Hello. I am currently using Avast Internet Security version 12.3.2280 (Build 12.3.3154.2) on my Lenovo Windows 10 PC. I recently had some issues and tried to perform a system restore to an earlier restore point, however even though I disabled the Avast Shields Control (1 hr), my system was unable to successfully restore due to an Avast file (see attachments). I need to know the exact steps how to “really” disable avast so as not to prevent my system restore or why I am getting this error message. I HAVE done a system restore in the past a few months ago and did not see this error, but I have now attempted this twice and getting frustrated. Please, if someone can assist and provide EXACT instructions or details why this is happening I would appreciate it since the cause is apparently Avast. Thank you
Disable the avast self-defense and try again or
- remove avast completely
- perform the system restore
- install avast again
See if this helps:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9yArbiAHHY
I should NOT have to uninstall my Avast antivirus in order to do a system restore from 2 weeks ago. I appreciate the response but that is not an acceptable solution. I paid a lot for this A/V and Internet Security program and it should NOT interfere like this. I need a better solution than uninstall/reinstall Avast. If it is corrupt or not working that is another matter. I need a better (and step-by-step) solution so whatever this file that the sys restore mentioned is NOT impacting my PC and restore.
Thx
FYI that video sounded like it was a machine talking… I thought I did disable the self-defense mode in addition to disabling the shield control, but maybe I just disabled the shield control. I suppose I can try again making sure to disable the self-defense but I need another solution if it doesn’t work. Will disabling the self-defense mode prevent system restore from “choking” on this Avast file in my attachment?
Thanks
I can assure that wasn’t a machine talking. 
No need to stop the shields.
lol okay. Has anyone seen this same issue before that I showed in my snip?
Thanks
You could remove the SafeZone Browser, perform the restore and install the browser again (if you use it).
I really dont use it that often.
Has anyone seen the same error I received (because of that file)?
Thx
The problem is caused by avast self-protection module, you can disable it temporarily in Troubleshooting. We’re going to release so called micro-update to fix this problem.
okay, thanks for confirming. When will this patch be released? also so just to confirm then I will just only need to disable the self-protection and NOT the shield control in order for my system restore to be successful and NOT “hiccup” on this Avast file? Because of this, is there any issue with the actual restore point that I created in the 1st place? Hopefully not. Pls confirm
Thanks!
Yes, only the self defense needs to be disabled.
There is only one way to find out if there is a issue with the restore point… Try to it.
true. Would like to know when this patch will be released. I’m surprised this hasn’t come up sooner all things considered…
The patch has been released on several occasions only to break again with a different release. 
The self defense module had also been the cause for other functions not working properly.
I just had this problem and retried the restore after disabling aVast’s SDM but it made no difference. I got the same error.
I am running Windows 10 Pro X64 with aVast 2016 Premier Version 12.3.2280 (Build 12.3.3154.23).
EDIT: Had to perform a similar disable of MBAM to enable system restore to work.
However, I’d still like to know how to circumvent this problem in a situation where I need to restore a system because of boot failures and so will be unable to change aVast’s settings.
Install the OS, drivers, applications that you use etc.
Make changes as you wish (e.g. change background, colors, disable power saving etc)
Create a image of the drive.
Make a daily backup of your data (incremental is the fastest way)
Use that in case of problems.
Works a lot better then a system restore point as a system restore point is very limited and might not solve the problem.
A system restore point can also cripple security (related) software.
@Eddy
I must confess to playing Devil’s Advocate on this topic.
I use Acronis TI, so I agree that daily backups are the way to go, although I prefer differential to incremental.
I would add that continuous or non-stop backup is also a good idea if you want to get point of time recoveries or file versions.
However these features come at a price, either financial or in terms of disc space, so lots of people will rely on Windows features like System Restore and/or File History.
As for System Restore crippling security related software; I’d be interested in finding out just how that happens and how, short of not using the feature, it could perhaps be avoided.
System Restore isn’t intended to restore your entire system.
It does come in handy on lots of occasions. Some time in the past, there was a problem when using
System Restore and Avast because Avast protects it’s own files.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9yArbiAHHY
Bob is right. Any antivirus should do this. There is a known way to infected a system using System Restore when you restore an infected restore point. This is a must have security measure.