Is Avast Blocking a Program?

I have to use an old 16 bit program “Superbase” (a programmable relational database) in Windows 10, 32 bit. It loads ntvdm.

It’s been absolutely fine until some time in the past month or so where I can no longer load a ‘companion app’. It’s a form designer. However, Superbase itself seems to run fine.

When I try, the mouse cursor blinks, then nothing happens.

I’ve tried running as administrator and tried changing compatibility mode. I’ve also tried adding the executable to Avast Free Antivirus’ white list, and temporarily disabled Avast shields all to no avail.

Could Avast still be blocking this app? If it is, would it always tell me it’s doing so?

TIA for any help.

Cheers

As you tried with disabled shields, probably not.

What indicates that the blockage is caused by Avast?