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michael sharmanmichael sharman 

exclamation mark on AVG icon

Since your latest AVG Free update, whenever I do an AVG scan an exclamation mark appears on the AVG icon in the system tray. It goes away if I do a Repair or if I restart my computer. But it returns every time I do a scan.
All components of AVG are showing as working OK and the scan completes, so what does the exclamation mark mean?
KarthikeyanKarthikeyan (Foundever) 
Hello Michael,

Do you see this exclamation mark while running AVG scan?

If it is, then does it fix automatically after the scan?

If not, please send me the screenshot http://avgclick.me/getscreenshot of the AVG icon with exclamation mark and the AVG interface. We will check the same and assist you further.
michael sharmanmichael sharman
You don't seem to understand what I am telling you - do you understand these things?.I told you quite clearly that the exclamation mark appears when I do a scan, and that it it won't go away unless I restart my computer, so why are you asking if it is fixed after the scan? Clearly it isn't - it is doing a scan that causes the situation.

It is your latest update that has caused the situation - there was no problem before. You need to find an expert who understands what happened with that update and why it has caused this.

Anyhow, my question was - what does the exclamation mark mean? You haven't answered my question.
Alan BinchAlan Binch
Michael, If applicable.. For your info, just in case that you are unaware, you can post the screenshot here in your topic. Click on 'Answer' & then click on the 'Image' [mountain symbol] & follow the instructions. 
AVG Guru
michael sharmanmichael sharman
I can't send a screenshot of the exclamation mark at the moment because I've restarted my computer and that gets rid of it. But I know it will reappear next time I do a scan.
I don't want to have to restart my computer every time I do a scan, which is why I asked the question. But the reply from Karthikeyan showed he hasn't a clue what's going on - a screenshot is not going to help him - it just looks like an exclamation mark.
 
Terry CTerry C
I have the exact same problem.  It only started today after the new update today. 

Clearly, AVG has once again screwed something up with an update which was previously working.  Please, each and every single person who has noticed this problem today post that they have the problem.   Once again, I have to question if AVG does a thorough quality control testing before releasing an update.
Terry CTerry C
To clarify, the icon with the exclamation mark is on the task bar at the bottom-right of the screen (down by the time).  See screenshot.

AVG Exclamation mark
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Terry, thank you for the screenshot.
Can you right click on "AVG system tray icon" and provide the screenshot of the window that appears?
Terry CTerry C
Hi Balasubramanian,

I can confirm that this is occuring on both computers I have here (one Windows 8 and one Windows 10 machine).  As Michael Sharman indicated, the exclamlation mark only appears after a scan.  Here is the screenshot you requested.


  User-added image

 
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Thank you for the screenshot.
In this case, I request you to perform a re-installation using AVG clear tool.
Run the clear tool as mentioned (here) to remove AVG Internet Security traces.
Install AVG Internet Security as mentioned (here) and keep us informed about the status.
Terry CTerry C
SERIOUSLY?  That is your solution? 
  1. I have told you that I have this problem on TWO different computers (two different operating systems and I should further explain that each of those computers have a different paid subscription).  Not only me, but the original poster, Michael Sharman, complained of the problem.  How likely is it that two different computers in my home, plus Michael Sharmans computer suddenly started having this problem only AFTER AVG RELEASED AN UPDATE?
  2. A clean re-installation is AVG's answer to everything.  Which further goes to prove my point that AVG is one of the glitchiest and non-robust pieces of software out there.  How many times does AVG suggest re-installing its software to resolve a problem? 
  3. Before suggesting that people take the time to do a clean install, you should understand the problem.  This is not just ONE computer in my home, but TWO and only after your update.  As well, someone else reported this problem.
PLEASE, if other people are having this problem, add your incident to this topic to let AVG know it is a widespread problem.
 
