So, I’ve been using the free version of Avast Anti Virus. I saw there was a program update. I told it to update, and it said it needed to restart my PC. I did so. However, once I loaded back up my keyboard no longer functioned. I tired different USB ports and it didn’t help. I used the on screen keyboard to search around and I found instances of other people having this issue more than a year ago, so apparently it hasn’t been fixed. Upon uninstalling Avast, my keyboard began working immediately.
I’ve been using PCs since the mid 80s and I’ve been in the support business. Seen some weird things and some strange things… But I have to say this is one of the most ridiculous problems I have ever encountered despite the “fix.” Prior to Avast I had used AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials, but they have both failed me where Avast never has until now, and it wasn’t even because it didn’t protect me.
I’ve always suggested Avast when people ask me about anti virus, and I always install it on system I work on. However, this silly problem gives me pause. What about the update caused it to block my keyboard from functioning? How can I prevent it from reoccurring?
Since I have found forum posts more than a year old about this issue, it stands to reason it has not been properly fixed and can (and in fact, has) reoccur, hence my new post.
I had just updated when it happened. If it didn’t update me to the latest version, then what version did it give me? This was around 7:30 PM EST 11/27/14
The version number you mentioned didn’t exist back then, obviously, it isn’t time traveling code I imagine. However this glaring issue did exist… So version naming is completely irrelevant as far as I can tell. For me at the time it was the latest version.
Since it apparently reoccurs from time to time, is there a way to prevent it from happening or a better fix than just uninstalling the program and waiting for an update? Not only just for myself, but if people I have set up with Avast call me and ask why it updated and now they can’t access their computer I’d rather not just say uninstall it and wait for them to fix it because it happens from time to time. Then they will wonder why I even suggested it to them.
So as I asked, is there a better way to deal with this issue?
I just had my tech person here for three hours trying to figure out why/how Avast disabled my keyboard. At first, the on screen keyboard worked but no longer does. Now it’s a catch 22 as he can’t do anything without the keyboard and you need the keyboard to fix the problem. He took the tower home with him to try to work further on it. Really annoyed that the product, meant to protect my PC and provide some comfort, has actually screwed it up. I’ve cancelled my renewal but it still doesn’t help me.