Since upgrading to version 5 can't access Microsoft Outlook 2003

[Momthrone]

At first I got a message about ashOutxt.dll file could not be installed or loaded. Thought I read a fix on here, to delete or re-name the extend.dat file.  Did that.  Now I get the Avast Splash when I go to open Outlook and then the whole thing disappears.   

I need some help please and thank you.
Christine

[Lisandro]

Can you try to repair your installation?
Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove programs > avast! antivirus > Remove. Then choose Repair function in the popup window (Repair).
If this does not help, can you uninstall / boot / install / boot again?

[Momthrone]

I uninstalled through control panel, also then uninstalled with the avast uninstall program for both versions 4.8 and 5, re-booted, re-installed and registered the latest version.  Still having the same problem.

[Lisandro]

Make sure the avast plugin is not disabled into MS Outlook:
Outlook 2003 > Help > About > Disabled items.

Also, command line switches can "clean" MS Outlook.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/command-line-switches-HP001003110.aspx

[Momthrone]

Tech, sorry for posting twice.  A bit if hysteria here.  I've copied your most recent message and my question/attemps in blue.  Thanks - I didn't except to spend my day off work trying to get my email back - anyhow,I appreciate you trying to help me

Make sure the avast plugin is not disabled into MS Outlook:
Outlook 2003 > Help > About > Disabled items. (not sure how to access this as I can't open Outlook)

Also, command line switches can "clean" MS Outlook.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/command-line-switches-HP001003110.aspx
(went to Microsoft website and located what I think is the file location and tried to type in c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\office\outlook.exe /cleanreminders - only received an error message in the run line)

This is upsetting to me - I can't access my address book or read saved messages etc.
Thanks again.

[Lisandro]

Try also Microsoft Personal Folders Scan & Repair Utility
Are you also getting the message that an Outlook data file was not closed properly and has to be checked?  When I saw this problem with Avast add-in once it happened to coincide with a damaged Outlook .PST file.  You might want to try running SCANPST.EXE on your .PST file(s).  Office doesn't install a shortcut to this thing by default but you'll find it under "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 2007\Office12" if you installed Office in the default location.

Did you use AVG before avast? Any other antivirus?

[Momthrone]

Well I've really messed things up now.  I tried running Outlook in compatability mode for Windows 95, just thinking that I imported this program from my old computer.  It started going through an installation process and stopped when I didn't have a program disk.  Now it says it's missing OMIg.dll

I should have left it alone.

Tech, I have been using avast for a number of years, and sometimes run AVG but haven't run it for some time.

[Lisandro]

Maybe a repair (or full reinstall) of MS Office will be better.
AVG Remover can be downloaded here (and remove remains): http://www.avg.com/download-tools

[Momthrone]

I went back in and corrected the problem I created with Outlook.  I'm back to square one with the orange splash.

Can AVG interfere with Avast/Outlook?

Thanks again.

[DavidR]

Having two resident scanners installed (or remnants left behind) is one too many and not recommended as rather than provide twice the protection it can cause conflicts that could leave you more vulnerable.

So yes it can have an impact in many areas and ways.

So you have to uninstall it and as Tech suggests also run the AVG Removal tool to ensure there are no remnants left behind.

[Lisandro]

Can AVG interfere with Avast/Outlook?

Sure. If it is still present (running) and even leftovers of it. Run the uninstaller.

[Momthrone]

Okay have removed AVG and Adware.  Ran the AVG uninstaller.  I also re-removed Avast 5 with both the add/remove programs feature and the awsclear5 (uninstall program).

I then decided to open Outlook to see what would happen.  It opens for a milisecond (with no orange splash) and then it's gone.

I had hoped totally uninstalling Avast would undo whatever issue it created in the first place, but not the case.

Thanks

[bob3160]

See if this helps you:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=56959.msg480368#msg480368

[Momthrone]

Rather than install avast again and likely go through this process again, I have managed to get my outlook going (I'm not sure how) and I'm not going to reinstall avast.  I'm going to go with Microsoft Security Essentials.  Thanks for all of your time and help, I appreciated it very much.
Christine

[dtavast]

Hi. 50 year old, new to this.
Have used free avast for 12 months on new ASUS N50c laptop. Happy, so paid for upgrade out of loyalty. What the hell??
1. Couldn't get wifi, looked for help, seems like there are similar problems. Question: without internet how do you do forums (frustrating weekend wasted). (no success)
2. Followed various instructions on forums without success so uninstalled. (no success)
3. Did system restore (no success)
4. have been trouble-shooting for 3 hours today, (no success)

Question. What has avast done to my computer? You can keep for %$&&%$&  $50.00. I will go with someone else, but need to find out how to fix the wifi