AVG 2011 Update Causes Widespread Problems For 64-Bit Windows

phx_zs writes "Last night's mandatory update of AVG 2011 Free edition has caused most 64-bit Windows 7 PCs to fail while loading Windows. On their website they have an FAQ with instructions on how to repair the problem using a boot CD or USB device."

Comments

Re:Microsoft Security Essentuals

[Anonymous Coward]

Agreed on that one - I've migrated away from recommending AVG or AVAST to Microsoft Security Essentials to any Windows user who doesn't want to shell out for an AV.

(The turning point was the AVG link scanner. That was a terrible idea and a sure sign it was headed for the toilet quickly.)

To any who do prefer higher-quality, paid antivirus software, I've found ESET NOD32 to be consistently excellent, or Kaspersky AV if you want to trade speed for thoroughness on deeply-nested archives (not always a good idea). (I have to begrudgingly admit that the newest Norton is not completely awful like we've come to expect but still isn't something that would ever appear on my recommendation list. McAfee would never appear there under any circumstances.)

Re:Antivirus?

[tgrigsby]

You don't get them by opening email or surfing the web these days. Tracking cookies are not viruses.

You absolutely CAN get an infection from simply surfing the web. I was one of the people affected by the AVG Update Of Death, but I recovered and I will continue to use them in part because it integrates with Firefox and has stopped numerous attacks by intercepting seemingly innocuous sites. If you're not aware of the danger involved in simply surfing the web, you should do a little honest research.

Re:Ask a friend

[Fulg]

What's a decent free one to use?

If you have to run Windows, the Microsoft Security Essentials package is excellent. I haven't had the urge to uninstall it yet (unlike Avast and AVG), and it doesn't noticeably slow your system. It's free if you have a valid Windows license...