Avast & Windows Firewall

Having a strange problem with Avast. Just trying the Free AV. I’ve tried the latest release, as well as the new beta and the same thing happens each time. After installing Avast, Windows Security center says that it wants to enable Windows Firewall (this is Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit). If I enable Windows Firewall, I lose my Internet connection. The connection appears to be there and there is nothing noted, but I simply cannot go to any web pages. If I then disable Windows Firewall or disable the Avast Shields, I can then get web pages to load again.

With everything enabled, I reboot, and Windows says that Windows Firewall is disabled again. This happens on every boot. If I enable it again, I cannot get web pages to load.

There simply is no way for me to have Avast enabled and Windows Firewall enabled at the same time.

Ideas? How can I fix this?

No one huh? :-\


Have you tried to allow avast services through the firewall?

You really should not need to do that with W7 but check to make sure avast is allowed out in the firewall.


Unless you have made modification’s to the window’s firewall you shouldn’t have to touch it, what was you previous av and how did you remove it? what other security software is on your system? in what order did you install avast - stable or beta first? as they cant be installed over each other.

Tried resetting the W7 firewall settings?
Clean W7 install?

I have no problem with the firewall in Windows 7

Did you customize any firewall settings ???

I checked all the services and they are set as they should be. I had CIS installed previously. I’m back to CIS right now because WF couldn’t stay on with Avast running.

No extra modifications to WF or anything like that at all.

And to the poster a few above, I’m not going to completely reset my system and do a fresh Windows 7 install, just to load Avast. No other AV has this issue with WF on my system.

I wonder if there might have been some leftover’s of comodo’s uninstall that was interfering with the startup of windows firewall ???

Can’t see that. I ran the “unofficial” cleanup tool to rid the system of anything left behind.

Seriously though, this is an Avast issue, let’s not try to blame it on other software.

Well iv got the same setup with avast free 5.1.889 and windows firewall on win 7 premium 64 with no problem’s so that is why im thinking that there maybe something else to your problem.

Well, obviously there is, but explain to me if Windows Firewall is enabled, that Avast causes the loss of Internet browsing, while if Avast shields are disabled, it works just fine? I’ve done nothing to Windows Firewall (settings wise) and no other software is installed, nor are any remnants left behind.

There has to be some reason why the two can’t play nice together.

What about uninstalling the behaviour shield ? worth a shot. Like was mentioned earlyer by De Hollander you can also try resetting the windows firewall, if you have made no changes it will be quick and simple.

I’ll have to look into resetting WF settings…like I said, I really haven’t played with it at all or customized anything. I checked to ensure services were running and set properly, but other than that, nothing.

Not sure about disabling shields as being an answer, unless you suggested it to see if that was what is causing the issue. Shouldn’t really have to disable any shields to get the product working, should I?

I meant an image, with a clean W7 install. And disabling shields is certainly not the answer to the problem

You would have to uninstall the BhS to see if that were the problem and not just disable, it’s only working in passive mode in 5.1 and not fully functional anyway but im not sure if will help im just tring to alleviate some probability’s as this was the most recent shield to be added.

I agree, my reply was not meant to criticize you, just a reply towards TheIgster.

Yeah, like I said, I don’t want to have to reload everything. I can load any other AV with Windows Firewall and have no issues with Internet connectivity.

It sure would help if you go to PROFILE then Modify Profile then Forum Profile Information then update your Signature: with information like my signature as this helps the helpers offer pertinent advice.

See:
Restore Windows Firewall settings
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Restore-Windows-Firewall-settings
How to Reset and Repair Windows 7 Firewall
http://www.brighthub.com/computing/smb-security/articles/104567.aspx

Thanks Kenny. If I get a chance, I will update the profile. Like I said, I’m using Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit.

I have exactly the same problem (symptom) as the OP’s. My setup is Avast Free 6.0.1000 on Windows Vista, and my previous AV/firewall is McAfee.