Avast 5.1.864-884 problem on XP?

[penshooter]

Hello everyone

I got some problems after updating Avast to 5.1.864
When I opened these application, occasionally my system suddenly freezed : GOM, Media Player Classic, Photoshop CS3, Chrome 8.
I restared my PC, they worked normally after that.

Then I updated to the latest beta released 5.1.884, again my system freezed again after Avast auto update window pop up.

I use XP Pro SP3, other running security softwares : Online Armor Free 4.0.0.45 and Win Patrol 2010 v19
I believe both OA and WP didn't cause the problem because my system run smoothly before I update Avast.

I really don't know how to fix this. I've asked the same issue on Avast forum.
It looks like the newest Avast causes problem on Win XP (?)
Anyone with XP had problems?

I still have an installer of Avast 5.0.594 Maybe I'll go back to this old version


thanks

Originally Posted by penshooter

I still have an installer of Avast 5.0.594 Maybe I'll go back to this old version

Can you disable Avast right now, and see what happens then? If so, and the freeze problem goes away, or you uninstall it and the problem goes away, then going back to an earlier build sounds like a good idea. Unless you're willing to try and troubleshoot the newer build and find out what the root of the problem is. I don't use Avast myself, so I'm not aware of any particular issues with any of the the latest builds. I think Anupam as well as a few other members here use Avast though. You said you asked for help in the Avast forum. How long ago did you post there? It might take a little time. If you're willing to troubleshoot the latest build, then the Avast forums is probably going to be the best place for you to get help.

[penshooter]

JohnnyDollar,
thanks for the reply. Really appreciate it.

Actually, the problems aren't too often. Just occassionally appeared on some programs.
But I've not had this problem when I used the previous Avast version (I don't remember the version, but it's before the 5.1.864 update).

I still haven't got the anwers from Avast forum, unless I think updating to 884.
I'm still trying the 884 version, with Behaviour Shield and rootscan disabled until Avast release the next update. If not, I'll go back to the old version.

I might try AVG or Avira, but I'm afraid they're not compatible with Online Armor. I like this firewall a lot and it run nicely along with Avast
Still can't find other firewall + HIPS like it. I personally still choose OA over Comodo or PRivatefirewall.
But yeah I think I should try other combinations if I still have problem with Avast

Thanks

[Anupam]

penshooter, welcome to the forum .

There have been numerous reports of problems with the latest version 5.1.864 of Avast. If you had updated to this version on top of the older version, you might be having problems. You can try installing it fresh... via these steps :

1. Uninstall Avast from Add/Remove.
2. Reboot, and run the Avast Uninstaller in Safe Mode. The uninstaller link can be found in Avast forum.
3. Reboot
4. Install Avast's latest version.
5. Reboot

Some reported that their problems were solved by a fresh install.

But, its certain that 5.1.864 has problems. Its because there have been some major improvements/changes in the latest version.
Because of the problems, they are about to release version 5.1.884 in a few days. It is still in RC phase. So, final version should be out in a few days. There have been reports from the ones using the beta version, that their problems have been solved, but, I also saw reports about problems with the latest beta too.

I have not updated to the new version yet. I am still using the last stable version i.e. 5.0.677. I have been waiting to read some positive reports about the latest version. If there are no reports of problems, then I will update. You can also choose to do the same.

If you do choose to install the older version, or to the latest version, I will advise of a fresh install, following the procedure I posted above. It is always advisable to do a fresh install, when there is a major version change, of any software .

[penshooter]

Hi Anupam
thanks for the advice.

I just unistalled the 5.1.884 and reinstalled the 'old' 5.0.667
I've not had any problem with 5.0
Next time I'd better go to the Avast forum first before clicking the upgrade program button

I read that 884 is the 'last' update before the releasing of Avast 6
Hope it'll work nicely with the old OS like XP


Thanks Gizmo

[Anupam]

penshooter, normally, I also don't check for their forum, before I update, but this time, I thought to do it. And I am glad I did, because version 5.1.864 was causing a lot of problems. Lets see what happens with the release of 5.1.884. Hopefully, all will be well.

So, the version 5.0.677 working good for you?

I have not read any such news that 5.1.884 will be the last version before 6. I will try to find more about this. I don't think they will be putting out 6 that soon, but I might be wrong.

[penshooter]

Thanks Anupam

I got the 5.0.667 from Filehippo. I have the earlier 5.0.594 installer.
So far my system runs smoothly, no problem at all.
I'll stay with 5.0 until the new Avast is perfectly stable on XP

It was my first ever problem with Avast. I've been using it since Avast 4. Run nicely with other security softwares I tried or used
Problems only with Avast 5.1. Not huge problem honestly, just occasionally freezed my PC. Back to normal after restart. But it was annoying and I think it'd make impact on the system.

I read about the Avast 6 on one of the Avast threads. I'm not sure whether it's official or not, or who wrote it.
Hoping the next Avast will be perfectly good

[bo.elam]

Originally Posted by penshooter

JohnnyDollar,
thanks for the reply. Really appreciate it.


I'm still trying the 884 version, with Behaviour Shield and rootscan disabled until Avast release the next update. If not, I'll go back to the old version.

I think you are wise by going to the previous version but when you were on
version 884, I think you would have been better off by uninstalling the Behavior
shield completely and then trying it again when next version comes out.

Bo

[Anupam]

Yea, I too have been using Avast since the version 4, and not had any problems with it. I hope it continues to be that way .

[Anupam]

penshooter, your news about Avast 6.0 was correct I think. I just saw Avast 6.0 beta on Kaldata.net. So, Avast 6.0 should be coming out in the future soon. I believe it will be having some kind of sandboxing technology built-in. I hope it works well, and does not create problems, because Avast has been trouble free so far, and is the best in the free antivirus lot IMO.