Posted on 12/02/2010 7:36:38 PM PST by Gomez
Even safe mode cannot end devil-spawned reboot loop
An update from AVG on Wednesday night rendered 64 bit Windows 7 systems unstable after it was applied.
Several Register readers have been affected by the problem, which leaves machines in a continuous reboot loop.
AVG has pulled the problem update (3292) and published an advisory apologising for the cock-up and providing instructions on how to get hobbled systems back up and running again.
Recovering a Blue Screened PC is more involved than simply rebooting in safe mode, as the security vendor explains. Desktop versions of Windows 7 seem particularly prone to the bug.
It's unclear whether or not other versions of Windows are vulnerable to going weak at the knees after applying the misfiring update from AVG. Both free and paid-for versions of the software seem to be problematic.
Users have vented their understandable frustration through AVG's online forum.
AVG hasn't said what caused the problem, but normally such auto-immune snafus occur when security software packages identify a vital Windows component as potentially malign. Such problems are far from unknown in the anti-virus biz and have affected multiple vendors in the past.
Testing procedures have been improved across the industry, but not fast enough to cope with the growing volume of updates vendors are obliged to publish in response to increased malware production rates.
ping
Reason #3,987 that I’m glad I switched to Avast.
This is nominated as the 2nd most confusing title for a technical thread .... Today, at least. 8<)
I had a problem last night and had to reinstall a backup, now I know what caused it.................
My computer runs Windows 7 Professional, 64 bit and seemed fine after the update.
I had to boot the wife's computer into Recovery Mode, and simply restored to a point prior to the AVG update that caused the problem. Disabled AVG updates until the patch is/becomes available.
I’ve heard several reports lately about how messed up the newer versions and updates to AVG are. I have it on one PC and am taking it off.
Is this what happened to my last computer?
I ran AVG and it just puked.
I dropped AVG after Microsoft Security Essentials came out. AVG began getting bloated in my opinion.
I use AVG with Vista, no problems I can see.
I also have 2 Linux live discs if I need them
What? It said “Ballsup Bricks Windows 7”
Makes sense to me.
Avast is the way to go.
actually the information provided is quite clear . I have found this thread not only informative but educational. i never knew what a continuous re-boot was.
“Linux, When life throws you those curve balls”
I gave Windows 7 x64 a five week trial; finally got disgusted with the most bloated sluggish system Microsoft has ever put out. I’m now running Windows XP x64.
Reason #3,987 that I’m glad I switched to Avira!
ping, may explain why you are having problems
Thanks Gomez. That’s what happened to MY puter Sunday a week ago! The screen turned black, a bunch of gibberish including DATA DUMP rolled across the screen; it went through several convulsions like that, including the DATA DUMP gibberish, and then finally came up in Safe Mode. When I ran my Norton Restore disks I got everything back but it was still all screwed up. After reinstalling Windows 7 it seems to be O.K. I had no idea that Microsoft was actually the cause of it.
Which reminds me..... What is Bill Gates’ wife’s name? Melissa, maybe? Anyhow....do you know what she said to Bill on their wedding night when they fooled around?
She said: “Now I know why they call it MICRO SOFT!
I feel like I should post something useful here, like, check my tagline or something?
End it, don’t mend it.
Stay away from the porn and you won’t need this kind of software IMO.
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