1

Hi all,

When attempting to install Avast Free Antivirus, something strange happens.

A ‘%DESKTOP%’ folder is created on my desktop with the main avast.exe file inside of it - this is after completing the installation.

I expected the Avast icon to be shown in the notification bar at the bottom right of my screen - it didn’t show up.

When I try to open the .exe file in the ‘%DESKTOP%’ folder, the cursor acts as if it’s loading and it eventually stops after a few seconds. Nothing happens.

Any guidance on how to tackle this issue will be much appreciated.

Thank you,
David

2
  • OS…? (32/64 Bit…? - which SP…?)
  • Other security related software installed…?
  • Which AV(s) did you use before Avast…?
3

Hi Asyn,

I am using a 64 bit machine with Windows 7 SP1.

I have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Free), AdwCleaner, Spybot S&D (Free), Super AntiSpyware, Emsisoft Antimalware (Free) as well as TDSSKiller.

All of the above programs are used on-demand - I don’t have them running in the background.

I noticed notifications from Avast weren’t working (e.g. virus database updates) so I decided to uninstall it and reinstall Avast to see if that fixed the problem - now I’m in this situation where it won’t install properly.

I’ve also used the Avast Uninstall utility as well by booting into safe mode.

I’m concerned.

4

First, drop Spybot…!!

Then:

  1. Download Avast Free Antivirus: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.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

Hi Asyn,

Thank you for providing me with those steps.

I’ve followed those procedures but the problem still remains.

For some reason the installation file is placed on my desktop with a keypad icon attached to it (I’ve attached a screenshot). Right clicking this thumbnail allows me to click 'Troubleshoot Compatibility. I have no idea why this has suddenly cropped up. I’ve never been faced with this issue before. If I follow the recommended settings in this process - it works. The same goes for the main program .exe file.

It’s all a bit strange. Any suggestions as to why this is the case?

6

Attach your basic diagnostic logs. (MBAM, FRST and aswMBR)
Instructions: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0