Just installed Avast 4.8 home version on my notebook at home running Windows XP Home. I use the regular Windows screensaver with password. When I go to use the computer after the screensaver has begun running and enter the password, the screen displays with just the wallpaper, and nothing else (no task bar, no START icon, no shortcuts, etc), and nothing can be done and the notebook seems hung up. This is intermittant, happens about 50% of the time. I’ve configured the screen saver so that the Avast screen saver is chosen, and this has no affect. This started after installing Avast. The only option at this point seems to be to reboot.
Is there some way to configure so that this does not happen?
I have the exact same issue on a PC running XP Pro but on a notebook running Vista, I don’t have that problem. Anyone have any ideas? I’m getting tired of pressing the reset button. Disabling the screen saver is not an option as I have a two year old and a four year old who’d be happy to “reconfigure” an unattended system.
I don’t have any other security programs other than Windows XP Firewall and Windows Defender. I disabled the self-defense module today and checked “check for full screen applications…” and so far it’s been good. I had Nod32 installed before. I uninstalled it before installing Avast.
I previously ran Norton. It’s been completely (as far as I can tell) uninstalled and was uninstalled before I installed Avast. I also use Windows firewall. Do no have any other anti virus or anti whatever products installed.
Ok, ran the recommended programs to complete deinstall Norton
Deinstalled Avast
Ran the program to completely deinstall Avast as recommended.
Reinstalled Avast
Seemed to work OK.
Tonight when screen saver running, moved mouse to bring up password prompt, entered password, and again system locked up showing only the wallpaper and no buttons, system tray, icons, etc. so had to reboot. This problem started when I installed Avast. Another user reported the same problem.
Can you check the folder \data\log
Are there any files called unpXXXX there (where XXXX is a random number)?
If so, send them to vlk (at) avast.com
They may contain more information about the problem (maybe a link to this thread).
Is there any useful information into Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Events, specially ‘Errors’?
Just tried to get on system, screen saver was running, moved mouse, entered password, and system locked up as reported earlier. Rebooted to get in and check things requested.
Can you check the folder \data\log
Are there any files called unpXXXX there (where XXXX is a random number)?
There are no such files.
Is there any useful information into Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Events,
specially ‘Errors’?
No errors, but under “Security” category, I see “Failure Audit” entries for right about the same time when I tried to login through screen saver. These Failure Audit entries (there are two), show …
Logon Failure:
Reason: Unknown user name or bad password
User Name: Steve Jones
Domain: STEVE_LAPTOP
Logon Type: 2
Logon Process: Advapi
Authentication Package: Negotiate
Workstation Name: STEVE_LAPTOP
Based on a websearch, I have read conflicting information on this, everything from it being a trojan virus left behind by the Netdevil trojan, to it being a legit Windows process, to it being something subverted by the US National Security Agency to provide a backdoor into everyone’s PC…
But given the error at the same time I experienced the problem, it is certainly suspect.
Further research indicates this may be a problem caused by a previous Windows security update. I’ve installed the lastest stuff from Microsoft, so we’ll see how it goes.
After installing SR3 (I think that is what it was…) so far I have not had this problem. Have logged in three times from the screensaver and have not had the system lock up. If you don’t hear from me again you can consider this one closed, and chalk it up against Microsoft.
I am not using the Avast screensaver, just the regular windows screensaver (Beziers in this case). I’ve tried it both ways (using the Avast, and not using the Avast) and the results are the same.
so the answer is nothing was being scanned.
Please see my earlier post on this thread concerning Advapi. No one responded to that so still wondering about it. Is that normal?
I have a similar problem with a laptop which is running XP Pro Sp3.It always locks up after the screensaver has given way to standby mode. The computer will not resume after standby which it always did before I installed Avast yesterday. I now have to reboot.