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Terry, I do understand the problem and re-installation is one of the troubleshooting step which we recommend to our customers.
If you check the status on one of the PC we will be able to proceed further on this matter.
I appreciate your understanding.
michael sharmanmichael sharman
I agree with Terry C's comments. It is clear that AVG's update has caused this problem - it is up to AVG to correct it. Why should we have to reinstall? I regard my original post as being unanswered.
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Sorry, Michael.
The exclamation mark usually occurs when AVG Antivirus/Internet Security put to passive mode, components remaining inactive or when update fails.
This situation looks weird and it is necessary to analyze the root cause.
I have sent an email for you to send us the log files.
If the email is not found in inbox do check in spam and junk folders.
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Terry, I am not able to find your email address as you posted on Michael's query.
You can create a new community post from which I can send you email instruction on how to send us the log files.
natale borghettinatale borghetti
I am having the exact problem here (after last update) with two different pc with windoes 7 62bit, is clearly something wrong on your update
AvinashAvinash (Avast) 
Natalie, if it is 18.3 version of AVG that you are using and if you are a paid user of AVG, please contact our technical support team ( http://avgclick.me/AVGtechnical ) for further assistance. If it is a free version of AVG that you use, please start a new thread so we can collect necessary logs to escalate the issue to our higher level technicians.
Alan BinchAlan Binch
As requested by Balasubramanian (AVG Technologies) user Terry C has now posted their own topic (https://support.avg.com/answers?id=9060N000000PimPQAS).
AVG Guru
Terry CTerry C
Perhaps someone can confirm.  To me, it seems Passive mode is turned off.  Does this mean my computers are NOT in passive mode?  If not, what is causing the exclamation mark icon?

User-added image
KarthikeyanKarthikeyan (Foundever) 
To analyse this case further, we have sent you an email to collect error logs from your computer.

Please follow the steps from the email and send us the log files.

We will analyse the logs and contact you via email with a solution.
Janet GittinsJanet Gittins
I have EXACTLY the same problem.   I am a paid user.
I wonder if the excalamation mark is appearing because I clicked on the SKIP AND IGNOR button relating to Performance Issues at the end of the scan.  
KarthikeyanKarthikeyan (Foundever) 
Hello Janet,

I am sorry to hear that.

Please send me the screenshot http://avgclick.me/getscreenshot of the AVG program you have and the AVG icon with exclamatory mark.

We will check the same and assist you further.
Alan BinchAlan Binch
@ Janet Gittins
Janet, For your info, just in case that you are unaware, you can post the screenshot here in your topic. Click on 'Answer' & then click on the 'Image' [mountain symbol] & follow the instructions. 
AVG Guru
Janet GittinsJanet Gittins
User-added image
Janet GittinsJanet Gittins
I am running Internet Security (paid for) on Windows 7   I have mad a screen shot, which is the same as Terry C's abover.   How do I attach it to this reply.   
 
Alan BinchAlan Binch
@ Janet Gittins
Janet, Your screenshot is actually visible within the Community topic.
AVG Guru
KarthikeyanKarthikeyan (Foundever) 
Thank you. Screenshot is visible in this community post.

Please check your email for the steps to collect error log from your computer.

Send us the log files, we will analyse the same and contact you via email with a solution.
Alan BinchAlan Binch
@ natale borghetti
Natale, Your case is already escalated to the AVG senior team. Please do not worry, they will analyse the logs and contact you via email with a solution.
AVG Guru
B TylrB Tylr
After the update of the April 3 2018 I also have the i on the AVG. This has only started since this latest AVG update.B Tylr
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Hello Terry,

Yes, passive mode is turned off which means that it is not active.
If it is active then it means that AVG protection is temporarily turned off.
The reason for this exclamation mark is not yet known but we are working on this.
We will come up with a solution as soon as possible.
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Hello B Tylr,

We are aware of this issue and analyzing the files to find the root cause.
We will come up with a solution as soon as possible.
George NelsonGeorge Nelson
I have the same problem with the exclamation mark appearing in the system tray. This is Windows 7 x64 running AVB Internet Security. I believe the exclamation mark appeared after the reboot but not sure if it did. I tried to open AVG but got an error that it failed to launch. Tried to launch it again and this time it started. I'm pretty sure the exclamation mark was present at this point - incidentally if I roll the mouse over the ACG icon I get a pop-up window that says: Internet Security. You are protected. Never got this before and I've been running internet security for a number of years.

