I got an Avast popup message on my old PC which advised me that an add-on with a “bad reputation” should be removed (I did not write down the exact details). I said ok and it went ahead, then asked for a reboot. The computer now fails to boot Windows, crashing a few seconds into each attempt. Windows Restore is unable to automatically repair itself and I am still working out the best course of action (whilst trying to suppress my dark feelings towards Avast).
I am also left wondering whether the popup was a genuine Avast message or whether it was some kind of malware. If the former, Avast is meant to protect my system, not destroy it. If the latter, how did it get past Avast in the first place?
The system is Windows Vista Ultimate, regularly updated and historically trouble free. It is a 2007 HP Pavilion which is now my back up computer. Avast Free version has been installed on it since day 1.
Thanks for responding, Eddy. No, I can’t get into Windows at all now and it happened following a reboot required by Avast.
I am probably going to have to reinstall windows but my main question to this forum is whether the pop up message (about an “add-on with a bad reputation”) really was from Avast and if so, why did it destroy my OS?
The message you have gotten seems to be legitimate one from avast,
but without a screenshot and/or more other information is no possible to tell.
Removing a add-on with the avast browser cleanup utility (BCU), should not have a effect on the OS.
It can be coincidence or it can be a flaw in the BCU.
Please attach the BCU log to your next post as well as the other logs.