Unable to Open Graphics

I recently installed Avast free edition 110413-1. I previously had had Avast free edition but ran into a problem so uninstalled it via Add/Remove programs then downloaded the newest version. Since doing so, when I try to open a graphic file, Avast pops up a warning that it could be a dangerous file and suggests opening it in the Sandbox or open normally. No matter which option I choose, my computer hangs and I have to manually shut down and reboot. I cannot open any graphics files on my computer unless I disable Avast. (I have Windows XP.) I also cannot right click on the graphic and select Open with…it hangs once again. (I was always able to do that before installing this newer version of Avast AV.) My default graphics viewer is Irfan View.

Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Devin

XP SP3 ???

What does “…ran into a problem” mean?

I think you had an infection with some malware and are trying not to say… ;D

What exactly is the file? Did you try adding it to the exclusions of the behavior blocker and file shields?

I recently installed Avast free edition 110413-1
This is not the version Nr but the virus signature nr

Latest avast version is 6.0.1000
latest signature is 110414-1 http://www.avast.com/en-no/virus-update-history

Windows XP SP2

Maybe I downloaded the wrong version of Avast?

“Ran into a problem” - was getting warning pop up after pop up with no pattern to them. I’ve checked for malware, including using Malwarebytes… nothing showing up.

Can you please elaborate. What pop up and who’s pop up? Also Microsoft does not support SP2 so you need to install SP3. Where did you download Avast from?

If you’re on a 32bit system (and most probably you are), update to SP3…! :wink:
asyn

But that were no Avast pop-ups, right?

You have to scan with Malwarebytes - the newest version and updated signatures. Don’t know if you did that.

Download MBAM from my link in the signature, install and start it, update it via it’s GUI and run a quick scan. Post the log, please.

ZS, Mbam is a good scanner, but it can’t close holes of an outdated OS. :wink:

You are absolutely right, however, my notion was: first take out the malware, then update the system as the MW might also prohibit a smooth Update. ::slight_smile:

Ok, hope the OP is still willing to update later… :wink:

Thank you for all the replies.

  1. I have updated to Windows XP SP3

  2. I have checked for malware and will post the log below.

  3. I still cannot open any graphic or photo saved in Irfan View unless I disable Avast… the popups are AVast saying the graphic could be a dangerous file and to open in the sandbox. Trying to do that also hangs my computer and I have to manually shutdown and reboot.

  4. I may have the wrong version of Avast installed. Would someone post the link for the free version that I should have installed, please.

Here is the log from the scan:
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 6357

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

4/14/2011 6:44:22 PM
mbam-log-2011-04-14 (18-44-22).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 198193
Time elapsed: 7 minute(s), 7 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

4. I may have the wrong version of Avast installed. Would someone post the link for the free version that I should have installed, please.
Avast! Free Antivirus 6.0.1000 http://filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/

Add those firewall to the exclusions. Every av company has a way of adding exclusions.

Okay, I uninstalled Avast and reinstalled it. Right now I am able to open the graphics. Fingers crossed. Initially, they opened for me when I first downloaded and installed Avast a few days ago. Here’s hoping…

Thanks for your help.

Use the version from my signature, click on the bold “Free”.
Run the downloaded installer file, it’s a stable pre-release version of Avast 6.0.1044.

Well, that fix was short lived. This morning I’m back to square 1 - unable to open graphics. Avast pops up with possible dangerous file. Whether I choose open in sandbox or open normally, my computer hangs.

I think I’m finishe with Avast unless someone can help me.

Please add those files to the exclusions as I have previously stated. Also did you select “Remember my choice”? Exclude them from the behavior shield and file shields.

I’m not sure what files you’re referring to and where or how to add them to exclusions. (I’m a ‘senior’ and not very computer savy!) In other words, I need step by step instructions!
LOL

Okay, I found Exclusions, Browse in Avast… but not sure where to browse or what I’m browsing for.