Cannot open Avast settings except on first reboot after running "repair"

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I first noticed yesterday that I cannot open Avast (via the system tray menu or the start menu). The hourglass on the mouse cursor flickers for split second when invoked, but nothing happens. Trying to open “About Avast” brings up a blank white box.

After running “repair” from uninstall, Avast seems to function normally after a single reboot, but reverts to not opening after a second reboot or shutdown and remains inoperable until running repair and rebooting again.

I have uninstalled Avast and reinstalled it and the problem persists.

I have two identically configured machines, with the same GPOs, both running Windows 10 20H2 and Malwarebytes as well. Both have the same Avast and MBAM configurations. This is only happening on one machine.

What do I do? It’s making me crazy.

2

I suspect the issue reported here (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=244989.0) is related to mine. Like that user I cannot scan from right click. I don’t get an error - simply nothing happens.

3

Regarding Avast & Malwarebytes, see: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/200324-exclusions-for-avast-users/

4

Unfortunately, neither configuring the whitelist for MBAM nor uninstalling MBAM seems to have any effect.

Avast works for the reboot -after- a repair or reinstall. It fails on every subsequent reboot until repair or reinstall is run again.

5

Update:

Deleting the Avast desktop shortcut and rebooting breaks Avast as described.

Restoring the desktop shortcut and rebooting allows Avast to work again.

What is going on?

6

Can’t confirm the issue, it works here.

7

Also OK here without any desktop shortcut. I never install Avast with one, as tray icon does the job.

8

This is really weird, but the behavior remains consistent today.

Delete and Reboot: Avast breaks.
Restore and Reboot: Avast works.

I noticed something very surprising this morning when testing it: Restoring the shortcut to the desktop prompted me for admin permission to do so.

9

Hi,

I replied to your post https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=244989.msg1576654#msg1576654