Computer locks up or freezes after latest software update

system · 2015-07-23T16:37:12.000Z

Yes, I used avastclear.exe which I downloaded from Avast.

And FRST is now showing (Not Responding) in the title bar of the program.

Wait?

Kill it and start the fix over?

essexboy · 2015-07-23T16:38:02.000Z

Kill and restart please, it may be hanging on emptying the temp folders

system · 2015-07-23T16:40:15.000Z

Restarted…currently on Deleting temporary files: C:\Users.…

system · 2015-07-23T16:42:00.000Z

And now it is Not Responding again. Current process is Deleting temporary files: C:\Users\Roger\AppData\Local\temp_MEI57~1

essexboy · 2015-07-23T16:42:53.000Z

Do you frequently empty your temporary folders using CC or something similar

system · 2015-07-23T16:44:06.000Z

No, I don’t do anything on my own or with a program I’ve set up to empty them. As far as I know they are only emptied if Windows does that on its own occasionally.

essexboy · 2015-07-23T16:48:00.000Z

OK in that case the temp file emptying may take a while give it 10 minutes or so, if it still locks then stop it and try this

Clear Cache/Temp Files
Download TFC by OldTimer to your desktop

[*] Please double-click TFC.exe to run it. (Note: If you are running on Vista, right-click on the file and choose Run As Administrator).
[*]It will close all programs when run, so make sure you have saved all your work before you begin.
[*]Click the Start button to begin the process. Depending on how often you clean temp files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two. Let it run uninterrupted to completion.
[*]Once it’s finished it should reboot your machine. If it does not, please manually reboot the machine yourself to ensure a complete clean.

system · 2015-07-23T16:54:27.000Z

FRST finished on its own despite the Not Responding note in the title bar. I’m waiting for the computer to restart, this was required by FRST and then I will grab the Fixlog.txt file and post it for you.

essexboy · 2015-07-23T16:56:47.000Z

The reboot may hold on the black screen for a while as it removes the remainder of the temporary files, panic not

system · 2015-07-23T17:21:23.000Z

Here’s the log file.

essexboy · 2015-07-23T18:14:39.000Z

Hmm only took 2 Gb

Is the system behaving itself otherwise ?

system · 2015-07-23T18:17:15.000Z

The system hasn’t been having any issues other than the lockup issue that started after updating Avast.

essexboy · 2015-07-23T18:22:04.000Z

Are you prepared to try one more time to see if the problem is resolved ?

system · 2015-07-23T18:24:27.000Z

Yes, but please know that if there is a problem I won’t be able to proceed with trying any other steps until later tonight. I’m accessing my computer via remote desktop and if it locks up from running the latest free version of Avast I will need to physically shut it down and reboot into safe mode to remove Avast with avastclear.exe.

Should I uninstall FRST and delete the .txt files from that whole process?

Should I uninstall avastsupport or leave it in case that step leads somewhere?

essexboy · 2015-07-23T18:50:49.000Z

I will remove FRST etc… We can leave the test until such time as you are ready

Remove tools

Download and run Delfix
Select the options as shown

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

system · 2015-07-23T18:54:55.000Z

I have completed the step of running DELFIX. Is it worth trying Avast again now? I’m willing to try now via remote connection.

essexboy · 2015-07-23T18:56:34.000Z

We can but try …

Download the correct version of Avast
Avast Free
Avast Pro
Avast Internet Security
Avast Premier

Select Custom install
Remove the ticks from the first page for the following unless you want them :

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

Dropbox
Chrome
Chrome toolbar

Select Next
Deselect the following from the middle column as you will not need them :

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

SecureLine
Grimefighter

Select Continue and allow the programme to install

Be aware that the first reboot may take a few minutes as Avast builds the virtual machine

Avast will need to be registered as this helps them determine the server load, as updates are downloaded in small bursts every few minutes each is about 2Kb

How to register

Right click the Avast orange blob on the task bar
Select registration
Select Standard Protection

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/avast%20register1.JPG

Fill in your e-mail address

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/avast%20register2.JPG

Click register with e-mail address and you are done
Once registered open Avast
Go to Settings > General
Place a tick in "Scan for Potentially Unwanted Programmes (PUP’s) "
Place a tick in “Silent /Gaming mode”

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

system · 2015-07-23T19:44:17.000Z

Well I jumped the gun and after completing the step with DELFIX I installed avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe from https://www.avast.com/en-us/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE&locale=en-us.

I also had already chosen the Regular Installation. Sorry for moving before hearing back from you, I was too eager I guess. In the mean time I received an email reply to the ticket I submitted and was able to create a support packet with the avastsupport.exe program and send them the zip file. They requested Avast be installed and running at the time of creating the support packet, which only makes sense.

I’ll continue to monitor the system, which hasn’t giving me any issues yet. If I do get a lockup again I’ll go back to your previous post and try the install that way.

Thank you for the help. Please leave this post open if you are able so I can report back on if the system is running fine in a few days yet or if I needed to try your installation method.

essexboy · 2015-07-23T19:53:19.000Z

Glad to hear it appears to be running normally

You can set the PUP settings at any time, along with adding or removing elements

system · 2015-07-23T19:54:47.000Z

Thanks. Just curious. What is the possible benefit, to my specific situation/issue, of ticking the Silent/Gaming Mode box you mentioned?

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