Avast and System Restore?

Hey all.

I’m having a problem with my system (hp Pavilion dv6 laptop), and I can’t find out whether or not it’s a software issue or a malware problem. It will usually turn on and allow me to enter the password, but within several minutes the system becomes inoperable. Mouse will move, but cannot select anythng, as it becomes a loading icon. The taskbar cannot be used, and the most I can do with clicking is highlight things, even when double clicking. Keyboard commands are also useless, like task manager or brightness adjusting.

I’ve tried every function of Avast!, from boot-time scans to full scans; nothing is detected. Windows options haven’t done anything either, like startup repair or returning the system to a previous date. It seems that my only option left is to restore the computer to its out-of-the-box version. I don’t really mind, as I can back media up and the rest is replaceable

The only thing I am concerned about is reinstalling Avast!.My coverage with it is good until sometime in 2012, but I’m worried about registering it again. I have it on two other computers, and saved the “license” file away just in case. If I do restore my computer, will I be able to just download the trial version of Avast!, ask to upgrade it, and insert the old license, or will it think I am trying to pirate it?

I’m trying to get the computer looked at by someone else before I go to this option, but this is just in case I have to restore.

Thanks,
-Shaun

Welcome to the forum.
What version of avast! are you running ???
Which operating system ???

Have you tried running Malwarebytes Antimalware ???

Windows 7, everything should be up to date.
I’m currently using safe mode on the laptop, which means Avast! is deactivated, but it does say this in current version under update program: 6.0.1125

l could restart and enter the computer normally, and try and check my version before it freezes up?

Have you fully removed the factory installed av and then run the appropriate removal tool to remove any leftovers ?

I haven’t uninstalled or removed anything just yet, I wanted to see if you guys thought I would run into any problems in registering it during reinstall.

You more than likely will run into problems if you haven’t removed the pre installed av while running avast, you can find removal tools here http://thewebatom.net/uninstallers/security-software/ which are to be run after you have deleted your preinstalled av.
Uninstall then reboot and run the tool then reboot, now your clear to install avast.

How do I remove old third-party antivirus software before installing avast!?
https://support.avast.com/index.php?languageid=1&group=eng&_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=574
( The removal tool for avast! Antivirus (should you ever need it) : http://files.avast.com/files/eng/aswclear6.exe)