[NickMoto]

So to start here is what I'm using:


Toshiba Satellite P2755-S5260
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit


Now for the problem: I don't have Anti-virus SW on this laptop. basically because it's expensive. I'm sure there's some reasonable alternatives that I'm not aware of, but as of now I don't have any. I started noticing that this laptop was running slower and slower until all of a sudden it was almost not usable. I assumed that I may have some virus or malware so I went to CNET and downloaded their number one rated free AV, Avast. I scanned my laptop and it claimed to clean some files, but I did not notice much of an improvement in speed. It also had continuous pop-ups saying it was blocking malware from running. These pop-ups could not be disabled without paying for the full version of Avast and they were constantly popping up. So basically Avast is performing like adware, which is annoying. So, I go to my control panel and attempt to run the uninstaller for Avast. It finishes and tells me to restart. I restart and now Windows will not start up. The start up repair cannot repair this computer automatically.

So after doing some searching for a similar problem, I found this thread: http://www.techsupportforum.com/for...air-this-computer-automatically-768938-5.html

I attempted to follow along with the instructions that were given as far as opening regedit and deleting the folders that contained any avast files. But on the last page of the above link the user with the problem says they were able to fix the issue by going into the regedit and deleting anything in the driver folder that starts with asw. I tried to do the same thing but there wasn't anything in the driver folder that started with asw. So here I am. I'm still having the same problems and I don't know what to do about it.

I very much appreciate anyone's help to get this taken care of. I should also note that I don't have a check point saved and I don't have the boot CD for this computer. Toshiba wants $30 for it. Which is not the end of the world, but then I would lose all of the stuff that I do have saved on this laptop. Please help! Thanks!

 

[spunk.funk]

It is not Avast that caused the problem, it was the virus. If you had the Free version of Avast installed, or what we prefer, the free Microsoft Security Essentials, before this happened, you would not be in this pickle.
All laptops these days have a Recovery Partition. running this will reset your computer back to factory defaults, you will loose any personal files so backup first. On a Toshiba Satellite, you usually start the computer and hold down the 0 (zero) key to enter recovery.

 

[misteresquire]

I'm having exactly the same problem as OP but i had Avast installed until yesterday when it kept flashing up an error message "avastui.exe application error" whn i looked into that i found it linked to Avast so when the problem persisted I uninstalled Avast and got 360 Total Security. When i booted up this morning i had the same issue as above, and i too have followed the link given only to hit a wall at the same point. Also now I can't F11 to go to recovery, it just skips right passed it.

Any advise anyone can give me here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[spunk.funk]

You can try restarting and pressing the F8 key repeatedly. In the Advanced Boot menu, try a Startup Repair.
If you cant get into Factory Recovery, then you are going to need a Windows 7 disc to repair your OS.

 

[NickMoto]

I'm not arguing that the virus didn't contribute to this, but it seems to be a common issue when people use avast. I'd like to try to avoid erasing all of my personal data if possible. Is there some way for me to look at my drivers? I tried looking at them the same way the person did on the last post of the above link, but didn't see any avast drivers where I looked. Also, does it matter that I'm running a 64-bit version?

 

[spunk.funk]

It doesn't matter what version, 32 bit or 64 bit you are running. This is not a driver issue. The virus attacked your computer, installing Avast after the fact doesn't usually help. Avast tried to do it's job and quarantined most of the virus, unfortunately, it also quarantined some files required for booting. When you uninstalled it, it removed the quarantine files as well. Hence it removed the boot files.
If you have a Windows 7 disc, you can boot off of that to do a Startup Repair, or other recovery tools. If you do not, then create an Ubuntu Live CD or Flash drive boot off of that and backup your personal files to a USB Hard Drive. then do a Factory reset as outlined in post #3

 

[Corday]

We recommend that you read this article…
http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f50/new-instructions-read-this-before-posting-for-malware-removal-help-305963.html
follow the instructions very carefully; then, post all the requested logs and information; as instructed, in the Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help section of the forum.
(Simply, click on the colored links to be re-directed.)

Please ensure that you create a new thread in the Virus/Trojan/Spyware HelpForum; not back here in this one.

When carrying out The Malware Removal Steps, if you cannot complete any of them for whatever reason, just continue on with the next one until they are all completed.
However,it is extremely important to make mention of the fact that you could not complete any of the steps in your post to the Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help Forum; where an Analyst will assist you with other workarounds.

Once done, please be patient, as the Security Team Analysts are usually very busy; one of them will answer your request as soon as they can.

 

[NickMoto]

It doesn't matter what version, 32 bit or 64 bit you are running. This is not a driver issue. The virus attacked your computer, installing Avast after the fact doesn't usually help. Avast tried to do it's job and quarantined most of the virus, unfortunately, it also quarantined some files required for booting. When you uninstalled it, it removed the quarantine files as well. Hence it removed the boot files.
If you have a Windows 7 disc, you can boot off of that to do a Startup Repair, or other recovery tools. If you do not, then create an Ubuntu Live CD or Flash drive boot off of that and backup your personal files to a USB Hard Drive. then do a Factory reset as outlined in post #3

Did you look at the link I posted? Was that a coincidence or do you know why his starting working after deleting files? On the last page.

 

[Rich-M]

I would run a linux live-cd as suggested and get your files and data off first then run recovery. A $30 Toshiba disk is standard and well worth it to get away from these issues which you are not going to fix most likely anyway.
I wish people would realize that not only are these free Antivirus mostly useless, but they aren't solutions to today's problems because today's problems are not virus they are other types of Malware that Antivirus programs cannot touch. Used at the right time programs like Malwarebytes could have solved everything but once the registry is "messed with" you are never going to restore the system to what it was.

 

[NickMoto]

Well I guess that's that. I'll do what you guys suggested. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Rich-M]

Glad to let ius know how everything turns out.