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Avira False Positive: Removing Antivirus as a Threat

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

Sometimes Avira antivirus can incorrectly identify its own files or processes as viruses. This guide shows you how to safely remove the false positive and prevent it from happening again.

Steps to Remove Avira False Positive

  1. Identify the Problem File/Process: When Avira flags something, it will usually show a notification with the file name or process name. Note this down carefully. Common culprits include files in the Avira installation directory (e.g., C:Program FilesAvira) or processes like avguard.exe or similar.
  2. Temporarily Disable Real-Time Protection: This is crucial to prevent Avira from continuously blocking its own files during the removal process.
    • Open the Avira Antivirus interface.
    • Navigate to Protection > Real-time protection.
    • Turn off Real-time Protection. You may be prompted for administrator permissions.
  3. Add Exception/Exclusion: This is the preferred method, as it allows Avira to continue running without interfering with legitimate files.
    • In the Avira interface, go to Settings > Exceptions.
    • Click Add exception.
    • Choose File path and browse to the location of the flagged file (e.g., C:Program FilesAviraantivirus.exe). Alternatively, you can add an exception for a specific process by selecting Process name and entering the process name (e.g., avguard.exe).
    • Click Save.
  4. Run a Full System Scan: After adding the exception, run a full system scan to confirm that Avira no longer detects the file as a threat.
    • In the Avira interface, go to Smart Scans > Full scan.
    • Start the scan and wait for it to complete.
  5. If Exception Doesn’t Work: Restore from Quarantine (if applicable): If Avira has already quarantined the file, you’ll need to restore it.
    • In the Avira interface, go to Quarantine.
    • Locate the flagged file in the quarantine list.
    • Select the file and click Restore. You may be prompted for administrator permissions.
  6. Re-enable Real-Time Protection: Once you’ve added the exception or restored the file, re-enable real-time protection.
    • Go back to Protection > Real-time protection.
    • Turn on Real-time Protection.
  7. Update Avira Definitions: Ensure you have the latest virus definitions.
    • In the Avira interface, go to Settings > Updates.
    • Click Update database.
  8. Check for Conflicting Software: Sometimes other security software can interfere with Avira.
    • Review your installed programs and uninstall any unnecessary or conflicting antivirus/security tools.

Advanced Troubleshooting (If the problem persists)

  1. Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot to rule out software conflicts.
    • Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
    • Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
    • Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
    • Restart your computer. If Avira works correctly after a clean boot, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the conflicting software.
  2. Reinstall Avira: As a last resort, uninstall Avira completely (using the Avira Removal Tool if necessary – available on the Avira website) and then reinstall it.
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