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

[DNGBGG]

I left my job 3 months ago but was able to keep the computer so you are probably right.  However, it was set up that I am an administrator on this pc now but don't know what that means in terms of how I can save the revised host file.  Do I need to log out and then log in as administrator?

[micky77]

If you are running as limited user , how did you install spybot ?
 
Can you not use another pc to download security programs and their updates ? Try downloading this program Hostsxperthttp://www.funkytoad.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=&28d444df85eb4f435055ed9d39c02f03=83514621bfa3a240ba9c2fa0449ff080

Just run it, choose file handling then ' restore ms hosts file ' then OK

[micky77]

Also check your not using an unwanted proxy
For firefox   tools > options > advanced > network > settings > tick no proxy ok

For IE tools > internet options > connections > lan settings > untick use proxy server

[Pondus]

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). 

Remove Personal Protector (Uninstall Guide)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-personal-protector

[DNGBGG]

Don't know if this is a hosts issue.  It's one thing where the browser immediately closes when i type in the url but the browser closes when I just search on the avast.com on google or yahoo!

I just tried opening an alert email from avast.com and Outlook immediately shut down. 

Would the presence of avast.com in "hosts" cause all these symptoms?

[DavidR]

Well the source of the problem would have to have a list of domains for it to take action on and the hosts file could be that source.

As has been said that would only account for blocking and there would have to be something else responsible for the addition of the hosts file entries and the closures. That is why Tech gave the links to the other tools to try and find either hidden or undetected malware from outside windows.

[DNGBGG]

I have exhausted all the ideas on this exchange with no success.  I tried all of these suggested by Tech but in every case the browser closes instantly:
1. Dr. Web
2. Avira
3. BitDefender
4. Kaspersky
5. F-Secure

I also tried the exe file supplied to launch avast.com and was able to save it to the computer but every time I want it to run, the program instantly shuts down.

I also eliminated the avast.com lines from the hosts file.

I welcome any additional ideas to lead to resolution so I can load an anti-virus program.
thanks.

[pinnacle]

try this cloud antimalware multiple scanner, G-Data, Avira, Eset Nod 32, Prevx, and A-Squared, the trial works for 30 days very effective, i have paid version.Hitman Pro 3.5  http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

[DavidR]

Try changing your DNS server, to that of http://www.opendns.com/ that may get around any DNS hijacking, assuming you did as we said in removing all the hosts file entries other than the default settings.

There is a free service which is more than adequate for most users, https://store.opendns.com/get/basic