Avast conflict with Netio Driver ?

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I have used Avast free AV for many years on my Windows XP and now my Windows 10 - 64 bit computers.
In recent months I have been getting random NETIO.SYS DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL errors.

Whilst being incredibly annoying, Windows automatically fixes the matter, restarts my PC and all is fine again until the next time.

I have studied this problem intensively on the web, it is a complex issue, but it is commonly proposed that uninstalling the AV is a possible solution.
Avast, McAfee, ZoneAlarm and AVG are commonly quoted as being likely conflict programs.

Question ?
Does anybody know if the Avast AV can possibly conflict with the Windows Netio driver and cause these BSOD’S ?

I am damned if I want to uninstall my Avast on a whim.

2
  • Which version/build of Avast Free…?
  • OS…? (32/64 Bit…? - which SP/Build…?)
  • Other security related software installed…?
3

Windows 10 Home - 64 bit version 1909 - OS build 18363.815
Avast free - program 20.3.2405 - build 20.3.5200.561
Other security -
ZoneAlarm firewall
Sandboxie

As required -
I have other security program icons on my desktop to use manually as needed - not active until selected.

4

First, be sure to get rid of all remnants of any prior/other installed AV(s)…!!
→ https://support.avast.com/article/11/

Then:

  1. Download Avast Free Antivirus: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe
  2. Follow instructions: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed Avast versions…!!)
  3. Reinstall Avast with the downloaded installer from point 1.
  4. Reboot.
5

Thank you Asyn. I will try your proposal after our COVID-19 emergency lockdown has finished. My PC is vital during this period and I cannot risk any problems.
The occasional BSOD I keep getting is highly annoying but tolerable, as the Windows system automatically resolves it, until the next time and off we go again.

6

You’re welcome.