I have Windows XP, when I run a scan using Avast…my computer shuts off and restarts at approx. 6% with no error message, explanation, anything. If I have a virus, I don’t know as it doesn’t finish the scan…could you help me?
Not knowing what else you have on your machine, like any other security software?
If uninstalled how was it removed?
What version of avast?
Try a repair…Control Panel>Programs and Features>add/remove>double click “avast”>click “repair”>reboot
Could be a hardware problem… I’d try running a disk check (including the surface scan).
Sounds like an infection to me? There are some infections that disable anti-virus software. Are you getting redirects when you open your browser especially if you try to download any anti-virus, anti-malware programs etc? If so, you are infected! If you’re not experiencing any other suspicious activity like I mentioned above I would still suggest a free online scan if only for piece of mind. Once you are sure you’re not infected you can attack it from another angle.
First right click Avast icon in system tray, select “Avast! Shields Control” then click “Disable Permanently” Don’t worry, you can re-enable it later.
Go here and run a free online scan> http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ Check the boxes shown in the graphic below before you start the scan. When the scan is finished go to C:\Program Files\Eset folder and copy the contents of the “Log” text file here in this thread. Re-enable Avast shields before attempting any online activity.
@ dolphins With all due respect, you don’t appear to be a malware removal expert.
And igor knows what he is talking about. He “works” for avast.
@ Paranoid,
Actually I was well on my way to becoming a malware expert. I passed boot camp at spywareifoforum.com and helped out with hijackthis logs on a few different anti-malware forums for a quite some time. I forget what my achieved rank was but I wasn’t far from expert status at the time. Some life changing events and uprooting to another state kept me from pursuing it further. Since then I have repaired, cleaned and set up security on dozens of computers of family, friends, neighbors etc. So I am more than qualified to offer advice on this subject. Nothing I suggested would be harmful to the OP’s computer. I strongly suggest an online virus scan that runs independent of the OP’s operating system. Since you are not a moderator or a malware expert yourself I suggest you offer advice where you can help rather than dispensing your opinion of me.
To OP…I’d try above as Igor suggests.
Since you are running XP from Command prompt >CHKDSK C: /r
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/chkdsk.mspx?mfr=true
If you want to go the A/V Virus route here is thread on how-to post to get help: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0
I have used the online scanner that dolphins recommends BUT as Para-noid has posted I would first go thru the experts on this and get their direction…they have very good set/progression on how to go after possible infections. To get their help they will expect you to go thru the above thread and post the logs.
Hope that helps.
I think both suggestions given are good. In addition the OP could download Memtest 86+ and test out his/her memory. Just another thing to check. And with all due respect when did one have to become an expert to be able to post help in this forum? That is an honest question and I feel it deserves an answer. Because if we now have to be an expert I guess it’s time to leave. I have always thought that forums were made for people to learn and exchange ideas. This is not the first time I have seen someone post in this forum that one needs to be an expert to offer help.
When it come’s to malware issues then they are dealt with by the malware specialists, letting unknown or unskilled people offer advice in these areas is dangerous - if you ruin someone’s computer with bad advice can you fix it! I think not :-X