I also agree with comments about the number of popup messages from AVG trying to flog more S/W. I will NEVER install a PC tuneup program as I don't trust these (even the designer of the Windows registry claims it is too complex for any program to clean it safely). I am quite happy to do the clean up of my PC myself. I always skip the perfomance scan step as I have no intention of letting AVG clean out thinks that it thinks is junk. Also when it tries to flog VPN because anybody can see my location is wrong - it is basing my location on my IP address which is actually on my broadband supplier's server and that is the location that is reported - many miles from where I live. I would imagine the same is true for any user (at least in the UK) whether it is a fixed or dynamic IP address that their provider uses.
I would appreciate AVG removing these messages or at least provide settings where I can turn them off
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
George, we will come up with the solution for resolving exclamation mark on AVG system tray icon as soon as possible.
Your patience is much appreciated.
If you have paid version of AVG Antivirus/Internet Security, you can disable AVG campaign popups.
Open AVG Antivirus/Internet Security interface.
Click on "Menu-->Settings-->General".
Click on "Popups" and uncheck the box that says "Show offers for other AVG products" and click Ok.
Feel free to contact us if you need further assistance.
Al EastAl East
Exact same problem here and I verifed the exclamation mark "only" appears after a scan has been completed (scan type doesn't matter) and it "only" disappears after AVG has been restarted (either via PC reboot or using taskkill to stop the services which will then restart themselves.)

Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
AVG program version 18.3.3051 (build 18.3.3860.0) released 04/03/18 04:31:45 am
Virus definitions 180404-8 released 04/04/18 10:49:55 am
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Hello Al East,

We are aware of this and working on it.
We will release the fix as soon as possible.
Your patience is much appreciated.
Kevin PinkertonKevin Pinkerton
Thanks for the update on this Balasubramanian.
Jessie LemmonsJessie Lemmons
Yea I keep getting this to. I can do a "computer Scan" or a "deep scan" or a "file scan" and then that little exclamation point keerps showing up in the system trey. I uninstalled the prodcut went through my regedit and cleared all AVG products and even went through the C drive folder and deleted any left over files...And long and behold I install the latest version and boom after a scan I get this same issue over and over again. I'm glad im not the only one who is havingot deal with this issue. I can't even get the Upadtes to work because it says "unknown error".
 
AVG either fix this or i'm asking for my money back on my membership and going to AVAST antivirus because these bugs aren't worth it.
Bhuvaneswari VairavanBhuvaneswari Vairavan (Avast)
Hello Jessie,

This isn't the experience we want you to have and I apologize for the inconvenience caused. This is a known issue, our development team is working on a fix. The issue will be fixed automatically at earliest. Your computer is protected with AVG as this issue is with the AVG icon interface and need not worry about this.
Carole AshworthCarole Ashworth
Just want to add here, for info, that I also have the same problem with the annoying exclamation mark on AVG icon - permanently in taskbar, for the last few days or more. This is on laptop, Windows 10 home edition, AVG internet security Pro version.

Came here to ask about it then found this thread, from which I understand that you're aware of it, and working on it, but just wanted to add my pennyworth for the record. Thanks.
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Hello Carole,

Thank you for your post.
We will definitely come up with the resolution as soon as possible.
Bill TaylorBill Taylor
I just wanted to add to this post.

I have exactly the same issue since the last upgrade.

All components are active and working but the 'exclamation mark' persists.

AVG will hopefully sort it out with another update urgently
KarthikeyanKarthikeyan (Foundever) 
Yes, we are aware of this issue and have escalated this case to the developer team.

This was reported as bug and will get resolved in next AVG update.

We appreciate your time and co-operation.
Jim BrownJim Brown
I have read the above string carefully and wish to advise that I have EXACTLY the same problem on two Windows XP SP03 machines running AVG Free. Hopefully the next update, where this is promised to be resolved, will be coming out shortly. Normally updates only come out about once a month and waiting another month for this to be resolved is just not acceptable.
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Jim, I assure you that the fix for this issue will be released as soon as possible.
Your patience is much appreciated.
Jessie LemmonsJessie Lemmons
Well this update better come fast because it's very annoying to be honest. The user interface was fine and the scans are good and in depth but that Icon on the trey can be annoying because it makes you think you have a infection of some kind on your PC. Is AVG still actively protecting out PCs even with this malfunction or is other parts of the software acting up as well that we don't know about?
Janet GittinsJanet Gittins
It is disgraceful that AVG has not released a fix for this problem after one week.   Can you reassure your customers that AVG is fully protecting our systems even though the icon is displaying this exclamation mark.  
 
