Avast keeps blocking my ZIP program

[exavast]

I have been using Free Avast for like 2 years no problem. But recently, I noticed a serious problem with Avast. It autoblocks ANY file that has been zipped. Never happened before.

And when that happens, my entire computer hangs stone cold dead. Sometimes it may notify me that it is putting the file into sandbox because it thinks the contents of the zip file (any zip file) is dangerous, and then my entire PC freezes dead.

I tried to switch off the real time scanning permanently, but that only gives my Taskbar a red coloured shield from Windows saying my computer is no longer protected.....Geez.

Why has the program suddenly turned so stupid???

I am seriously considering to uninstall the entire Avast and switch to Avira or AVG.

This is ridiculous.

But before I do that, maybe an Avast expert can tell me what is wrong? And how do I leave real time scanning on but without causing this problem? I repeat, there was NO problem with zipped files just before this, and all this while........

[essexboy]

Go to the autosandbox settings and set it to ask

[exavast]

It doesn't work.  

I only have 3 options given by Avast

1) Open in Sandbox
2) Open normally
3) Cancel opening

When I select 2), the window hangs. When I select 1) the ENTIRE PC hangs.

Not even Alt-Control-Delete can do anything. It is like the whole PC jams, and the only way is to hit restart without shutting down properly.

Since when did Avast become like this??? This is crazy.

[spg SCOTT]

Is it the unzipping program that it alerts to in the window, or the actual zip files that it alerts to?
Basically what is in the alert window?

What version of avast, and windows etc?

[Zyndstoff (aka Steven Gail)]

Please provide a screenshot of the pop-up alert as a point to start off.

[exavast]

Is it the unzipping program that it alerts to in the window, or the actual zip files that it alerts to?
Basically what is in the alert window?

What version of avast, and windows etc?

Free Avast version 6.0.1000 and Windows XP.

Most of the time it doesn't give any alerts. Just double clicking on a zipped file hangs the computer. I do not remember the exact wording in the pop up message, but in the couple of few times when the pop up box appeared, it says something like, "Avast detects a potentially harmful file that you are trying to open. For your safety, Avast recommends it to be opened in Sandbox mode."

And there is no option to open the file properly and override the Avast sandbox, it just has a Yes/OK button.

Once you click that Yes/OK button, the whole computer hangs.

Now I have the real time Avast File System Shield stopped completely. The Avast suddenly seems to think that all zipped files are potentially malicious. I don't know why this happened, because it was alright before this. No problems with zipped files before this, and I did not change anything with the Avast settings either. I never bothered about it but it always did its job. But now, it is a royal pain in the as* if you know what I mean!

It's crazy, I tell you.  

[Zyndstoff (aka Steven Gail)]

Download Avast 6.0.1091 by clicking on the blue "Free" in my signature.
Install right over the existing version, no uninstall.
Reboot.

Check.

[exavast]

Download Avast 6.0.1091 by clicking on the blue "Free" in my signature.
Install right over the existing version, no uninstall.
Reboot.

Check.

You sir, are a genius. 

My Avast is working again after upgrading to the version in your sig.

It looks like my username is redundant now, eh?

But I'm so glad I did not uninstall it earlier. Things look like they are back to normal again! 

THANKS A MILLION!

[Zyndstoff (aka Steven Gail)]

Glad I could help.
Happy surfing.