Autoexec.bat

[techgranny]

I have done a lot of research on the subject and I am still unsure about proceding.
I have two entries for an old AV in my Autoexec.bat which I would like to get rid of permenently. Eventhough they are unchecked, I think they may be causing trouble. When I looked into it I started reading things about REM and now I don't know what to do. I have no intention of returning to the old AV and if I did wouldn't it just install itself again?
If I can edit the lines out how should I do it? I think I read about a couple of different ways to go about this.
And why isn't there an entry for my present AV? Should there be one?:unsure2:
Questions? I got a million of them but let's just start there!:spinny:

[GlitchPC]

Certainly, a little more information about your operating system and anti-virus software could help here.

The more info you provide, the better suited we are to helping you.

Let's assume you're running Windows 98...we'd need to know what antivirus software you're talking about...and why you're even worrying about entries in your autoexec.bat file.

Depending on the AV software...usually, uninstalling the program from Add/Remove Programs will remove the program...depending on what program it actually is.

Again...depending on the AV software, some files may be leftover and may have to be deleted manually. CCleaner usually helps in this regard. There are also other programs and removal tools which will help remove a stubborn AV product. Norton Anti-Virus being one of them. If you are replacing Norton AV, then I'd suggest using their removal tool.

Before I go on, though...a little more info would be needed here.

---------- Post added at 02:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:25 PM ----------

Editing your autoexec.bat file can be done through Windows...

Simply do the following:


Click Start
Select Run
In the text box type sysedit and click the OK button
When the System Configuration window opens, select autoexec.bat
You can make your changes and then close the window making sure you save your changes, when prompted to do so
Reboot the computer, in order for the changes to take effect

Again, the more info you provide us, the better suited we are to help. You may want to take some time and read this (http://glitchpc.com/forums/view_support_submission_guidelines.htm).

[techgranny]

Sorry, I am running 98se with Avast free edition and am trying to remove AVG 6 free edition. I have been to the AVG site including forums but can't find what I need to know.
When I got this computer it was a mess and I uninstalled the AVG to install Avast but it left some files behind. I did use Ccleaner but the entries in Autoexec.bat were still there so I unchecked them. For the past two years I have been fairly happy with my computer but every now and then it does something strange.
A couple of weeks ago when I started it I got a message that files needed for startup were missing and I should run scanreg, so I did and everything was fine. A couple of days later I started getting display problems so I was looking around and found some of the AVG files had returned. This time Ccleaner isn't recognizing them and that's when I started to look into the autoexec.bat entries.
I figured that even if they weren't the root of the trouble it wouldn't hurt to get rid of stuff I don't need.

[GlitchPC]

Well...if you want to get rid of some of the stuff you don't need...I wouldn't recommend screwing around with the autoexec.bat file...or the config.sys file, for that matter.

AVG has a removal tool, but I'm not sure if it works with Windows 98 and can be found here (http://www.avg.com/us-en/download-tools).

Also...if I'm not mistaken, Windows 98 can run without an autoexec.bat file...but, don't hold me to it. I haven't used 98 in a long, long time. Simply using [Rem] can edit out lines from the autoexec.bat file. However, I don't recommend screwing around with those files if you don't need to.

I really don't believe the issues you are having with this computer are related to the remaining AVG files you have been referring to. Specifically since you mentioned display issues. I'm assuming this computer is quite old...since it's running Windows 98SE. Your issues may be hardware related. Has that crossed your mind?

You've also stated you have received a message about missing boot files...which may be caused by a faulty hard drive or corrupt Windows files.

Personally, if you want to save this machine...I'd back up whatever I wanted to save, check all the hardware in it...and though it may not be cost effective...replace any failing or failed hardware...and finally. re-install the operating system.

Your original issue about removing the AVG entries can be resolved a couple of ways...


Use the AVG removal tool I referred to earlier
Uninstall avast! and re-install a later version of AVG compatible with 98SE and then uninstall it and replace it with avast!

I'd stay tuned for other replies, though...

[BC_Programming]

If you've already run the uninstaller from add/remove programs, then you can delete the lines. another method likely suggested to you regarding "REM" is to place "REM" in front of the line. for example, instead of:


DEVICE=C:\progra~1\AVG6\doschk.exe


you place "REM" in front of it:

REM DEVICE=C:\progra~1\AVG6\doschk.exe


this same procedure works with any line in autoexec.bat or config.sys. If you then find you have an issue after the change, you can change the line back by removing the REM.

