Problems with latest update dep_strFreeString

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Folks,
I recently accepted the latest software update when prompted and now Avast refuses to start.
I get the error message “ashAvast.exe - Entry Point Not Found”
“The procedure entry point dep_strFreeString could not be located in the dynamic link library aswCmnOS.dll”

I tried a complete uninstall & reinstall of 4.8, folloed by accepting the update again & I have the same problem - I guess I’ll stick with 4.8.

This is on an XP SP3 box.

Any ideas?

2

Can you try to repair your installation?
Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove programs > avast! antivirus > Remove. Then choose Repair function in the popup window (Repair).

If this does not help, I suggest an installation from the scratch:

  1. Uninstall avast from Control Panel first.
  2. Boot.
  3. Download the latest version of Avast Uninstall and use it for complete uninstallation.
  4. Boot.
  5. Install again the latest avast! version.
  6. Boot.
  7. Check and post the results.
3

Hi, can you search on the disk if they are any other copies of the aswCmnOs.dll in any other folder than C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\avast4 ? Thanks. Lukas.

4

I am experiencing the exact same error with the most recent update. Using XPPro SP3.

In fact, I also experienced a similar error (I believe a different dll file was indicated) with the previous program update. Last time I was unable to repair or even uninstall the corrupted update, so I had to resort to using the avast uninstaller to remove the program. I then downloaded the new version and reinstalled from scratch, which was a huge time investment since I lost all my options.

Well, this time I once again tried to repair the update via “add or remove programs” with no luck. The repair program reports that the current version is 4.8.1229 and the new version is 4.8.1290, so I assume that the automatic update never completed successfully. Manual update via “add or remove” fails with a “There was an error while changing the product configuration” error notice.

I would go through the process of removal and installing the new update from scratch, but it appears that version 4.8.1290 has not yet made its way to CNET’s download site, since it is reporting (and I confirmed after download) that it only has the previous version “Avast Home Edition 4.8.1229.80923” for download.

So I wait, with a non-functioning Avast, until someone gets their act together.

5

A couple more things:

  1. I checked, and this is indeed the same error that I got with the last auto update.

  2. I have only one version of aswCmnOs.dll, in the expected directory.

6

I have the same problem. (Windows XP Pro Sp3) I have tried to unistall Avast but get the reply that “Avast self protection” hinders this action. What ever I try I get some kind of reply that tell that this action is not ok…

What shall I do?

7

Nicket,

Have you tried using the Avast uninstall program found here: http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-uninstall-utility.html

In other news:

I found the updated file for version 4.8.1290 on avast’s site here: http://files.avast.com/iavs4pro/setupeng.exe

But before I uninstall the old and replace with the new, is there some way that I can save and transfer my settings? Will saving and copying over avast4.ini be sufficient?

8

Yes, I have tried to uninstall the program this way too… With the same depressing result.

9

avast4.ini and avast4.db (in the avast\data folder).

BTW there will be yet another avast program update tonight so you may actually hold fire till tomorrow.

Thanks
Vlk

10

Thanks for the info Vlk!

If there is any other info I can provide in helping debug this issue, let me know.

Nicket, I suppose you’ve already tried a restore pt?

11

More info please… what’s on the way? ???

12

Nothing connected with aswCmnOS.dll being not updated, at least as far as I know… ?

13

What is wrong from downloading direct from avast, the servers are usually faster ?
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

14

Sorry for starting the thread & then running away :slight_smile:

I only have one copy of aswCmnOs.dll on my system - I did try a repair, but it fails with the same message.

In response to the last post - I did originally download direct from Avast, but that version failed to install (just says there was an error with the install & points you to the erroe log). The version from Avast was 28,358Kb & the version from cNet which worked was 26,819kb

Bheers

Brian

15

Or maybe…

Cheers

Brian

16

The Cnet is currently only avast Home Edition 4.8.1229, so that could account for the differences the avast.com version is 4.8.1290.

So dis you try the clean reinstall exactly as suggested by Tech in the first reply ?

Importantly his step 3 and 4.

17

Yesterday Vlk said:

BTW there will be yet another avast program update tonight so you may actually hold fire till tomorrow.

“Tonight” has since moved into a new day at avast central … did I drop through a time warp or was the update forgotten?

18

Yesterday Vlk said:

BTW there will be yet another avast program update tonight so you may actually hold fire till tomorrow.
Not released... yet...
19

Still not available, perhaps not as simple a fix as first thought, no rush for me, but then I’m not experiencing any problems with 4.8.1290.

20

Neither for me… just a promise could be broken ;D