Avast 7 causes Win XP system to become completely read only

After weeks of half hearted attempts to fix a problem with my laptop finally I have narrowed the problem. Avast 7.

I leave my laptop on for weeks on end mostly using it as a remote device to my home network when away for work. A few weeks ago I came home to find the laptop had become read only. Every file, folder now can’t be renamed, altered, or moved. This goes for network drives also. New files can be written to drives but that’s where they stay. It obviously renders the laptop quite useless.

So after weeks of suspecting virus or malware activity, looking for and trying fixes in the little time I have it’s plain and simple Avast 7 playing up. Uninstall, laptop is fine, no odd behavior. Install Avast 7 and it stuffs my laptop in the form described above immediately on the first reboot after new install.

I’m done searching so can some one please tell me how to fix this issue before I stop wasting my time on this junk and buy something else that works.

I wouldn’t think too many details are required - laptop is Dell Latitude D series running Win XP SP3 with latest Avast 7 installed. I’m not looking to debug this issue much - if that much effort is required on purchased software then it’s gone.

Sorry for the attitude but this has been a PITA for weeks. I was always a fan of Avast but this experience is pathetic.

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=94601.msg762216#msg762216

Excellent. Thanks for the direction worked a treat.

Shame we can’t rely on auto-updates. Mine will be off from now on, what a waste of time!