AVG Update Cripples Windows

Polaris573 · Dec 4, 2010

Yesterday an update to the popular antivirus suite AVG left many users computers unable to boot. After rebooting, as requested by the AVG updater, Windows crashes while trying to load certain AVG drivers. The error message reads "STOP: c0000135 The program cannot start because %hs is missing from your computer". Since the culprit drivers load even during safe mode there is no way to boot Windows. AVG recommends using the AVG rescue disc located here. After booting from the disc users should use midnight commander to rename their AVG folder, usually located at C:\program files (x86)\AVG, to any other name and then booting windows normally. However, any bootable flash drive or CD with an OS that can access NTFS file systems can be used to accomplish this task. I used a bootable Ubuntu flash drive.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

Kreij · Dec 4, 2010

More discussion in this thread in the General Software section.

Link posted to fix instruction in this thread too.

nick_1992 · Dec 4, 2010

You'd think they would have tested this stuff before sending it out... Sounds similar to the EVE-O problem a while ago where the patch killed your windows.

Kreij · Dec 4, 2010

Didn't mean to step on your news post, Pol, but this kind of thing can suck for people.
Glad you dumped into the news too. :toast:

LAN_deRf_HA · Dec 4, 2010

Any particular reason to use avg over mse? The whole false positive thing a is a bit excessive with avg.

function69 · Dec 4, 2010

Great job, AVG!

Dos101 · Dec 4, 2010

The updated prevented one of our servers at work from booting (ya I know, AVG on a server). All the employees were sure pissed when they couldn't run a program that connected to that server :shadedshu

Polaris573 · Dec 4, 2010

Kreij said:
Didn't mean to step on your news post, Pol, but this kind of thing can suck for people.
Glad you dumped into the news too.

No worries. We can discuss it in any thread. I just wanted an announcement on the front page for people that might still be searching for an answer.

DaveK · Dec 4, 2010

Makes me glad I don't use AVG, stopped using it a long time ago because it felt bloated.

lism · Dec 4, 2010

Making your OS completely cripple is just a bad thing.

micropage7 · Dec 4, 2010

avg i guess is one of best free antivirus, but i dunno later it has many false alarms, when i use it i marked my c: as exception than i got many warning based on false alarm, but its still nice anti virus if you skip that

Lionheart · Dec 4, 2010

Glad I don't use that program anymore...... Dumbarse's

Mussels · Dec 4, 2010

and this is another good reason for why i tell people NOT to use the free AV's. MSE is the only exception, since at least its been tested decently.

human_error · Dec 4, 2010

well I guess you can't infect a dead OS install with viruses, so really AVG is making your OS immune to infection

blu3flannel · Dec 4, 2010

I switched from AVG to Avast! and couldn't be happier. Doesn't give false alarms all the time and doesn't ask me to upgrade every 3 days.

Radi_SVK · Dec 4, 2010

DaveK said:
Makes me glad I don't use AVG, stopped using it a long time ago because it felt bloated.

Same here,I've stopped using AVG a while ago.I think that if such a program like Antivirus causes your OS to break,its unacceptable.

Mussels said:
and this is another good reason for why i tell people NOT to use the free AV's. MSE is the only exception, since at least its been tested decently.

Couldnt agree more.I've tried probably all free AVs in past 10 years,but only last year I was willing to pay for 1 years license,bit skeptical,because the forums are full of peoples comments that you will be fine with a free AV..now my license is soon to be expired,but without doubts I will renew..Im on Avast! PRO and its amazing.My computers security is rock solid,nothing unwanted will get in,its such a good feeling.Im also using paid version of Malwarebytes Antimalware and its fantastic too.

gunsmoke · Dec 4, 2010

I used it for 6 years not any more i Find AVG is a power hog on boot up
And makes web pages lag when its scaning internet trathic.

Easy Rhino · Dec 4, 2010

stopped using AVG years ago. has been going downhill for a long time now.

gunsmoke · Dec 4, 2010

Easy Rhino said:
stopped using AVG years ago. has been going downhill for a long time now.

After AGV 9 was all downhill from that point

LittleLizard · Dec 4, 2010

I used AVG till 8 and it was awesome but now, avast! has the responsabilty for safety in my pc

MxPhenom 216 · Dec 4, 2010

Just use MSE for your virus protection!

Vancha · Dec 4, 2010

Switched to Avast! around a couple of months ago and it's been incredibly well behaved. I suggest it to anyone looking for a new anti-virus.

..'Ant'.. · Dec 4, 2010

Well I'm happy to be using Microsoft Security Essentials and have no problems.

Lionheart · Dec 4, 2010

Yep, I also switched to Avast awhile back from AVG. AVG was good several yrs ago for me but like others said, bogged down the system

Plus I love dat update alert lady voice that Avast has "Virus Database Has Been Update"

gunsmoke · Dec 4, 2010

CHAOS_KILLA said:
Yep, I also switched to Avast awhile back from AVG. AVG was good several yrs ago for me but like others said, bogged down the system

Plus I love dat update alert lady voice that Avast has "Virus Database Has Been Update"

When i herd that voice i had my sound on full on boot up,
It made me jump out my skin.

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AVG Update Cripples Windows

Polaris573

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Kreij

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