Ashavast.exe fails to initialize with error 0'0000006'

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

OS = XP Home SP3; No special FW
The client had previously tried to install Avast and failed each time with the same error as in the topic title.

I went over to try.

I ran Norton Cleanup Tool as the computer previously had Norton AV. I removed and cleansed Avira which was running. I attempted to install a new downloaded copy of the latest Avast. The program installs without error. After the necessary reboot, no icons appear in the system tray. So I attempted to start the program via the desktop shortcut. Same error. I removed Avast and ran the Avast cleaner in safe mode. I even tried installing in safe mode. Still the same problem occurred after a reboot. Checking via Task Manager, there were three services running normal. Prior to all of this, I ran MBAM which found malware and the computer was cleansed.
Because I ran out of time, I re-installed Avira and it is running smoothly. I did not tell Avast to run a full scan upon reboot due to time constraints. However Avira has never recorded any problems.

Any advice?

2

Check that the Alerter service is enabled. I’ve had a similar problem which this fixed. You’ll need to restart after doing so.

3

I do believe that the Alerter service was one of the three Windows Service that was running.

I tend to believe that there is some sort of corruption with the video. In normal mode, the resolution is set to 800x600 but it really was 600x480. In safe mode, I expected 600x480 resolution, but it was larger than 800x600.

However I will return this week to the client and test some more.

4

Here’s another tool that might help, similar to the Norton removal tool, but for Avira.
6th download down, 887kb zip file.
http://www.avira.com/en/support/support_downloads.html
At this point I’d be inclined to start afresh. Download what’s needed (including http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-uninstall-utility.html ), disconnect, uninstall everything, run the removal tools, reboot, reinstall Avast. If that don’t do it, back to the drawing board.

5

The Alerter service isn’t an avast dependency and is actually disabled on my system with no adverse effect.

6

@ Tarq - I have that tool. Ran it and even checked the registry manually as per the KB article from Avast. The problem was first seen by my client before Avira was ever installed.

I believe it is a Windows corruption that bars running by Avast but ironically does not bar Avira.

I do appreciate any and all suggestions.

7

Since you think it might be a Windows corruption, have you tried an over-install of the Windows OS?

8

Not yet. There are other steps to try first. I would try ‘sfc …’ and/or rebuild the video drivers first. A repair of Windows is the last thing I would try as I would have to re-install the the service packs etc.
However I would still want to know why Avast won’t start but Avira does with no problems at all.