Poss Google Blocker and Anti Virus Update Blocker

[GrouchoUK]

I have AVG 8 installed on a laptop and a PC- the laptop updates the AVG download fine and Google works perfectly.
However the PC version (same release number) refuses to download the AVG DB and Virus updater.
Google on the PC appears to have been hijacked - it goes off to unexpected sites in the first click instance - second click is fine.
It's this behaviour of Google that I have been trying to solve with an AVG update. I have run HijackThis and it reports it can't open the Hosts file to amend. I have also tried Spybot. Again Spybot runs fine on my Laptop but fails to update on the PC.
I suspect that whatever is causing my problems with Google is also interupting any calls to spyware eraser sites in order to protect itself.
I know tomorrow is Friday the 13th but this has been bugging me for about a week.
I should also point out that the AVG update from directory also reports a checksum failure. So I'm running out of ideas.
Can anyone can shed some light on this please?

[stroyal]

Did you try running AVG, and spybot from safe mode?

Welcome to TechIMO!

[GrouchoUK]

Thanks for that but yes I have tried in Safe Mode.
AVG in Safe gives no option to update the database and Spybot reports 'Unresolved web address' the same as in normal mode.

[stroyal]

I didn't think you could update, just scan.

You could try typing msconfig in the run box, then disable all start up items.

Then go to the boot.ini tab and check safeboot hit OK and you will reboot into a safer safemode. Try scanning then.

I had all but forgotten this, until JasonzOrz reminder me the other day.

Regular safe mode has an option for network connection, but I don't know if you can update with it. Sounds like you tried that.

Check those start up items, it could be one of those giving you the problem.

[JLK03F150]

AVG is broken on the PC. Just uninstall it for now. You'll need a new AV installed after you fix the PC.

IMO it's best to disconnect it from the network & use the notebook & a thumb drive.

Download malwarebytes and avast to the notebook, transfer them to the PC with the PC in safe mode, then run both of them. I noticed Avast can't find the Chest/Vault in safe mode, I had it rename & move files. That option worked well.

[SeanC]

What web browser are you using? What version of Windows?

[GrouchoUK]

I use Firefox as my default but I have also tried various things with IE set as default.

[GrouchoUK]

JLK03F150 Thanks - it appears I now have control of Google. Avast got rid of 15 infected links.
I don't think I will return to AVG.
Thanks for the help.