So I downloaded & installed avast! (free version) on another PC. (before this one. I actually have had to re-format the hard drive & re-install the OS as well as everything else, on the particular PC that I am using to access the online world …after downloading & installing avast! today from avast.com. I wanted a highly rated free program & cnet gave this one 5 stars. I have been having issues with andreas hauslade virus for several weeks.)
My issue with avast is - both computers are “single” user systems so, I’ve never needed to put a password protection on accounts.
after installing avast, I went to re-boot the system, only to find that now a password must be entered to log into windows.
There has never been a password “made” for the account so I hit enter.
After “enter”, the PC continues to log-on however, no settings are visible & I am no longer able to use the PC.
Help! I really do not want to re-format the other PC as well. One system is enough for today.
Obviously, something is either wrong with the downloaded software from avast.com - or there is a virus on the system…which I’m obviously trying to get rid of…
sorry to hear about this issue that you got, but there’s no way avast can interfere with account settings in Windows…you said you could log on just by hitting enter, although a password was required…OK so that means that the password was left blank as it was before you installed avast obviously. What do you see exactly on the desktop when you’re logged in ? anyway if you’re really stuck there, you can attempt to log in in safe mode, and if it works, uninstall avast from there, reboot, and report back here. To log in in safe mode, reboot your system and hit F8 very quickly after the POST screen (first screen you see on your machine when you turn it on, usually a logo from the OEM or the motherboard manufacturer). Don’t hesitate to hit F8 several times, before the Windows splash screen appears. You will then have a menu, just choose “safe mode” and hit enter.
apparently your “no way avast can interfere with password/user/security settings” is bunk because prior to downloading & installing avast!
the computer in question NEVER prompted for a password to be used. i’m geek enough to know about safe mode (and attempted it - it did not work, either) otherwise i wouldn’t be here asking for other ideas on how to over-ride the setting that was never initiated.
and artemisf0wl - thanks for reminding me just how lame wannabe-geeks are.
guess i should have done what i knew to do before ever posting - format.