Home?

Microsoft Release Notes suggested disabling anti-virus for this process, but did not stipulate whether to disable before downloading or after downloading; ie, before installation.

Is there significant risk disabling Avast before downloading SP3 (either from Windows Update or from Microsoft Website)? If so, should I disable On-Access Protection just as the SP3 download completes, hopefully before installation starts? Do you think this might interrupt the install process?

I queried Microsoft's vague advice to disable anti-virus in the TechNet forum, but the answer left the above questions unanswered. I hope you can advise me as there must be plenty of Avast users looking to download and install Windows XP SP3.

Kind regards from Phil

[Lisandro]

Should I Stop On-Access Protection when downloading and/or installing Service Pack 3 for Windows XP Home?

Some users couldn't install SP3 without disabling it.
I could, a lot of other users also. I did nothing and get SP3 in two computers with avast on.

Microsoft Release Notes suggested disabling anti-virus for this process, but did not stipulate whether to disable before downloading or after downloading; ie, before installation.

Test with it on. If fails, try do disable before installing.

Is there significant risk disabling Avast before downloading SP3 (either from Windows Update or from Microsoft Website)?

I think it's not necessary at all...

[bob3160]

IMHO, no danger at all if upgrading directly through windows update.
As long as you actually use the Microsoft website and not a fake, this is also safe.
It is up to you to make sure you are actually using the Official Microsoft Website

[hlecter]

My advice: Disable it. If not a lot of new registry entries are created if you have 4.8 version.

These entries do no harm AFAIK, but better without.

(Those with Symantec AV got real problems with SP3 with their AV turned on during installation)

Good luck!


Edit: If you follow this http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=35805.0 you will get a lot of info.

[bob3160]

My advice: Disable it. If not a lot of new registry entries are created if you have 4.8 version.

These entries do no harm AFAIK, but better without.

(Those with Symantec AV got real problems with SP3 with their AV turned on during installation)

Good luck!


Edit: If you follow this http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=35805.0 you will get a lot of info.

I highly doubt that any one on here is using Symantec. 
The link referred to an older version of avast! not the current version.

[Marc57]

Phil, I had major problems installing SP3 on my stepson's computer with Avast active. I had to disable On-Access Protection and self defense to get it to work. If you do this, do it before you start windows update.

[hlecter]

I highly doubt that any one on here is using Symantec. 
The link referred to an older version of avast! not the current version.

I have not implied that anybody is using Symantec here. Therefore the parenthesis.
Sorry I didn,t bold them so you could see them. 

Here is an excerpt from the thread:

1. the keys are created during the XP SP3 install with all avast v4.8 buids before the latest one (1201). The latest version does not have this problem, and neither does v4.7.
2. the keys are completely useless and can be deleted without any side-effects.
3. however, deleting them is not a trivial task - mainly because regedit doesn't allow you to delete multiple keys at once (AFAIK). Plus, in order to delete them, you need to disable the avast self-defense module - otherwise, avast will consider the keys as its own and will not allow you to delete them.

(I'm talking about the _strange_ named subkeys under the avast services keys only [i.e. those which names start with $%]. DON'T delete the whole avast service keys, of course).

Thanks
Vlk

You apparently know that the OP is on 4.8.1201 or the new version from a couple of days ago.
I don't know that. I am on 4.7 on one of my own machines. You didn't know that either.

My advice still stands:  Disable your AV as MS says when installing SP3. Avast or any other.
Even Symantec even if nobody on this forum uses it


Edit: Bolded for clarity 

[bob3160]

You apparently know that the OP is on 4.8.1201 or the new version from a couple of days ago.
I don't know that. I am on 4.7 on one of my own machines. You didn't know that either.

Maybe you ought to update your AV program    

[plohrey]

Thanks all! Actually, I've decided to reformat, reinstall XP and download the full SP3 volume, as this will leave the hard drive clean and hopefully pre-empt some of the upgrade nasties mentioned in Microsoft's TechNet Forum. So, now, Avast and other anti-malware won't even be installed when I download SP3.

If I did upgrade from SP2 to SP3 as originally intended, I would certainly follow the advice from this forum. I would disable On-Access Protection and other anti-malware before beginning to download SP3. I don't think I have been using the Self Defense Module. It doesn't appear in the Menu of the Simple User Interface. As nobody has mentioned Windows Firewall, I will keep it enabled and install my 3rd party firewall later - unless any of you advise otherwise.

It has been gratifying to read a number of prompt, informed replies confirming the value of this forum. I hope that your replies help other readers.

Kind Regards, Phil

[Lisandro]

I don't think I have been using the Self Defense Module.

It's turned on by default...

It doesn't appear in the Menu of the Simple User Interface.

It's not a provider, just a module...
1. Right click the 'a' blue icon on system tray.
2. Programs settings > Troubleshooting (tab)

[bob3160]

A picture is worth 1000 words....  

(click to picture to enlarge)