Computer will not install an antivirus program

Liquorice_Twirls

Hi,
I tried to update my Dell Desktop PC running Windows 7 64-bit's AVG Free to AVG Free 2011. The installation files downloaded and seemed to install. It then asked me for a reboot, which I did, but when it loaded up again, the AVG installation didn't go any further. I then turned the PC off via the power button as it seemed to be stuck.

However, when I turned it back on again, there was no AVG anywhere on the start menu or desktop. I then attempted to install AVG 2011 64-bit from scratch, but whilst this downloads fine, it won't install: the setup just never loads.

This also happens with Microsoft Security Essentials, which again downloads fine, but when I click to run the executable file, a box flashes up then disappears in a fraction of a second.

I thought it might be a virus, but an updated Quick MalwareBytes scan runs fine and comes back with no malware warnings.

I obviously don't want to leave the computer with no anti-virus but I can't seem to install one.

thanks for any help

free4440273

Admin rights? Try installing as administrator/try avast -- excellent :cool: /

Liquorice_Twirls

Tried that for Microsoft Security Essentials and did nothing for the situation- same as before.

With AVG, it did start the installation and then failed, but it did produce an error message this time, which it hasn't before.
Code: 0xC0070643
It described it as a general internal error, and also "MSI engine: failed to install."

I'm reluctant to try Avast as the person who will be using it normally isn't very technical minded.

paulsad

May be daft question...
Are you running windows 64bit? If not you may need 32bit.

Just that mines sposed to be 64 but it struggles with a lot of software these days

Dan_Gleebitz

Liquorice_Twirls wrote: »

I'm reluctant to try Avast as the person who will be using it normally isn't very technical minded.

Why is that then? Avast is very easy to use and a very trustworthy programme.
Dan

free4440273

Liquorice_Twirls wrote: »

Tried that for Microsoft Security Essentials and did nothing for the situation- same as before.

With AVG, it did start the installation and then failed, but it did produce an error message this time, which it hasn't before.
Code: 0xC0070643
It described it as a general internal error, and also "MSI engine: failed to install."

I'm reluctant to try Avast as the person who will be using it normally isn't very technical minded.

Avast is very much an install and forget solution / :cool:

Enterprise_1701C

Try this: do a system restore to before you started trying to install a new AV, download the new AV, turn off current AV, then try to install the new one. Sometimes AVs do not like programmes being installed.

DCFC79

Liquorice_Twirls wrote: »

I'm reluctant to try Avast as the person who will be using it normally isn't very technical minded.

imo avast is very easy to use and its even better for people who know just enough to use 1 eg do a weekly scan etc, i have avira installed on xp machine and avast on laptop on xp and pc on 7

Blackjack_Davy

You're trying to install AVG on a 64bit computer? Take a look at this:

http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2010/12/03/avg-bug-kills-64-bit-computers/?

I wouldn't touch AVG if you paid me, go with Avira or Avast instead.

closed

Avast is better and lighter than both mse and avg, and requires no more technical skills than any other option, try it.

Liquorice_Twirls

Avast didn't work either- stuck again at a point in the install, and won't restart the installation so I reckon it's a wider problem with the computer.

Am I likely to have a system restore point from before the first attempt at an AVG update given that it was about a week ago? If so, where will I l find them?

I heard about the AVG bug but didn't think it was relevant to me as it's not stuck in an infinite restart loop, but it may be related I suppose as it had issues on the restart. I won't try and install it again, but it's not letting me install anything else either.