Cannot open AVAST

Viruses and worms
1

I now get the following message when I try to log into AVAST on my laptop

C:/Program Files/Alwil Software/Avast5/AvastUI.exe

Windows cannot open this program because it is being prevented by a software restriction policy. For more information open Event Viewer or contact your system administrator

The program supposedly blocked a virus or worm a couple of days ago when I was surfing the web. Unfortunately I did not note down the details.

I run Windows XP Professional

Please point me to a relevant thread if this problem has previously arisen.

I thank you in anticipation of your assistance

Thanks

GCT

2

attach Malwarebytes and OTL logs. http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0

3

Don’t try fixes from other threads.

4

Thanks for the replies.

I loaded up Malwarebytes Anti Malware.

However when I ran it, it got stuck on Filesystem Objects on the following file:-
C:/Windows/Systems32/Wbem/texttables.xsl

It would not complete the scan

In addition it identified the following undesirables:-

Trojan Ransom Gend
Adware Agent

I tried also running in Windows Safemode but it also stuck on same file.

Please advise what I should do?

Many thanks

GCT

5

continue with OTL log …

6

Thanks for the replies

Please find attached OTL files.

I ended up running OTL twice as first attempt Extra Registry was ticked in error as 'Use safe list ’ rather than ‘None’

Rerun did not result in a new Extra.Txt file

Regards

GCT

7

Let me know if you can access it on completion

Warning This fix is only relevant for this system and no other, using on another computer may cause problems

Be advised that when the fix commences it will shut down all running processes and you may lose the desktop and icons, they will return on reboot

Run OTL

[*]Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/OTL_Fix.GIF


:Commands
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]

:OTL
O4 - HKU\S-1-5-21-329068152-1547161642-839522115-500..\Run: [isxjeftk] C:\WINDOWS\System32\regsvr32.exe (Microsoft Corporation)
[2014/04/24 12:46:43 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\1314344855db30db012cdda3

:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[Reboot]

[*]Then click the Run Fix button at the top
[*]Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done
[*]Open OTL again and click the Quick Scan button. Post the log it produces in your next reply.

8

Thank you for the fix which I have run.

Please find attached the Quickscan report as requested

I have assumed that for the quick scan there was nothing to be copied into the Custom Scan/fix box or any amendments to boxes checked. If incorrect please advise.

Kind regards

GCT

9

Is Avast running now ? If not run an Avast repair and let me know the result

10

Essexboy thanks.

The problem is unresolved and therefore I think that Avast is not running.

In addition when I tried to access Avast ( Change/Remove) Repair I got the following message:-

Uninstaller Error

An error ocurred while trying to remove avast! It may have already been uninstalled.

Would you like to remove avast!Free Antivirus from the Add or Remove programs list?

Yes No

Kind regards

GCT

11

OK lets go for a clean install .

Download Avast Uninstall Utility to your Desktop.
Download the correct version of Avast
Avast Free
Avast Pro
Avast Internet Security
Avast Premier
Disconnect from the net

[]Run the uninstall tool and accept the reboot to safe mode
[]Once complete reboot your system
[*]Reinstall Avast

12

Thanks Essexboy

I used the deletion tool

When I try to reinstall Avast!Free I get the following message:-

'The installer is unable to initialize early avast!self defense with error 0x0000043c!

Aborting!

OK’

Kind regards

GCT

13

Could you temporarily uninstall Malwarebytes and try again

14

Hi Essexboy

Tried what you suggested, but Avast still will not load and gives rise to the same error message as detailed in my previous post.

Thanks

GCT

15

Are you installing in normal mode or safe mode ?

16

I was trying to install in safe mode

Now tried in normal mode and it has now succeeded in reloading Avast!Free. The program is functioning

Many thanks

Kind regards

GCT

17

Is all well now ?

18

Avast seems to be fine now.

Many thanks

Kind regards

GCT

19

In that case methinks I will send you on your merry way :slight_smile:

Subject to no further problems :slight_smile:

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems

Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean :thumbsup:

A good workman always cleans up after himself so…The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Download and run Delfix

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/delfix.JPG

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

CryptoPrevent install this programme to lock down and prevent crypto ransome ware

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/CryptoPrevent.JPG

Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated.

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this little guide Best security practices Keep safe :wave:

20

Hi Essexboy

I inadvertently did not appreciate, until now, that you had sent me another post

I therefore installed a copy of Advanced Uninstaller Pro and deleted some redundant demo software on my system. This will of course have changed my registry

Does any of the advice given in your last post need to be revised in light of this?

Many thanks

Kind regards

GCT