pc problems

[Ibn-Khaldun]

So, the problem is this:
AVG made some updates and wanted to do a restart. After a postponed it couple of times I finally agreed with it.
However, after that my computer refuses to load Windows.
It starts loading it and after that the screen just goes black. Can't do anything.
Currently writing in safe mode.
Because I can write in safe mode then things can't be that bad, right?
If only it could open Windows normally.

[Lemur]

Uninstall AVG from safe mode, assuming you are allowed to (depends on permissions, some apps need the "installer service" to uninstall, and it ain't loaded in Win7 safe mode).

Anyway, I've seen nothing good come from using AVG lately. Something's gone horribly wrong with that company.

Uninstall however you can, replace it with something non-horrible such as Microsoft Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/).

[Gregoshi]

That's not too comforting Lemur. I just installed AVG on my new PC a few months back. So far, no problems.

And good luck with your problem I-K.

[Lemur]

I would strongly recommend everybody replace AVG pronto. I've cleaned three machines with chronic infections, all were running AVG. Seriously, get rid of it, replace it with Microsoft Security Essentials. Every geek I know is recommending this, assuming you don't want to go with paid protection, such as Kapersky or ESET-NOD or Mcaffee. I hear conflicting things about Norton. It used to be horrible, some are claiming it has gotten better.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Thanks, Lemur.

I uninstalled AVG from safe mode(needed an Administrator account for that) and things are back to normal. I reinstalled AVG again but if this should happen again then I will install something else.

Anyway, it's weird that I couldn't uninstall it using my normal account with administrator powers.

[Tellos Athenaios]

I would strongly recommend everybody replace AVG pronto. I've cleaned three machines with chronic infections, all were running AVG. Seriously, get rid of it, replace it with Microsoft Security Essentials. Every geek I know is recommending this, assuming you don't want to go with paid protection, such as Kapersky or ESET-NOD or Mcaffee. I hear conflicting things about Norton. It used to be horrible, some are claiming it has gotten better.
It's funny really, remember how Mc Afee used to be synonymous with “slows your computer to a halt and still, somehow, it leaves just enough grunt for your computer to get infected” ?

[Lemur]

@Tellos, I do remember. These things come and go; a lot of small businesses are using Mcafee's Security As Service (http://www.mcafeeasap.com/MarketingContent/default.aspx) and getting good results. No idea how poorly/well their standalone consumer product performs.

Again, based on my own experience and the collective brainpower of every geek I know, do not rely on AVG free anymore. They have gone sadly downhill, and the app appears to be letting a lot of stuff through.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

After reading this thread and some articles in the web I decided to uninstall AVG in the morning and install MSE(Microsoft Security Essentials). Let's see how that works..

[Togakure]

Yes, thanks for the heads-up on Microsoft Security Essentials. I will likely do the same. About four months ago I uninstalled AVG for a variety of reasons, and have been running without an active antivirus defense (without issues, I might add; my firewall and running Malwarebytes and Spybot scans periodically have kept me clean). That being said, my browsing habits are consistent and I don't do a lot of cruising around sites with which I'm not familiar. It's time I found a new antivirus, and this sounds and reads like a good option.

[naut]

Hmm. Cheers for the heads-up, I'm using AVG currently, until I can be bothered to buy an ESET license. So probably a good idea to switch to MSE in the meantime. I know what you mean about the chronic infections though, I've had to fix my sister's PC 3 times, although, she doesn't have the extensive host file that I have and she insists on going to dodgy websites.

[LeftEyeNine]

On MSE for about a year now and this is the best thing since sliced McAffee.

[Xiahou]

Another MSE user here. I kept AVG for as long as I could- but it really is a turd now. :no:
If you can't or won't use MSE, I currently recommend Avast! (http://www.avast.com/index) as an alternative.

[CBR]

I use both AVG and MSE but I do remember I disabled the Linkscanner(Surf-Shield) as that did have some issues.

[Lemur]

I use both AVG and MSE
This confuses me. My brother reports that he is using MSE and Avast free simultaneously as well. I don't get it. One of the hard-and-fast rules of AV work is that you do not run active AV programs side-by-side. They conflict. They scan the same patch of memory, they intrude on one another, and generally make a mess. You can run AV software alongside as many ad-blocking anti-spam programs as you like, but that's because they do different things.

Has this received wisdom always been wrong? Or is it just that MSE is funky and allows other AV programs to coexist peacefully? What gives?

[LeftEyeNine]

Two AV is too much care, me thinks.

[CBR]

It might be too much and not needed at all. I have used AVG for several years with very few problems and I think I assumed MSE was not a full blown antivirus suite. Since it just never caused any issues for me I have just let both of them be.

[Vladimir]

On Norton: I currently have it on my Vista system I bought about a year ago. I've had no problems and the scans run smoothly. Firefox and Norton has been a good combination.