avast 7 download hangs - now avast can't install or uninstall

[skyler59]

I had same problems when avast7 started it would not update.Then a virus Diller-CE got in and started diverting searches.Eventually I found this forum and how to uninstall and re install avast7.
Why didnt avast email all users and advise of possible problems and the solutions?
Why does avast use yogi support when they are no help whatsoever and only try to scare you into buying a subscription from them?

[pgoc]

Also having this problem.

 I tried remove/repair, msg:  error reading product data from "C:\Program Files|Avast Software|Avast|Setup\". Setup cannot continue 

then I tried aswclear.exe, msg: aswclear.exe is not a valid win 32 application

I am running windows XP can I simply delete the Avast software folder from the "program files" of my hard drive?

any other suggestions to get this off my desk top?

Update: 3/4/12 Finally success with the uninstall utility, and subsequent re-install

[hglord100]

Thanks, craigb and DavidR. Unfortunately, I'm doing important - at least to me - work on the machine that Avast was protecting. I can't afford to trust it to a pre-Beta anti-virus. In general, it's probably a good idea to thoroughly test any software before releasing it to the public and that goes double for an anti-virus. Avast 7 locked me up tight-as-a-drum on a computer where I couldn't tolerate that. I need to trust my AV and, right now, I don't trust Avast.

Thanks for the suggestion.   

[DavidR]

That is understandable.

One thing for sure, if your important work you are doing on your system, then you should already have a robust backup and recovery strategy in place. If you don't want to lose it back it up, that has nothing to do with beta testing but good practice in the event of a major problem.

One of the best types of backup is hard drive imaging software, that can make an exact image of the drive/partition which can be quickly and easily restored. Many of these drive imaging application also have the ability to do incremental updates over and above the full backup image.

[Lisandro]

The beta version does NOT means it's instable or will bring you more trouble. On contrary.

[hglord100]

Yes, DavidR, I do have all my data backed up. Twice at all times. And every week I put a third copy in a secure, off-site location. I can format and restore if I have to, but it's a royal pain. The worst that could happen is that I lose one week's work.

Still, a full mirror is expensive. Everything is a balancing act between cost, security, and convenience. Anti-virus software is a part - an important part - of the act, but certainly not the only part.

[freddie43]

Help!

I am having the same problem - cannot install or uninstall Avast

BUT
a) For some reason my SAFE mode bombs out
b) when I go to Avast ! Settings ! Troubleshooting and reset the following items, they auto enable again

• Enable avast self-defense module
  
• Load avast services only after loading other system services
  
• Do not use Chrome as avasti default browser
  

So I am stuck!

[freddie43]

Sorry, I am new here

That last post should have said I am running XP and trying to use aswclear.exe as advised

- trouble is the sytem won't let me edit my post!

[bob3160]

If the F8 key doesn't work, try going into safe mode through msconfig







then Reboot and it should come up in safe mode.

[freddie43]

Bob

Thanks for your help

I actually thought I had posted on the wrong forum, so I reposted on
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=36568.msg769473#msg769473
- where I got the same advice as you gave.

I successfully got into safe mode and deleted Avast, but then my system wouldn't reboot 

I have since rebuilt and am running Avast without problems

Thanks again for replying

[bob3160]

Glad I was able to help and it's nice to know that your system is back up and running well.