-avast premium security failed to restart even when trying to activate the service via the console.
-Unable to undo last restore
opening avast via its desktop icon resulted in a windows message: “the application could not start because avastUI contains a virus”. Same when trying to uninstall avast or run the latest version offline (over the top).
In short, the only solution that worked was to use the tool in safe mode… the offline installation went well this time (I think).
But there’s still at least one problem:
I had a long list of sensitive data that avast had found over time and now neither the agent nor the smart scan can find me a single file.
I’ve restored my avast settings from last week.
When I open the agent, I see the old protected files, but it blocks the UI and I can’t launch a new search or close the UI with the “x”.
I have to force it to close.
Do you have any ideas?
A real virus that prevents avast from installing correctly?
So I take it that because avast premium security failed to properly install, then Windows Defender would possibly be running.
I don’t know if this is where the “the application could not start because avastUI contains a virus” message originated.
Presumably a system restore point would be from a recent time frame and you weren’t infected at that point, so you should have been starting from a clean base.
I’m not sure if I have recently seen something in the forums about sensitive data list/settings/information not being available after a program update.
As far as sensitive data is concerned, I’ve just found that restoring avast settings doesn’t block the UI.
In fact, the 4,000 or so files I’ve been protecting for several years are appearing in dribs and drabs (about 1 new file / second)… I’m not far from the end, and I suppose the interface should close normally after that.
That said, I have my doubts about the latest 23.7 update.
Like other W7 users, I’ve received several messages about explorer closing unexpectedly since this update.
I think backwards compatibility for win7 and earlier but currently win7 is meant to be supported. My concern would be how much testing is done in Alpha and Beta testing on Win 7 systems.
I just wonder if dropping back to an earlier avast version would help. Given the hassle you have had trying to get sensitive data stats repopulated, is it worth it.
I thought this repopulation was going to be a pain.
It would be a good suggestion to Avast that the list of sensitive data locations/files should be included when you save settings and restored when you restore saved settings.
Yes, As you can manually add files to protect, it would also be nice to add an entire folder (and subfolders) as for the anti-ransomware shield.
it might reduce repopulation ?
That said, I must have another concern.
The fact that the first repopulation is slow after restoring parameters is quite acceptable, but the fact that the next time I start up my computer, I have to start all over again is not normal, as if the indexes had not been memorized.
That is weird, why there would be a difference between the two is crazy.
Something I thought of (dangerous I know), are these files of a common file type, is it possible to *.xls, *.ods, etc.
If you have a second drive and or folder then a wildcard might help: Example I have two drives and use my second drive for data D:*.xls for example. Or if they are in folders within drives D:\Data*.xls
You can do this in the Regular AvastUI > Menu > Settings > General > Exceptions, see attached.
I have noticed your post in the Vote on your favorite new features topic.
Just a bit brain fade on my part (and not particularly well explained by me), your asking about adding to folders/subfolders to the list made me think of the way it can be done in the Exceptions area, not intending for it to be used as an Exception but for Inclusion purposes in the anti-ransomware shield.
Yes, As you can manually add files to protect, it would also be nice to add an entire folder (and subfolders) as for the anti-ransomware shield.
it might reduce repopulation ?
The intent was that this could be suggested this to Avast in that topic as a means of adding multiple file types to the Sensitive Data rather than having to do it by individual file.
However the major improvement would be the saving of these files names/location in the Avast settings so they can be saved and restored as required.
for Inclusion purposes in the [b]anti-ransomware[/b] shield.
this is already the case ... it is not, however, for the sensitive data shield.
In fact, there's not much difference between the 2 shields.
However the major improvement would be the saving of these files names/location in the Avast settings so they can be saved and restored as required.
This is also the case for the anti-ransomware shield, where restoring my settings instantly restores the files/folders backed up for this shield.
The fact that there are thousands of files instead of a single folder for the sensitive data shield should complicate the restoration task. :'(
I don’t think the problem lies precisely in saving the settings either (my previous files were indeed saved in my settings), but rather in indexing/storing them in the system for quick future use.
The proof is that every time I start up, avast has to repopulate again.
Unless it’s a problem in my own system, since a repair seems to do the job.
On the other hand, I have the impression that the sensitive data agent hasn’t been working properly since … ? At least it doesn’t work as described in the FAQ.
I tested it on another computer which also had a long list of protected data.
I deleted the list and then ran the search again with version 23.7 (also smartscan)… No more sensitive data found, despite the tons of files (pdf,xls,doc,…) containing my personal information.
