how to disable the Context Menu extension in Avast 7?

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Hi, I just installed Avast 7.0.1426 and want to disable the option to scan individual files from the Windows context menu (the option that says ‘Scan file.exe’ when you right-click a file in Windows Explorer).

From searching older threads I see that this is possible in older versions of Avast by changing the value of ShellExtensionFileName to -1 in avast5.ini. However, I have searched through my Avast directory in C:\Program File\AVAST Software\Avast and do not see any .ini files other than:

  • setup.ini
  • Components.ini
  • aswdefs.ini
  • history.ini
  • def.ini

none of which contain ShellExtensionFileName. I have Vista by the way.

And so I am not sure how to go about disabling this feature, any ideas? Thanks :slight_smile:

2

I don’t believe it has been in the Program Files location, but the docs & settings or ProgramData location/s depending on OS.

C:\ProgramData\Avast Software\Avast\avast5.ini (Vista, win7), this folder may be hidden depending on your OS settings.

Use notepad to edit the avast5.ini file or the avast self-defence will block (read only permission other than notepad text editor), in Vista you may need to run notepad.exe as administrator also.

That option however, I believe that just removes the file name to avoid long file name expanding the context menu width (as it does), it doesn’t stop the ability to scan.

The option has to be in the [UserInterface] section of the avast5.ini file, e.g.:
[UserInterface]
ShellExtensionFileName=-1

3

EDIT: oh I found it thank you, I was looking in the wrong folder as you said!

4

You’re welcome.

5

HI THERE!!!.. I HAVE A BIG RPOBLEM!!..PLS HELP ME…HOW CAN I ENABLE THE CONTEXT MENU EXTENSION IN AVAST 8.0.1483??..WHEN I CLICK RIGHT BUTTON ON THE FOLDER DON’T APPEAR THAT EXTENSION…HOW CAN I FIX THAT??HELPP MEEEEE!!! :cry:

6

SHOUTING (all caps) isn’t required.

This is enabled by default, so unless you have been tweaking the avast5,ini as suggested in this topic it should be there.

Your image shows a pretty sparse set of extensions, do you actively try to keep them to a minimum ?
If so that could be the cause and an area to look at.

If not:

  • Try a repair of avast:
    XP - Add Remove programs, select ‘avast! Anti-Virus,’ click the Change/Remove button and select Repair, click next and follow.

Vista, win7 - Control Panel, Programs & Features, uninstall a program, select ‘avast! Anti-Virus,’ click the Change/Remove button and select Repair, click next and follow.

You may need to reboot after the repair.

7

;D ;D ;D ;D tnks DAVID!!!..oleeee!!! :stuck_out_tongue: i tried to repair and now it’s works:))…now appear the extension in the context menu ;D ;D…tanks again!!!

8

You’re welcome.