some time ago i stopped avast from suveilling my pc (win xp). then, when I wanted to start it again, I could not find out where. its not in the system tray, and in the programs menu all i find is the option to scan the pc but not to turn on the virus protection.
tellef, oslo
How did you do that ?
What avast processes are running in Task Manager, they begin with ash or asw ?
avast! icon missing - As a temporary measure until this is resolved you can create a desktop shortcut for this file C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashDisp.exe (the avast icon and interface to the providers). Right click on the file and select Send To, Desktop (create shortcut). You will need to run this after each boot until the problem is resolved.
What other security based software do you have that might block new startup entries, e.g. Spybot S&D (TeaTimer), AdAware (AdWatch), SpySweeper, Spyware Doctor (StartUpGuard or OnGuard), PrevX, WinPatrol, ProcessGuard, etc. ?
Check the option in the Appearance tab of Program Settings.
Or Make a link to ashdisp.exe in your startup folder.
Do you use any other antivirus in your computer?
Can you try to repair your installation?
Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove programs > avast! antivirus > Remove. Then choose Repair function in the popup window (Repair).
If this does not help, can you uninstall / boot / install / boot again?