Avira Antivirus update cripples millions of Windows PCs

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    Avira Antivirus update cripples millions of Windows PCs


    Posted: 15 May 2012
    Avira has sent out a defective antivirus update that is causing paid versions of its product to block critical Windows processes and third-party software, effectively rendering millions of PCs unusable.
    Read more at:
    Avira Antivirus update cripples millions of Windows PCs | ZDNet
    Brink's Avatar Posted By: Brink
    15 May 2012



  1. Posts : 2,588
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
       #1

    That is quite embarrassing for one of the most top rated antiviruses...

    Remember that time MSE blocked Google chrome because it detected it as malware? That wasn't near as bad as shutting out the operating system for all PAID subscribers...

    Each of these gotta get back on their game, little problems like these add up.

    Good read, Brink
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  2. Posts : 8,375
    W7 Ultimate x64/W10 Pro x64/W11 Pro Triple Boot - Main PC W7 Remote PC Micro ATX W7 Pro x64/W11 Pro
       #2

    A few years back AVG saw a bad update people were warned about. Every so often regardless of which software company or product an update may end up seeing a coding error. Best to disable automatic updates until a particular company resolves the problem.
    Last edited by Brink; 15 May 2012 at 21:43. Reason: moved here from duplicate thread
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  3. Posts : 1,533
    Windows 7 Professional x64 Service Pack 1
       #3

    I'm glad I use Microsoft Security Essentials. THIS is one of the reasons why I don't use third party antivirus products.
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  4. Posts : 2,588
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
       #4

    windude99 said:
    I'm glad I use Microsoft Security Essentials. THIS is one of the reasons why I don't use third party antivirus products.
    Yea, I'm sure MSE won't be shutting out Microsoft's OSes that it runs on any time soon. And I too love how well it integrates with Windows. If its detection rate is a few points off other leading antiviruses, that is completely fine with me. I'm just happy it is lightweight, and offers excellent detection while its at it.
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  5. Posts : 7,781
    Win 7 32 Home Premium, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1, Win 10
       #5

    Night Hawk said:
    A few years back AVG saw a bad update people were warned about. Every so often regardless of which software company or product an update may end up seeing a coding error. Best to disable automatic updates until a particular company resolves the problem.
    Good point. I usually wait a day or 2 before applying Windows updates to make sure something isn't causing problems. Other programs are set to "Notify me of an update, but do not install." It's saved me headaches a few times, when a update/fix was put out, only to read the next day it was causing havoc.
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  6. Posts : 2,588
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
       #6

    Borg 386 said:
    I usually wait a day or 2 before applying Windows updates to make sure something isn't causing problems. Other programs are set to "Notify me of an update, but do not install." It's saved me headaches a few times, when a update/fix was put out, only to read the next day it was causing havoc.
    But that means I actually have to read. Too much work
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  7. Posts : 72,059
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #7
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 8,375
    W7 Ultimate x64/W10 Pro x64/W11 Pro Triple Boot - Main PC W7 Remote PC Micro ATX W7 Pro x64/W11 Pro
       #8

    Borg 386 said:
    Night Hawk said:
    A few years back AVG saw a bad update people were warned about. Every so often regardless of which software company or product an update may end up seeing a coding error. Best to disable automatic updates until a particular company resolves the problem.
    Good point. I usually wait a day or 2 before applying Windows updates to make sure something isn't causing problems. Other programs are set to "Notify me of an update, but do not install." It's saved me headaches a few times, when a update/fix was put out, only to read the next day it was causing havoc.
    In the last couple of years here I've been running with the VIPRE Home Premium version of GFI software formerly Sunbelt with a large surprise of no longer needing multiple programs for adwares, spywares, and then for another av program. The program is so light weight you don't even know when it is running a scheduled scan and has caught bugs inside downloads stored over several years all other programs have missed! Well except for the updated Windows Defender being the rebranded MS Security Essential that will be seen in the next version.

    So what was the one problem with VIPRE? The transitional update for the latest version being VIPRE Internet 2012 when going on as an update installed a network adapter filter that was knocking people offline! When installed separately however no problem was seen as the latest version. GFI went right to work for a solution while I found simply uninstalling all items for Network adapters in the Device Manager after shutting VIPRE down and then restarting the system saw the IE connection restored and passed along to their support.

    I'm not suprised to see that Avira also seems to have worked fast on a resolve too! The AVG bug a few years simply removed a few system files it saw as false positives until that was solved at the time. Most companies will want to clean up any goobered updates fast to maintain their rep! since all are competing with each other. This report will be the good news for anyone running Avira.
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  9. Posts : 53,365
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #9

    Avira "fixes" PC-crippling update bug

    On Monday, Avira issued a faulty Service Pack for all of its products running on 32-bit versions of Windows, which resulted in massive problems for users as the AntiVirProActiv component began detecting pretty much every executable as malware.
    Source

    ProActiv Application Blocking: Latest Information and Solutions

    The application blocking issue has been settled in our latest product update. The current versions of Avira’s Windows desktop products are now operating smoothly.

    We are working hard to get to the bottom of the problem. Until a permanent fix is available, the ProActiv module remains disabled.

    Background:

    On May 14 and 15, 2012, following the release of Service Pack 0 (SP0) for Avira Version 2012, the ProActiv feature blocked legitimate Windows applications on customers’ PCs.

    Affected products:
    Avira Professional Security
    Avira Internet Security 2012
    Avira Antivirus Premium 2012

    We deeply regret any difficulties this has caused you. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
    Source

    A Guy
      My Computer


 
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