After the most recent Program update, I started having issues with the Windows Action Center.
First, I was having the “UI Failed To Load” problem. I went into Services and reset the background updates to Automatic.
Now, the Action Center doesn’t recognize that the virus definitions are fully updated, and the UI isn’t recognizing the updates either, even after manually downloading and installing the updates.
What’s the deal? How can I fix this?
More pics:
Win 7 Home Premium x64, HP desktop from 2014, AMD dual-core microproc, 4GB RAM
Went through Control Panel/Programs, selected “Change”; attempted update.
It showed that the program was updated (both program and engine/virus definitions), but the Action Center still shows the flag, and the icon is still showing the yellow caution triangle.
By using https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/, I was able to reset the winsock in Safe Mode.
This appears to have restored normal function, but I still don’t know why this started, or how long this will go on.
Submitted a bug report through the UI.
Program version 19.1.2360 (build 19.1.4142.454)
Virus definitions version 190125-4
UI version 1.0.326
Virus definitions update 1 February –
Windows Action Center “Antivirus is not turned on” (it was; virus updates went through)
Reset Winsock with ADWCleaner in Safe mode again; upon reboot, I couldn’t access the UI through the system tray or double-clicking the icon.
I had to go into the command prompt, verify the WMI repository, and salvage the repository as per this Avast article:
https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/81
After the reboot, things were back to normal. However, I don’t understand why a simple virus definition update should cause so much trouble.
I found a possible cause, and so far the fix works:
In services.msc, both Remote Desktop Configuration and Remote Desktop Services have to be set to Automatic.
RD Config (as the name implies) is the higher of the two; it must be on in order for RD Services to operate.
Windows Security Updates (on Tuesday, of course), and it happens again.
The icon disappears from the system tray, and I can’t double-click the GUI (no response).
I go through AdwCleaner to reset the winsock, and reboot.
Then, I update Avast Free Antivirus (finally! It was from last week).
After which, I use an old tool - Spybot S&D - to turn off some system startups.
I look around and see there’s some old RealPlayer procedure calls, which I of course turn off.
I get a popup from Avast – “Please restart your computer”.
Nope, I’ll leave it on for now. It’s too much trouble getting Avast started again.
(Besides, it might not be an Avast popup… if I got a response from the admins, I’d know for certain if someone was trying to socially engineer an antivirus shutdown.)
Can one of the admins or super users walk me through this, please? I don’t know how to get through this.
Every time a virus definition update is requested, indeed with any update of either Avast Free or Win 7 Home Premium x64, I get what’s shown (picture attached) on my taskbar.
Neither resetting the winsock, rebuilding the repository, nor any of the other fixes recommended by Avast, solve the issue. It always returns.
I need help, or I’m looking for a new AV. This after using Avast Free for over a decade.
I’m trying to be polite here, but I guess you get what you pay for, don’t you?
Repair Avast:
Did a repository rebuild (seemed to fix, but no guarantees).
Trying it now, but what can the app do that I haven’t tried manually?
CCleaner has shown firewall rules changes, after engine definition updates through the Control Panel (GUI wasn’t accessible at one point).
I thought that would be the end of it, but it wasn’t.
Here we go again… after repair app:
The dreaded red X’s have returned.
“This shouldn’t take long”: 20 minutes
“This shouldn’t take long”: one hour.
I’m going in through the Control Panel to Change for a fresh install of the engine and virus definitions.
Then a reboot.
I can’t trust the “repair” app.
The Control Panel engine and virus definition re-install worked, for now.
I need to understand what’s going on. Why do either updates of Windows or Avast Free cause this problem?
As often as Windows updates for whatever reasons they do (malicious software remover tools, etc), this will happen again, and often.
With Avast updates set to stream, I thought this wouldn’t occur.
Somewhere, there’s two programs fighting for control, and I’m not computer savvy enough to trace the issues.
If Repair doesn’t fix the problem, try the following:
If your Avast settings are not the default settings and you want them restored after the Clean Install, follow this before removing Avast.
https://goo.gl/TXjM7h
Clean Install of Avast:
https://goo.gl/4Ptzkf
If you need additional help with the Clean Install, watch this:
https://youtu.be/p-h3myRD51A
Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 (where it has remained for years, BTW)
Avast Free
Program version 19.1.2364 (build 19.2.4186.431)
Virus definitions version 190226-6
UI version 1.0.337
I have Spybot Search & Destroy (free version, most recent - no active scanning; auto updates not available)
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (free), RogueKiller Anti-Malware. Neither of these have auto-updates available.
CCleaner x64 free (no auto updates), ADWCleaner (another freeware program with manual updates).
Nothing that would interfere with the normal program or service updates for either Windows or Avast.
I use manual updates on almost everything, because 1) diligence (I see what’s needed, when needed); 2) it doesn’t eat up my net usage (watching my bills).
Other AV’s?
Years ago, I used Norton, but then they tried to bill me for an unauthorized auto-update which I didn’t consent to.
After that, I used Avast Free, and never looked back.
This desktop has always used Avast Free, since it was new (2014).
I can’t access Clean Install when the GUI doesn’t come up, and the icon in the System Tray is X’ed out.
I was able to get engine and virus definition updates through Control Panel/Change.
I’m using default settings.
I rebuilt the repository using Sys Admin in CMD again, which seems to work until the next update for Avast or Win.
I’ll repeat for emphasis: Every update of either Win 7 x64 or Avast Free (engine or virus defs) locks me out of the GUI.
The GUI isn’t needed when doing clean install.
Bob, if it happens again, I’ll try the Uninstall Tool. Downloading it JIC.
I can also uninstall from CCleaner, and wipe the registry as well; I’ll do it by the book at first.