-980888528-980888528 (Avast)
Sure, Janet / Jessie. 

We assure you that your computer is protected by AVG as this issue is with the AVG icon interface not with virus definitions file. 

Update might  be released soon, your patience is much appreciated. Thank you for your understanding. 
fuck youavgfuck youavg
Horrible customer service. People tell you your software is broken, you tell them to reinstall. A hundred posts and a week later you say, oh ok we`ll fix it soon. Pretty bad. lmao.
Alok KumarAlok Kumar (Avast)
Hello,
My apologies for any inconvenience caused. Recently, our development team have confirmed this issue as bug. Previously, we were trying help you to fix this issue. The issue will be fixed at earliest automatically. Your computer is protected with AVG, as the issue is just with the AVG icon interface.
Best regards,
Alok.
taylor moyertaylor moyer
Me as well same problem.
Alok said "Your computer is protected with AVG, as the issue is just with the AVG icon interface." well I have the same problem too.
Last time I re-started my computer it said one of the Windows based files was infected AFTER a recent scan.
So how can you say its working ? When apparently its not. Wont even auto update I have to tell it to update every 2 or 3 days. How many people need to do an internet search, come to this thread and say "me too" before this "bug" is considered more than a bug  ?
taylor moyertaylor moyer
"The issue will be fixed at earliest automatically." Is there anyone there that can type proper English ? Obviously we are talking to "zero level" tech support.
Sorry for the extra post I am new to this forum.
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Hello Taylor,

I understand the situation but the issue discussed here is regarding "Exclamation Mark" appearing on AVG system tray icon.
It is confirmed that AVG is protecting your PC from the message saying as "you are protected" on the program interface but the exclamation mark shouldn't appear. Hence we are working on the bug and it will be fixed as soon as possible.
The fix will be released through program update.
Your patience is much appreciated.
Jessie LemmonsJessie Lemmons
AVG Technologies this situation has been going on long enough. Either AVG fixes this or not. I mean it can not be that hard to recode a simple icon notification sequence. If I wanted something that was malfunctioning I would use Norton. AVG has done terrific at protecticing all my devices through the years but come on a simple icon notification blip is taking a "MONTH" to fix? Is there something going on the users don't know about? Is AVG hurting for staff like is AVG bankrupt or missing some coders or is AVG user interface having to get another upgrade visually all around just to get rid of this issue. Is there an estimated time of the next update to fix this issue because every day my AVG scans my desktop and everyday i have to be constantly reminded if AVG has found an infection or not.
Bhuvaneswari VairavanBhuvaneswari Vairavan (Avast)
Jessie, I am very sorry for such destabilizing encounters you have been faced with. I understand how difficult this for you to contact us multiple times about the same issue.
I have sent you an email, please follow the email instructions to get in touch with the remote support. They will analyze the issue with AVG and fix it, free of cost.
Jessie LemmonsJessie Lemmons
You seriously just didn't understand a thing that's going on here. I'm not the only one who is experiencing this issue with AVG. It's an insult to injury here that you said and I quote,"I have sent you an email, please follow the email instructions to get in touch with the remote support. They will analyze the issue with AVG and fix it, free of cost." I'm not going to even offer AVG the chance to remotely support my desktop device because they won't be able to fix this issue due to the fact it's not a virus issue it's a software issue. This issue needs to be fixed in a timely manner with an update that should of been fixed when it was reported at the begining of the month. It's a huge insult to me and all the other users here you send us emails about this asking us to allow AVG to do remote support to fix this issue,when this issue should of already been fixed already. 
 
