Restoring blocked/locked? Avast browser

Hello,

I need some assistance to restore my browser with associated bookmarks and also history if possible.

When I try to open the Browser, what looks like a command window flashes very quickly, so quickly that I can’t see what it is, and the Browser doesn’t open.

See this thread here for how I suspect the problem occurred https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=262638.0

Thanks

Maybe it’s time for a clean install of the Secure Browser
Download the installer from here, https://www.avast.com/en-us/secure-browser
Download the Secure Browser Removal tool from here, https://download.avastbrowser.com/avast_secure_browser_uninstall.exe
Save your Bookmarks via the Bookmarks Manager if you have custom bookmarks so you can import them when you re-install.
Uninstall Secure Browser via Programs and Features - Reboot
Run the removal tool, reboot, run the installer import your favorites if you saved them.
A video to help with the installation: https://youtu.be/r_VLA0HMLQM
Report back if that’s solved the problem or not.
Avast has offered a separate tool to totally remove the Secure Browser if the above instructions don’t work.
You can find that tool here, https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=230288.msg1531315#msg1531315

Hi,

Thanks for your help. However, the most important thing I need are all my bookmarks. As I can’t open the browser to get to the Bookmarks manager, is there another way to save my bookmarks. Are the bookmarks stored in a folder somewhere that I can save and copy back after reinstalling the browser?

Also checked out the link you posted ie https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=230288.msg1531315#msg1531315 and found a bookmarks document in C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\Local\AVAST Software\Browser\User Data\Default. Can I make a copy of this, uninstall, then copy it back to the old location?

And do I need to be in safe mode to run the uninstall?

Thanks

I haven’t personally done this, but it should work.Those are your current bookmarks.
Save it. do the uninstall (safe mode not required)
After the new installation is working, close the browser and
override the current bookmarks with the saved one.

Hi Bob,

Well this was interesting. I ran the uninstall, selecting to keep browsing data. (Ihad already made a copy of the Bookmark document, just in case). I then ran the install. It started but did not install. I ran it again. Same thing. I ran the uninstall again - it started but did nothing else. I rebooted and went through the above again with the same results ie both the uninstall start but do nothing.

I checked App data local folder and the user folder was updated today. However, there is no Avast folder in Windows Program files (x86) and neither is Avast browser listed under Programs and Features in the Control Panel.

Any suggestions on how to proceed now? How about using avastclean https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
Thanks

Hi again,

I also tried uninstalling from the admin account setting the option deleted all browser history. This removed the browser from both account but after reinstalling the browser in my regular account still does not open. I also run Tweaking repair soft ware. Still the same.

I tried avastclear.exe and discovered it only removes Avast virus protection.

It’s not looking good. At this stage I’m thinking of going back to Firefox. I’m a full-time student studying online so a browser is very important.

Try following the directions to totally remove the browser as outlined. REMOVE the browsing data.
The suggestion to run avastclear, is senseless. We’re talking about the Browser not the AV product.

Sorry, I hadn’t fully read all the posts in the link you sent re the .bat file. I’ll give this a try.

I would suggest always to back up your browser bookmarks to a html file.
In ASB, go to Bookmarks Manager and from the hamburger icon, select Export Bookmarks.
You can then import them again from that file if you need to do a clean install of ASB.

Also do not confuse the Avast Antivirus product uninstaller “avastclear.exe”
with the ASB uninstaller “avast_secure_browser_uninstall.exe”

Hi rocksteady,

Thanks but as I can’t open the browser to get to the Bookmarks manage, I found here https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=230288.msg1531315#msg1531315 that the bookmarks document is in C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\Local\AVAST Software\Browser\User Data\Default. I’ve copied this.

I will try this later this evening my time:

  1. uninstall the browser
  2. switch off antivirus self defense (general settings - troubleshooting - disable Self-defense)
  3. download this .bat file https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CZE64aD5uE7Wzh-aCIzdaesgeRiRok_X/view?usp=sharing
  4. run it as admin

I will run the .bat file in safe mode.

Thanks.

Just follow the instructions. No need making up your own version.

Dear Bob,

I my previous reply, I have copied the instructions given by Ekaterina in the post that you kindly recommended. https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=230288.msg1531315#msg1531315

I had copied them here for the others who might find this conversion later so that they do not have to keep moving between post to get all the steps. I was not making anything up.

A little bit of patience and respect goes a long way.

I hope to have time this morning to run the .bat file.