OS, etc: Windows XP SP2, Windows updates in place, ZoneAlarm, Spybot, Adaware, Spywareblaster, Filechecker, DSL (connects automatically when starting computer)…all of this in place before even installing Avast initially over a year ago.
I can sure understand the post “No longer confident in Avast”:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=21062.0
Although a different problem, I’m no longer confident either. After using Avast for over a year, I’m no longer confident when it takes much of my time and energy to fix problems caused by “program” updates.
Avast has done it again…messed up my system restore. Virus database updates do not cause any problems, but the last two times I’ve allowed the “program” to update, it has messed up my system restore. Please refer to my previous post on 3/6/06:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=19745.0
Again, down to the second, that the “Library Setiface.dll was successfully updated” is indicated on the Avast log under “info”, is the very moment down to the second that the event viewer under system indicates:
Event Type: Error
Event Source: sr
Event Category: None
Event ID: 1
Date: 5/11/2006
Time: 9:49:43 PM
User: N/A
Computer: LUANA-DESKTOP
Description:
The System Restore filter encountered the unexpected error ‘0xC0000034’ while processing the file ‘SetIFace.dll’ on the volume ‘HarddiskVolume1’. It has stopped monitoring the volume.
For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.
Data:
0000: 04 00 00 00 04 00 4e 00 …N.
0008: 00 00 00 00 01 00 00 c0 …À
0010: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 …
0018: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 …
0020: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 …
The response to my previous post indicated above, although welcomed and appreciated, did not solve the problem and bottom line not only suggested that it was not an Avast problem or issue, but rather a system restore problem on my computer. I can assure that it was NOT a system restore problem or a problem with my computer. I had no problems with system restore prior to that “program” update and I actually did finally manage to fix the problem on my own with further extensive research (I remember it took at least a week to find the answer)…which indeed WAS attributed to Avast and setiface.dll initialization. At that time, I was going to post the solution to the problem and how I fixed it but never got around to it. I wish I had, because now I can’t remember how I fixed it, only that I clearly remember it WAS attributed to Avast, not system restore or my computer. That is why I had planned on posting the solution.
At this time, I’ve already tried the following (countless times):
Created a manual restore point, then went into SAFE MODE, restore point remained because Avast does not start. While in SAFE MODE:
Uninstalled Avast via add/remove programs, restarted in SAFE MODE, reinstalled latest Avast, restarted in SAFE MODE and my created restore point remained. Restarted in normal mode…restore point disappeared again at precisely the moment setiface.dll initializes. I’ve also tried the same steps above except used ashclear.exe. I’ve also done this and used both uninstall via add/remove programs and ashclear.exe…all in safe mode. As long as I start in safe mode, any restore point I create remains. The minute I start in normal mode, the restore point disappears at precisely the moment “setiface.dll” initializes.
In addition, like my previous post, I’ve reinstalled system restore and followed the above steps with the same outcome.
There must be someone out there that has the answer to how to fix this problem. As I said, I did FINALLY manage to fix this problem last time (that WAS an Avast problem), I just don’t remember how I did it…but I know it’s possible. I do not like being without system restore points.
And no, none of the familiar system restore issues out there regarding deleted or missing restore points apply to my computer (last time or this time). I have plenty of space left to allow system restore to create and maintain restore points. And the event viewer error (The System Restore filter encountered the unexpected error ‘0xC0000034’ while processing the file ‘SetIFace.dll’ on the volume ‘HarddiskVolume1’. It has stopped monitoring the volume) clearly refers to setiface.dll as the culprit causing the problem. Again, I fixed this once before on my own, (and hopefully someone else has the answer as to how I did that). I had restore points maintaining again UNTIL Avast updated it’s “program” again this month…now I’m back to the same problem…thanks to Avast.
I had asked on my previous post “What is Setiface.dll anyway…and what is it’s function?” The response was “avast! module responsible for all updating functions.” Can anyone elaborate on this response? Perhaps that would help me understand better what is happening.
I noticed under Avast4.ini there is an e-mail “support@avast.com”. If no one can help me on the forum, would it behoove me to send an e-mail to “support@avast.com” or is that only for “paid” users?
It’s killing me that I fixed this issue before (Avast problem mind you, not my computer or system restore) and can’t find the answer after researching again for days. If this can’t be fixed, I suppose I’ll have to find another anti-virus program. I can’t believe the time I’ve spent last time and this time, trying to fix this problem. I realize the Avast I’ve been using is “free”, but it’s still not worth it if any future “program” updates are going to keep messing up my computer. I’ve loved Avast and would like to continue using it, but the time spent twice now is wearing me out.
Anyone have an answer? Sure would appreciate it. If I need to provide more info, please ask. I want this fixed or I will have to move on to another anti-virus program.
Thanks,
LTS