I can say this is definitely a problem. I know there are tons of people in denial about the issue, but it’s real.

No, I don’t pirate software. Yes, I have SP2. No, I don’t run “anything weird.”

You want proof it’s Avast!? Do a Google search. I searched for “unauthorized changes” and “vista” and came across a bundle of forum posts for people who mentioned it happened after upgrading to the new Avast!, which I did. I mean, I was kinda strongarmed into it.

I know this seems insulting to ask, but could someone please actually look into the issue instead of just saying things like “Why are you even bothering to post?” or “Did you try verifying?” (note: trying to verify just makes the computer sit there for hours with no hope of ever getting off that screen. To use my computer, I have to restart in safe mode and use system restore to a point before I upgraded Avast! That’s the only way. The registry changes Avast! made must be causing a conflict somewhere)