This is not the same as the issue reported here:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=166793.0
but the symptoms are similar.
Windows 7 SP 1
avast! Endpoint Protection version 8.0.1603
SOA version 1.3.35
I do not want to specifically call attention to the engine/pattern update version: I am NOT SURE which of the most recent couple of updates are causing this. However, the most recent I see is 150408-1.
Using domain login accounts on Windows 7 SP 1 workstations, configured for Windows Classic desktop. (This is NOT the Aero “Windows 7” default desktop, it is the Windows Classic desktop that looks more like Win 2000. This may be significant because the problem implicates Explorer.exe.)
Symptoms:
User logs in with Domain login (either Domain Administrator or Domain User; it makes no difference).
Within the usual amount of time, the system displays the Windows Classic desktop, with a Task Bar and System Tray as usual, but with NO (zero) icons on the desktop. (YES, desktop icons are “turned on”; the desktop ordinarily displays many icons, both Windows System icons and others.)
After waiting as long as ten minutes, NO desktop icons appear.
The Start menu shows shortcuts to items such as Control Panel. However, an attempt to get to the Control Panel fails; the window will open, you will see the progress bar “updating items”, but no items will appear in the window.
An orderly shutdown under these circumstances takes up to ten minutes.
Work-Around:
Force a shutdown.
Boot into a Domain or Local Administrator account in Safe Mode.
Uninstall Avast.
Allow the computer to restart normally.
Boot into a Domain or Local Administrator account.
Re-install Avast.
Restart. The desktop appears normally–at least until the engine/pattern update is re-delivered.
Notes:
Program Updates are NOT enabled in the SOA. This is not occurring due to a program update. It is an engine and/or pattern update.
Although symptoms are similar to a problem recently reported with Windows 8.1, this is Windows 7 SP1. MS update KB3000850 is NOT installed.
Again: visibility of desktop icons IS enabled.
NO firewall.
The workaround is tiresome, especially on a network of over 100 users nearly all of whom do not have the ability to uninstall/reinstall the software. A better solution is needed.
The frequency of bad Avast updates causing this type of problem with Windows 7 has been increasing over the last year.
Are incorrect assumptions being made about usage of Windows 8.x vs Windows 7? Are, perhaps, the developers forgetting to test with Windows Classic theme in Windows 7?
Are other people seeing this?
Thanks.