Avast updated itself last night on my computer. Immediately after restarting my computer, an error message popped up that said: “INI file Modification error. A program is attempting to modify an avast INI file, possibly changing some of its system-wide settings. Some of the settings can even disable avast realtime protection. Do you want to continue?”
If I click on “No,” it causes my computer to stop functioning to the extent that I cannot open any programs. If I click “yes”, the same thing happens. I cannot open any program. This includes not being able to open the program to turn off my computer, not being able to utilize the control-alt-delete function, not being able to do anything.
This has basically rendered my computer useless.
My relevant information is:
I am using Windows XP.
I am using the 4.8 Home Edition of Avast.
I amusing the VPS file version 080409-1, compilation date 4/9/08
I connect to the internet via wireless.
I cannot access the basic configurations of my computer because, as previously stated, I cannot open programs on my computer.
No, it did not say what program was trying to access it.
When I turn the computer on, it will initially work fine for about 2 minutes. After that, whatever program I am in the process of trying to access, such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, etc., will bring up that error message. And, after that point, I cannot open any program
This is my first post and hopefully I am not hi-jacking the post but merely contributing too same and answering the question that was asked. So in the first instance I will apologise if I appear too be, given that that this is my first post.
I have also had the same problem and when the pop up appears as per the initial post it appears to make reference to C:\Windows\system32\zonelabs\avsys\monitor.exe.
I hope this helps and I apologise again if this is not relevant in which case I will start a new post.
Well I would say this is the anti-virus within ZA and running two resident AVs is asking for trouble as they can fight for control.
A lot depends on how the ZA av module works and I don’t pretend to have the first idea. but it would appear for some reason ZA may want to scan the avast4.ini as it has been opened by avast to read and action any settings. This may cause a conflict as it will try to lock the file and stop access, if it opens it to scan it but opens it for write permission that might cause the avast self-defence module to disallow this.
Whilst this is supposition on my part it represents what is reasonable for an AV to do, intercept files that are being opened and scan them, with two AVs it could cause a conflict even without the avast self-defence module. I would suggest you uninstall/disable the ZA anti-virus module and see if that resolved the problem.
DavidR-Many thanks and once again I apologise if I should not have interupted. I will attempt your suggestion and let you folks know how it goes. Thanks and regards
Actually, I just checked the error message again. It does say that the program that is interfering is the mcafee. Do you think using my precious 2 minutes to remove mcafee would solve the problem?
DavidR-You resolved the issue of the AV INI file modification pop up(s) with your excellent advice. Many thanks. Hope Platatoos gets their system sorted. Regards