[techgranny]

Well I tryed the uninstaller but I just got "AVGREMOVER caused an invalid page fault in module AVGREMOVER.exe". You say it's no big deal and I believe you so I am dropping the matter. I'm still curious as to why the files came back and why AVG was in Autoexec.bat but Avast doesn't need to be but I must move on.
My quest actually began with the display issues and I have some questions about that but I don't know the protocol. Do I carry on here or do I start a new thread and am I in the proper forum? ( Warned you I had a lot of questions and Hi BC_P!)

[GlitchPC]

Your best bet to completely remove your version of AVG would be to reinstall the program and then use the removal tool to completely remove the program from your system. The error code you are getting when using the removal tool is common if you have already tried to uninstall the program. The removal tool cannot find the executable file, that is why you are receiving that error message.

If you're having display issues that should be started in another thread. You can start a new thread in the Hardware forum.

---------- Post added at 07:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:40 PM ----------

Install/Uninstall directions:


Boot into Safe Mode (http://glitchpc.com/forums/view_safe_mode.htm)
Disable, or turn off any other malware programs
Install AVG
Boot normally
Reboot to Safe Mode
Hopefully you kept the AVG removal tool. If so, run the AVG removal tool from Safe Mode.

[GlitchPC]

It's been 4 days and you haven't replied, techgranny...

Were they able to help you here: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php?topic=94176.0

Wonder why the subject started off with System Restore, since there is no System Restore on a Windows 98 machine.

Like I said...follow my previous advice...



Best of luck!

[jjFarking]

I'm a little concerned about two statements here:
When I got this computer it was a mess
and For the past two years I have been fairly happy with my computer but every now and then it does something strange.

Now, that would suggest that Windows 98se was already installed on the computer, which means you will have potentially inherited the problems of the original installation - meaning that obscure issues, not immediately obvious in general use, would rear their heads with prolonged use..

Unless you run MS-DOS programs, or those that rely on it, there's no need for any entries in the autoexec.bat

Have you been successful in scanning your system through an online scanner? If your problems are associated with malware of sorts, this could explain some of the problems you're describing, though these problems (also the graphical ones) could be related to Windows killing itself - earlier versions of this OS had a habit of doing that :eek:

Was the Windows CD included with the PC (as is required by the EULA)?
Are you using the latest available drivers for your current hardware (including graphics card)?

Have Glitch's suggestions fixed your problems perhaps?

:D

[techgranny]

Uninstall avast! and re-install a later version of AVG compatible with 98SE and then uninstall it and replace it with avast!
Boot into Safe Mode
Disable, or turn off any other malware programs Glitch; I am confused. Do I need to uninstall Avast or does it not run in safe or can I disable it with the Close Program Dialoge box or another way? Or does the second quote assume that Avast is uninstalled and you are referring to things like Spybot. And if I uninstall Avast will I lose my logs and definition updates?
JJ; I am very interested in responding to your reply but first I must see if I can execute Glitch's suggestions before I get pulled away again. If I had it my way I would spend 18 hrs a day at my computer. I really hope you don't lose interest in the meantime.

[GlitchPC]

Okay...

If you want to use avast!, then just disable that program, for now. Do the same with any other malware programs you have running on the computer. You do not need to uninstall it, but remember...two anti-virus programs actively running at the same time can cause system instability.

Your original thread stated you are worried about the entries frm AVG in your Autoexec.bat file...and you've been given the suggestions to remove those lines, by either deleting the lines in that file or using REM at the beginning of each AVG referenced line you wish to have removed.

Now...if you want to make sure AVG is completely removed from your system, then you need to reinstall the AVG product that was installed, originally, and then following the directions I have given you above...use the removal tool to completely rid yourself of AVG.

However, I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill. If you have removed AVG from your computer using Add/Remove Programs...then you should have no worries. Just continue to use avast!, as usual.

Again, the reason the AVG Removal Tool gives you that particular error, is that it cannot find the AVG .exe file...because it has already been removed. Some files were left over...but that's no biggie.

If your avast! is working and performing as it should, then you have no worries. If you want to make sure your computer is totally virus free, then follow this link, Malware Removal Guide (http://glitchpc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45), and then post a new thread in that forum with the logs requested in the guide.

I hope I haven't confused you further, but this topic is really not as difficult as you may think it is.

Removing the lines referring to AVG from the Autoexec.bat file has been discussed. Completely removing AVG from your PC has been discussed, as well...with the information you need to completely rid yourself of the program.

You have also mentioned some issues regarding the display, but that's a horse of a different color and should be addressed in another of our forums, Hardware...as a matter of fact.

Keep us posted...and let us know just what it is you want done after you have either removed the lines from your Autoexe.bat file, or completely removed AVG from your computer.

[techgranny]

I did as you said and AVG is all gone. Thank you

[GlitchPC]

You're welcome...