Unable to run Avast or uninstall it

General Topics
1

I installed Avast and it was running perfectly. Then I had a power outage and now it does nto start nor can I uninstall it or install over it. I have tried the uninstall utility in Safe mode but it does not work; it tells me the file is not a WIN32 application. How can I delete the program from my system and start again?

2

Well you cant uninstall, install what about repair? Does repair work?

3

I will assume you are using win XP as your OS…

Have you tried a system restore ? Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > then choose restore to an earlier time, and choose a point before your power outage occured…

Hope this helps, good luck with it ;D

4

We will need more information to be able to help you:

  • Which OS are you using? Is it up to date?
  • What avast! version number?
  • Do you use a firewall? Which one?
  • Do you have any other antivirus installed in your system? Did you have in the past?
  • Any other security programs that could interfere?
5

The “I have tried the uninstall utility in Safe mode but it does not work; it tells me the file is not a WIN32 application” smells like it could be an infection on your system as this error is familiar with some infections. So the avast version question by Tech is most relevant as the latest version (4.8+) is resistant to malware that kills it.

Also see, anti-rootkit, detection, removal & protection http://www.antirootkit.com/software/index.htm. Try these as they are some of the more efficient and user friendly anti-rootkit tools.

6

Bagle or Beagle infections do that…
You can also try 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.