Deleting SZ Folder

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I just installed Avast but there was a SZ Browser folder in Windows Explorer and the SZ desktop icon add-ons that I do not want.

I was able to uninstall it from within the interface and delete the icon but not able to delete the folder.

Many thanks.

2

Please (re)search before posting.

As has been explained many times, you need to disable the avast self-defense before trying to delete files/folders from avast.

3

I figured out how to disable Self Defense but is it important to keep it installed and enabled?

4

Ofcourse it is important to keep it enabled.
When disabled everyone and everything (including malware) can change things in the avast folders which would defeat the purpose of having security software.

5

To be clear, the ‘SafeZone Browser’ under ‘Components’ should be installed, the Self Defense Module under ‘Troubleshooting’ should be enabled, and the SZ Browser folder should be left alone?

6

Depends if you need this safe zone browser.

7

I am confused!

I only wanted to install Avast.

Why would I want the ‘SafeZone Browser’ under ‘Components’ to be installed, why would I want the Self Defense Module under ‘Troubleshooting’ to be enabled, and why would I want the SafeZone Browser folder to be left alone? I so not understand any of these options.

8
Why would I want the 'SafeZone Browser' under 'Components' to be installed
The real questions is if you want to use the SafeZone browser or not. https://www.avast.com/f-safezone https://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB209
why would I want the Self Defense Module under 'Troubleshooting' to be enabled
See my previous reply.
9

Eddy:

I am a new Avast user and 80 years old so your original answer confused me.

I asked HOW to delete the SZ Browser folder in Windows Explorer and you told me that Avast Self-Defense needs to be disabled before trying to delete files/folders from Avast.

The optional SZ Browser and the Self Defense option are completely separate…

Obviously, thee Self Defense option needs to remain enabled so that no one and nothing (including malware) can change things in the Avast folders which would defeat the purpose of having security software but that did not answeer the question about the SZ Browser folder…

Can someone else please clarify?

10

It is a simple yes/no question.
Do you want to use the SafeZone browser ?
If yes, leave things as they are.
If no, remove the SafeZone Browser from the installed components.

11

The SafeZone Browser (used for on-line banking/shopping, etc.) is now a part of avast Free, previously this was only available in the paid versions of avast.

It sounds like your best option would be to do a custom install when installing avast, that way you can choose what elements/components you want installed. I guess having installed the SafeZone browser the folders have been created, looks like removing the safezone component doesn’t remove the folder. The folder without the browser is essentially inert.

I didn’t install the safezone browser to start with and I can find no safezone folder on my win10 system.

One of the things malware tries to do is disable your AV so it has unfettered access to your system the avast self-defence module helps to prevent this, so yes it is important.

12

Thanks DavidR-You directly answered the question asked.

13

You’re welcome.