Avast won't start after install

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Avast Free Version AV

Hi all, I’ve done some research on the problem I’m having, as well as on this forum but still no luck.

I used to use Kapersky but wanted to switch to something cheaper. Avast came recommended. I installed the program but every time that I try to start Avast I get the following message:

C:\Program Files/AVAST Software\AvastUI.exe

The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see teh application event log or use the command-line sxstrace.exe tool for more detail.

I run Windows 7 64bit and have done the following:

  • Ran uninstall using tools (in safe mode) from http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/ for all AV I’ve used in the last several years which is Kapersky, NOD32 and now Avast.
  • Ran Windows Update and installed all that was listed.
  • Ran Malware Byes, SuperAntiSpyware, Spybot S&D, TDSS Killer and ComboFix. Nothing was found other than some minor spyware.
  • CCleaner multiple times for Windows/Applications and Registry.
  • Ran as Administrator and I’ve probably gone through the uninstall/install process about 10 times.
  • Downloaded MS Visual C++ 2008 Distributable for both x86 and x64. When I ran them, I was given the option to repair or uninstall. I hit repair on both. The x64 went fine. The x86 said it repaired but the windows message of "this product may not have installed correctly popped up after getting a repair success message.

I’m out of ideas.

edit - Oh and after each install I did a fresh reboot.

2

From Microsoft…

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-pictures/error-the-application-has-failed-to-start-because/df019c0d-746e-42d0-ad68-465e18e3f3ef

“Marilyn O” from Microsoft posted the correct solution in that thread.

3

As I said before, I already reinstalled all of MS Visual C++.

I have six or seven entries from MS Visual C++ under the programs tab in the CP.

4

First off, do you have any drivers with yellow triangles in device manager related to avast!?

Try this but this time using an additional remover and different (online) installer:

  1. Download Avastclear, Rejzors uninstall tool and the appropriate Avast program edition

Note: You need to be ONLINE during this install

http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup_online.exe

Avastclear : http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avastclear.exe
Rejzors Uninstall tool: http://rejzor.wordpress.com/avast-cleanup-tool/

  1. Uninstall Avast by control panel [If you don’t have Avast in control Panel go to #4]
  2. Uninstall in safe mode using Avastclear.
  3. Run Rejzors Uninstall Utility in Normal Mode (removes traces avastclear doesn’t) - reboot.
    Check : Once uninstalled check in device manager>view>show hidden devices if there is anything related to avast with a yellow triangle… if so, uninstall it and reboot.
  4. Install the version you downloaded.
  5. Reboot.
5

Actually, you only mentioned 2008.

You had an error on one “repair”.

I would recommend uninstalling and re-installing that one.

6

That solved the problem. Thanks all for the help!

7

You’re welcome.