Unable to restart Avast Antivirus (free version 6.0.1367) after restore. (XP)

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Hello.

I have just completed a system restore on my pc and am unable to restart Avast Antivirus (free version 6.0.1367).

I have tried using the FIX NOW button. I have also tried group re enabling of all shields from the task bar. I have also tried the the start program button as well as the shield’s individual start buttons.

I have also tried upgrading the definitions and version, but without success. I just recieve an error meassage saying “Failed to Update! The Avast service is not running”

When trying to start the individual shields, i get the error “Unable to Start the shield. Shield unreachable”.

I have tried downloading the upgrade (vers7 setup file) and running it, but it bombs out with “unable to read product data” error.

Could someone please advise a resolution to this issue as my pc is currently unprotected.

My pc is running Windows XP (Home) SP2

thanks

2

avast does not like system restore…yet…so you need to reinstall

remove with this…run from safe mode and reboot. run it for v6 and v7 if you have tried to install that
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility

reinstall and reboot http://filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/

3

Please update your XP to SP3…!!!

4

Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 ends on July 13, 2010
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean31

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480

5

thanks guys

this is my folks machine

i will upgrade to sp3 in time for them.

i have to say they have run avast for 3 years without issues now (plenty restores in that time). they have never been a problem in the past.

have downloaded the uninstaller… am trying to run in safe mode but unable to find that file on desktop due to enlarged pixelation etc.

6
  1. Download avast! Free Antivirus: http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
  2. Follow instructions: http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
  3. Reinstall avast! with the downloaded installer from point 1.
  4. Reboot.
7

thanks asyn…

i understand…

however - unable to locate the uninstaller i downloaded though in safe mode…rarely used safe mode tbh and dispaly is all over the place…the file doesnt appear on the desktop.

8

Download or move it to another directory you can easily access.

9

eventually sorted this.

it was admin account that was messy. logged in as user account in safe mode and all was well

process for futrue ref as per guys on here instructions…

(all files downloaded… old version uninstalled…new version installed fine… new version running is build 7.0.1426)

thankyou all for your help…

can i just ask - if a restore is required, what is the process re Avast, because as i say i’ve never had a problem before in 3- 4 years. the only thing i can think may have been different is that Avast was disabled pre/during the restore process…

thanks again

10
  1. You’re welcome.
  2. Usually there should be no problem on XP.
    In case there is for you: Repair avast!
  • Control Panel → Add/Remove programs → avast!
  • Click on ‘Repair’.
  • Follow instructions.
  • Reboot.
11
can i just ask - if a restore is required, what is the process re Avast, because as i say i've never had a problem before in 3- 4 years. the only thing i can think may have been different is that Avast was disabled pre/during the restore process..
If you do try a system restore you must first disable the Avast protection module.....

then it may work