Avast Free Antivirus won't install properly.

system · 2015-05-25T10:53:33.000Z

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

Asyn · 2015-05-25T10:56:17.000Z

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

system · 2015-05-25T11:04:38.000Z

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.

Asyn · 2015-05-25T11:07:33.000Z

First, drop Spybot…!!

Then:

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

system · 2015-05-25T12:59:36.000Z

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?

Asyn · 2015-05-25T13:02:08.000Z

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

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