Reinstalled Avast! program and now it says, "not Secure" - help!!!

[rsherman1]

Hi --

I reinstalled Avast! free version just now because after installing the new version earlier today, it would not allow my definitions to be updated ("the package is broken").

I was advised to "repair", but it wouldn't let me for the same reason.

So I decided to deinstall, and reinstall. It reinstalled, but I still cannot get it to work properly - I get stuck on a loop of trying to start the program, or to FIX IT.  But nothing happens to move me along when I hit these buttons.

Any help would be much appreciated. 

[=SKY=]

Did you use the avast! removal-tool to uninstall?
The best way to use it is in safe-mode!
BEFORE this, DEactivate the self-protection of avast!.

[rsherman1]

Thanks for the reply. :-)

I deinstalled using the regular Windows deinstall program.
How do I deactivate Avast's self-protection mechanism?

Once I go into safe-mode, what do I do there?

Thanks!

[Pondus]

Uninstall Utility  http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility

[DavidR]

You don't have to deactivate the self-defence module as avast doesn't run in safe mode. That is the reason for entering safe mode before running the avast uninstall utility.

Clean install sequence:
- Download the latest version of avast, 6.0.1125 and save it to your HDD, somewhere you can find it again (if you didn't save your last download). Use that when you reinstall.

- Download the avast! Uninstall Utility, aswClear.exe find it here and save it to your HDD (it has uninstall tools for both 5.x and 6.0.x).

• 1. Now uninstall avast! (using add remove programs, if you can't do that start from the next step), reboot.
• 2. run the avast! Uninstall Utility from safe mode, first for 5.x if previously installed and then for 6.0, once complete reboot into normal mode.
• 3. install the latest version, reboot.

[=SKY=]

I deinstalled using the regular Windows deinstall program.
How do I deactivate Avast's self-protection mechanism?

You can deactivate it in the settings. I use the german version, because of this, I don't know, where the setting point exactly is in other versions. But look in the settings, you will find it. I'm sure.

Then deactivate the programm over the avast icon in the taskbar with rightclick (context menue).

Once I go into safe-mode, what do I do there?

Run the removal-tool in safe mode and change the version you want to uninstall, restart the PC after that.

Then install the newest version of avast! and after that reboot your PC.

Does it work now?

PS: Pondus posted the link to the uninstall utility (removal tool).

Edit:
David, you're to fast for me...

[rsherman1]

Thanks for your help everybody!

I followed your instructions and deinstalled in safe mode.  Then I rebooted, and reinstalled the latest version.  It installed and now is working as it should.

Much appreciate your help!

Cheers :-)

[=SKY=]

Glad to help you!