avastclear.exe

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Hi,

when I download the avastclear.exe file from the https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility and try to run it I get an error: The installer cannot open the SFX archive (0x3ee).

Anyone else experiencing this?

Thank you.

2

No problem here. ???

3

OK, that is weird. After I read your reply I tried downloading and running it again - and was able to run it fine.

Then, I tried again, some time later - and was unable to run it, with the same error message, yet again.

I scanned the corrupted avastclear.exe file with Virus Total and got 4 FPs:

https://i.imgur.com/kIUPK1s.png

Then, I deleted the corrupted file and tried downloading again - and this time the program opened normally again.

I scanned the proper working file and got different results (only 2 FPs this time).

https://i.imgur.com/gNcYRu2.png

The file appears exactly the same in size (in Windows).

But something must be different. And, I found out, when I get downloading a corrupted file, it downloads faster.

It seems like it’s unable to get properly to my PC, and when it takes couple seconds longer, I get the proper working file.

I’ve already run SFC /SCANNOW before and it’s all good. And I have no malware on my PC. What could be the problem? :o

4

What would be the reason to run multiple uninstalls with avastclear.exe.

Given what avastclear.exe is trying to do, it is hardly surprising that some might consider it suspect. However I haven’t heard of those programs that detected it. Not to mention the malware name given would seem to be somewhat strange given what avastclear.exe does.

Did you compare:

  1. The avast signature of the files as they should be digitally signed ?
  2. I don’t know if you have a file hash checking tool (that really is the best way to compare files) ?
    I have one that adds an extra element Hash/CRC tab to the file properties, https://www.febooti.com/products/filetweak/members/hash-and-crc/.
5

Hi DavidR,

you probably don’t remember me but you’ve helped me many times, over 10 years ago, when I first started using Avast. So first of all, thank you.

I downloaded avastclear.exe multiple times because I was unable to run it. Then when I got it working for the fist time I tried again out of curiosity and to my surprise the file was corrupted again. It downloaded too fast, I have no idea what’s causing this, probably something on my end, but I don’t know what.

I don’t have any file hash checking tools, I’ve never needed it so far. When I find a suspicious file, I upload it to VirustTotal for a check.

The two files were exactly the same in size but one was corrupted and showed more FPs. I will explore this weird behavior more and see if i can find out what’s causing it.

6

You’re welcome.

Hopefully you can find the cause, as strange as it may be.

7

I found what the problem is but haven’t soved it. It has nothing to do with Avast. It’s my network or internet connection - the ISP, modem or router. Thank you.

8

Now that is strange.

9

You guys can all download and run without errors the file “avastclear.exe” from the https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility right?

What I found out is, any PC/device that I connect to my network, sometimes downloads it fine and sometimes corrupted - can’t be executed.

If I connect any PC/device to an other network (my friends wifi), it always works OK. And it’s not just for that file, some other download as wel…

So, it’s a really strange network issue. I suspect my LTE modem or my ISP.

10
So, it's a really strange network issue. [b]I suspect my LTE modem[/b] or my ISP.
Tried to restart it ?
11

Unplug the device, wait 5 min and plug back in.
Wait for all the lights to come back and see if that makes a difference.

12

I turn the LTE modem off every night (disconnect it from electric circuit). Today I reset its settings to factory defaults. All to no avail.

I’ll have to get another LTE modem and try then I guess. If that won’t work, time to change the ISP…