avast! issues

FYI

Latest avast! update (091203-0) is causing FALSE POSITIVE readings for at least two Trojans: WIN32:Zbot-MKK and Win32: Delf-MZG

Worse, when you try and do the right thing (scan for problems) it just gets worse.

TEMPORARILLY... DO NOT UPDATE avast!

IF you have already AND THINGS ARE STILL WORKING (no avast! Warnings) DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER.

Obviously, don't delete any files (at least not yet...)

The False Positives are hitting all types of files... apparently even system files.

Apparently, if the warnings are already happening, if you turn off the "Standard Shield" this stops the warnings. It, of course, also turns off MOST of your anti-virus software...

So far, no other "fix" as I type. I'll try and keep everyone up to date on developments (until I fall asleep...)

 

NEW UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE

Old
091203-0

New
091203-1

Initial reports are no more False Positives.....

 

deck - Your post has been an enormous help to me, and others as well. I went to sleep last night thinking I was going to have to trash my computer. Thanks for sharing!

 

Glad to help out! There have been several times when others here have helped me out with issues.

Ann, I was hoping that you found my post. I tried to post directly on your thread also so that you'd be sure to see it, but it wouldn't let me. I'll have to look into that later...

More info -
For XP computers, once you reboot your computer (after updating the iAVS) the "Standard Shield" should be back up and running (translation: avast! is fully functional again). However, Vista takes a few steps:

1 - click on your warning balloon OR the "Red X" shield down by the clock
2 - In Windows Security Center, go to "Virus Protection" (under "Malware protection ") and click the "Turn on now" button
3 - click "Yes, I trust this program... "
4 - click "Continue "
5 - Everything is back to "green "... and avast! is now fully protecting your computer again!

 

I have Whiskeyman to thank for finding your post. He posted a link to your post on my thread.

Thanks for the information. I will file it for future reference. The Vista laptops are running Avira. BTW, I is the Standard Shield the only one that is necesssary? I have Network and Web Shields running as well as Internet Mail.

 

No. There should be 6 (or 7) running "programs ". The temporary "fix" was to turn off the "Standard Shield" until avast! was able to fix the problem.

For those who'd like to check your status:

Hover your mouse pointer on the little blue "a" ball and the little yellow-ish "pop up bubble" should say something like:

avast! On-Access Scanner: 7 provider(s) total, 6 running

Now, Right click on the blue ball and move your pointer up to "Stop Provider ". There should be 7 programs listed.

Then move up to "Pause Provider" and there should be 6 or 7 programs listed. I have six listed on all my computers, as I do not have "Outlook/Exchange" on any of them.

 

Deck, I "Googled" WIN32: Delf-MZG and there is an apology from Avast along with instructions on remedial action provided by them. All is sweet - Panic off. Neil.