avast! 5.0 - shell extension icon

[owains]

I have recently updated my free avast to version 5.

Previously, with avast 4, I used the command

ShellExtensionIcon=0

in the avast4.ini configuration file to hide the icon associated with the "Scan *file*" context menu item. I cannot find a similar configuration file for avast 5. Where are the settings for avast 5 stored? Is there an equivalent setting/command for avast 5? Is there an alternative way of hiding this context menu icon?


Thanks!

[pk]

1) Disable avast self defense protection (Settings -> Troubleshooting page).
2) Find avast5.ini file (mine path is: "c:\ProgramData\Alwil Software\Avast5\avast5.ini") and add ShellExtensionIcon=0 into [UserInterface] section.
3) Enable self defense protection.
4) Reboot your computer.

[DavidR]

There is an avast5.ini file try a search in explorer to find it (C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Alwil Software\Avast5\avast5.ini this is where it is in XP) and try the setting in the section pk said.

Though I don't know what getting rid of the icon achieves as the entry will surely still be there to scan.

[igor]

Not necessary to disable avast! self-defense - if you use Notepad to edit the .ini file.

[owains]

Great, thanks guys. I had looked for an avast5.ini file but couldn't find one. I'll try the two directories that you have suggested.

Though I don't know what getting rid of the icon achieves as the entry will surely still be there to scan.

Yup the entry will still be there... I just prefer not to see the bright orange blob every time I right-click on a file!

[owains]

Great, thanks guys. I had looked for an avast5.ini file but couldn't find one. I'll try the two directories that you have suggested.

This worked on both my Vista and XP machines... thanks!

[DavidR]

No problem.

[MikeBCda]

Not necessary to disable avast! self-defense - if you use Notepad to edit the .ini file.

Is that new in 5, igor?  In 4.8 and back to whenever the self-protection feature was first introduced, it was necessary to disable self-protect to be permitted to save the edited ini.

[igor]

No, it's not new - it should be true for 4.8 as well.

[viruzth]

1) Disable avast self defense protection (Settings -> Troubleshooting page).
2) Find avast5.ini file (mine path is: "c:\ProgramData\Alwil Software\Avast5\avast5.ini") and add ShellExtensionIcon=0 into [UserInterface] section.
3) Enable self defense protection.
4) Reboot your computer.

I cant do that.

first, i cant disable avast self defense
every time i disable the option, it will change to enable after i save the change.

second, avast5.ini is read only because 'another program' is using this file.

orange round icon kindda hurt my eyes. help me

[DavidR]

Are you using notepad as this should be all you need to use as the self-defence module allows it to open with write permission (any other editor it will open in read only). So no need to disable the self-defence module.

If the Orange icon hurts your eyes you are looking at the sun, just don't look at or hide it if you don't want to see it. I rarely notice it being very small it is relatively unobtrusive.

[viruzth]

i find the problem.

there is no way disabling avast self defense in silent/gaming mode.
i think it's a bug. when in silent/gaming mode, there is no notification when you disable avast self defense.
that's why the setting revert to the begining.

@DavidR
The problem is, i just replace my notepad with notepad+ (stupid me ^^)
about the icon, i'm just kidding. i love my shell plain, that's all.

thanx.

[pk]

viruzth, mmm you're right -- disabling avast self-defense module shows a 'popup' window, which is blocked in silent/gaming mode; we'll try to look at it... thanks

[DavidR]

You're welcome.

Well I just did a little test, set mine to silent gaming mode and then disabled self-defence. Whilst there wasn't the normal "Are you sure screen", because of the silent/gaming mode. As such with 'no confirmation' by the user, I guess that acknowledgement is required, so it fails to disable the self-defence module.

[palswim]

I didn't even need to reboot my computer.  The icon disappeared immediately.