Browser Closes as soon as type in www.avast.com

[DNGBGG]

I'm trying to get to avast.com to download anti-virus software but every time I put in URL, the browser closes.  I've tried with IE and Firefox.  Same thing happens.  I've run Microsoft Defender and Spybot.  No virus/worm is revealed.  How can I download the free anti-virus software for my home computer if I can't get to the site?  Thanks.

[mikaelrask]

hey and welcome to the forum. you can get avast from filehippo.com

http://filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/

strange that you cant download direct from there website.

hopes this help you.

is it only avast.com you get that the browser is shouting down on or are there other sites aswell?

[DNGBGG]

Same issue when I enter other anti-virus URLs (eg for AVG).  browser also closes if I put avast or AVG in search engine.

[DNGBGG]

same issue happens using the filehippo URL, unfortunately.

[DavidR]

Sounds like some sort of malware blocking access to security sites to prevent their removal.

There are a few ways this can be done:
-- HOSTS file redirect a common malware tactic to block AV sites making it difficult to remove malware - 127.0.0.1 check your HOSTS file using notepad or a text editor of your choice, C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts or do a search for HOSTS to find it if not there.
 
Once open you are looking for entries with avast.com on the line, you may well see other AV sites, post the contents of the hosts file. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

The other I know of is DNS redirect.

Try this link that uses an avast IP address not the domain which should get past a block, http://174.123.201.114/eng/download-avast-home.html - Ensure that you scroll down and select the avast direct download link for the English version and not Cnet as that is for an on-line installation (not what you want to do).

Or try downloading it from this link - Direct download for avast Home, English version, http://174.123.201.114/iavs4pro/setupeng.exe.

[Lisandro]

Read the instructions, download and burn (maybe from another computer), finally use one of this rescue CD's:
1. Dr. Web
2. Avira
3. BitDefender
4. Kaspersky
5. F-Secure

[Lisandro]

I doubt we have a redirection issue only. The browser is closing. Hosts just make the site unreachable.
The user needs to get clean.

[DNGBGG]

DavidR--I located the dozen or so items in the host file that have avast in the line.  What do I do next?  Not sure I understand when you write: post the contents of the hosts file.

Tech:  thanks.  You are probably right but I'll try DavidR's path and then yours.  Again, appreciate all the help from all.

[Lisandro]

The default file consists of a number of example lines preceded with # and the only required line is:

127.0.0.1       localhost

You can delete all others and save the file.

[DavidR]

DavidR--I located the dozen or so items in the host file that have avast in the line.  What do I do next?  Not sure I understand when you write: post the contents of the hosts file.
<snip>

Remove the lines with avast on them and save the file using notepad, ensure that you don't add a file type as it shouldn't have one it is a special file.

If there are other security sites with the same annotations, they too should be removed.

It may be easier to check the wikipedia link as that shows the full default file content and restore your to that state and save.

Post the contents, means copy and paste what is inside the file into a post. This isn't too critical now as you have got the idea of what to do now. You also need to run the other software to see a) what modified the hosts file and b) what may be responsible for closing the browser.

[DNGBGG]

Forgive my technical inaptitude.  I see the list of thousands of urls and phrases (like avast-downloads.com) which were inserted by Spybot Search & Destroy (which I downloaded and ran last night to rid comptuer of "Personal Protector).  Most of the phrases are porn or casino type phrases but also have the security/virus phrases as well.  When I'm on the page:  C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts no action is possible.  I can copy the thousands of lines, I believe, but can't "remove" or "delete" them from this location.
I do appreciate the guidance.

[DNGBGG]

I figured out how to get to the place where I can delete the lines.  But then when I go to save, it won't let me do it (says cannot create the C:...........hosts file.)

[YoKenny]

Are you running XP or Vista/Windows 7?

[DNGBGG]

xp

[YoKenny]

You must be running as a Limited User on XP as it needs Administrator access to write the HOSTS file.