(URGENT) Pop up: "Alter your password"is from avast ?

The computer took more time than usual to load windows OS. It prompted that black screen asking if I want to start in safe mode or in the last workable set. I chose the last option. Then, clicked upon an avast message similar to those that tells that avast is updated, only the color is RED. Than it popped this query on an Avast small window " (in Portuguese). “ALTER YOUR PASSWORD” “PUT YOUR OLD PASSWORD HERE” “CHOOSE A NEW PASSWORD” and “CONFIRM A NEW PASSWORD”. Is this legit?? What should I do?? Please Help Pronto!

This is just to complement my first message:

I can’t access the AVAST menu. Probably because I should change my password…or is this a virus??
Please advise

There is a function where you can password protect the avast settings, if you or someone else with access to your system sets a password then it is very hard to overcome that…

I would suggest that you uninstall and reinstall avast (clean reinstall, see below) as if you don’t know the password that is all you can practically do.

Download the latest version of avast http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html and save it to your HDD, somewhere you can find it again. Use that when you reinstall. Ensure that you scroll down and select the avast direct download link for the English version and not Cnet as that is for an on-line installation (not what you want to do). - Direct download for avast Home, English version, http://files.avast.com/iavs4pro/setupeng.exe.

Download the avast! Uninstall Utility, find it here and save it to your HDD.

    1. Now uninstall (using add remove programs, if you can’t do that start from the next step), reboot.- 2. run the avast! Uninstall Utility, reboot. If step 1 failed it may be necessary to run this from safe mode, once complete reboot into normal mode.- 3. install the latest version, reboot.

Thanks to davidR

My first doubt is to know if this is a virus or not. I did not passworded avast! settings nor any other person. Furthermore, the space “Input your old password” is closed, I can’t acess it. Only when it asks for a new password and respective confirmation of new password.

I don’t believe it is a virus, but probably a hiccup in avast if you didn’t set a password.

So I suggest you proceed with the clean reinstall as I gave instructions for.

I have followed DavidR instructions, so far so good. Thank you very much for your insight, wisdom and co-operation!

No problem, glad I could help.

Welcome to the forums.