2014 Free Version Locking Browsers

I installed 2014 Free Version and it began locking my browsers whenever I begin navigating a lot or to sites like youtube and even my comcast e-mail. The browser bar shows the ever whirling circle, sometimes green and grey when it is really having trouble. youtube videos will not play past 5-10 seconds and lock up.

Uninstalled and reinstalled several times. Working with Microsoft trained Avast techs and they did a cleanup of my computer and uninstalled and reinstalled 2014 but it started again after 1/2 hour.

2013 version not available anywhere as I would love to install that until they get this issue fixed.

Disable Avast Online security plug in from IE

I did try disabling in IE but it did not help. Working with a tech later on today to suggest what was suggested under another thread, to add some “code”.

Would that be the code fix suggested here from Zdenek http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=143092.msg1037736

Yes.

Just follow the instructions posted and you can fix the problem yourself, no need for a tech.

I don’t know how to do this kind of stuff AT ALL!! Most people don’t. Quite honestly that is why I hate coming to tech forums and everyone thinking everything is so easy. I just want to use my computer, I don’t want to be the one to fix it.

It really isn’t that complex, a little more than writing/compiling a text document or email.

The only complexity is:
A) finding the file you need to edit - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AVAST Software\Avast\WebShield.ini (XP location)
or
C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\Avast\WebShield.ini (Vista or later OS)

B) Open that file using NotePad.exe (C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE), no other text editor and copy and paste the following text to the bottom of the file.
[General]
UseStreamFilter=0

Now save the changes, stop the web shield and restart the web shield. It should now use the modified WebShield.ini file.

####
The main stumbling blocks depending on your Operating System ?

  1. the c:\ProgramData\ folder may be hidden and you would have to change some windows explorer settings - more on that if it is necessary.
  2. you may need to run notepad.exe as an administrator or windows would block the changes - again more on that if it is necessary.

The main thing is not to look at the big picture and think this is too complex/hard, but to do it in steps, one at a time and it isn’t that difficult. If you experience a problem on a step, just ask for more help and we will try to do so.

“Now save the changes”
Please note that you will get a warning from The avast! Self Protection Module.
Simply select Yes to allow the change to happen.

The protection module makes sure that it isn’t a rogue program attempting to change something in avast!. :slight_smile: