How to fix system instability when using AVG Internet Security 8 with ThreatFire Antivirus?

I have AVG Internet Security 8 installed and I'm experiencing system instability such as applications not loading, programs becoming unresponsive, or systems failing to load and operate beyond the basic desktop.



ThreatFire Antivirus comes from PC Tools. The new version 3.5, released in May 2008, adds an on-demand signature-based scanner, a mostly just-for-fun world map that shows detected threats, and a useful system-activity monitor that provides a good deal of information on the programs and services running on your PC.

This problem is due to an issue with the ThreatFire updater if you were running ThreatFire v. 3.0.14.16 and you upgraded to ThreatFire v. 3.5.0.21 automatically (or without fully uninstalling and reinstalling first).

If you have this issue with AVG Internet Security 8, boot to safe mode and then uninstall ThreatFire.

You can get into safe mode by pressing F8 after your POST screen and before Windows boots up.

Once this is finished, you can now update to the latest version of ThreatFire.

If you have ThreatFire v. 3.0.14.16 installed and you have NOT YET upgraded to the latest version, please follow these steps to add ThreatFire as an exception in AVG:

1. In AVG's main window, Go to Heading "Tools" and select "Advanced Tools."

2. In the "Resident Shield" option, there is a subheading listed as "exceptions."

3. In here, there button named "Add Path." Click this and point it to your ThreatFire install directory (Typically "C:\Program Files\ThreatFire").

4. Click Ok, and let AVG's window make the change (If you have User Access Controls in Vista enabled).

5. In the main window, double-click the "Resident Shield" box. Uncheck the box that says "Resident Shield Active."

6. Click "Save changes" and allow it to continue (again only if you have Vista UAC enabled).

Only now are you ready to update to ThreatFire 3.5.0.21!

7. After ThreatFire has updated and you have rebooted, You can go back into AVG's main window and re-enable Resident Shield. The Exception list must remain in its settings for ThreatFire to function properly, however.

8. You can do this by double-clicking "Resident Shield" again and rechecking the "Resident Shield Active" box. Then saving and allowing it to continue (with Vista UAC.)

PC Tools is a global leader in innovative software products designed to protect the privacy and security of Windows computer users. PC Tools publishes software and provides technical resources for securing, protecting and maintaining the Windows operating system. Products from PC Tools: Spyware Doctor, PC Tools AntiVirus, Registry Mechanic, File Recover, Privacy Guardian, Spam Monitor.