I can guarentee at the end of my subscription I WILL NOT be coming back to AVG.
michael sharmanmichael sharman
Just to say (as the person who started this whole thing off) that I no longer get the exclamation mark when I do a scan (or at any other time). I assumed therefore that a fix had been done by AVG, although if some people are still experiencing it then maybe not.
Jessie LemmonsJessie Lemmons
Then michael what did you do to get rid of this nusance.
michael sharmanmichael sharman
I didn't do anything - it just stopped appearing a few days ago. That's why I assumed that AVG had done what they promised, ie a fix in the next update. Someone from AVG now needs to clarify what the current position is.
Jessie LemmonsJessie Lemmons
I didn't know everytime I update the dang software the updater says "unknown Error" and I can't get a dang update. It really frustrates me. I've uninstalled it and downloaded a fresh copy from the avg website and still get the issue. I don't know what to do anymore. If this issue isn't fixed soon im just gonna let my subscription run out and not look back and go to Mcafee.
Alok KumarAlok Kumar (Avast)
Hello Michael,
Yes, we have released new updates for AVG Internet Security/AVG Free Antivirus and the exclamation mark on AVG icon issue has been fixed.
Since you're experiencing issues with AVG updates, which is why the exclamation mark is still on your AVG icon.
The issues might be because of old/previous AVG traces.
In this case, I request you to remove AVG completely along with any previous traces using the AVG clear tool/AVG Remover tool and then do a fresh installation of AVG. This will ensure that none of the previous traces of AVG are left on your computer and you have an updated version.
Please follow the instruction (http://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?urlname=How-to-troubleshoot-issues-after-upgrade-to-the-latest-AVG-antivirus-product) to run AVG Remover tool and AVG Clear tool.
After the computer reboots, you can follow the instruction to download/install AVG Free Antivirus.
Best regards,
Alok.
Carole AshworthCarole Ashworth
Alok,

Michael has already said it was fixed for him, he wrote ...........
Just to say (as the person who started this whole thing off) that I no longer get the exclamation mark when I do a scan (or at any other time). I assumed therefore that a fix had been done by AVG, although if some people are still experiencing it then maybe not.

Just want to say too that the problem was also fixed for me a couple of weeks ago, after I'd added my two-penneth to this thread, so had also assumed therefore that a fix had been done by AVG.

It's Jessie who is having the problem now. Hope its soon fixed for you too Jessie.
 
KarthikeyanKarthikeyan (Foundever) 
Thank you for confirming that the issue is resolved.

I appreciate your time and co-operation.
Lev DLev D
Alok Kumar wrote: ... Yes, we have released new updates for AVG Internet Security/AVG Free Antivirus and the exclamation mark on AVG icon issue has been fixed. ...

And yet, I'm still seeing this behaviour in my copy of AVG Free:

"Menu/About" page:
  AVG Anti Virus Free
    Software version: 18.3.3051
    Virus definitions version: 180506-4

"Menu/Settings/Update" page:
  VIRUS DEFINITIONS
    Current version: 180506-4
    Release date: 05/06/2018 11:13:22 AM
    Latest update received: 05/06/2018 02:58:11 PM
  PROGRAM
    Current version: 18.3.3051 (build 18.3.3860.309)
    Release date: 04/03/2018 04:31:45 AM

  Clicking the program "Update" button returns:
    Program: Already up to date (current version 18.3.3051)
    Server:  Download g6039228 Update Server
       http://g6O39228.iavs9x.avg.u.avcdn.netlavg/iavs9x
       http://g6039228.avinitro.u.avcdn.net/avinitro

What is the problem???
Balasubramanian SBalasubramanian S (Avast) 
Hello Lev,

Sorry for the delay in response.
We were checking the status with our senior team.
The complete fix will be available in the 18.4 version.
Your patience is much appreciated.
Lev DLev D
Balasubramanian wrote: ... The complete fix will be available in the 18.4 version ...

Thank you, looking forward to it. As of a moment ago, clicking the program "Update" button still returns: "Program: Already up to date (current version 18.3.3051)".
AvinashAvinash (Avast) 
Lev, 18.4 version is not released yet. AVG will automatically check for updates and install them whenever available.
shiva pratapshiva pratap
Helo Mr.Alok

I have same issue as discussed now. Still bug nit fixed?
 
Midhun AloorMidhun Aloor (Foundever)
Hello Shiva,

We're glad to look into this and help you.
We request you to write back to us in a new post, so that we can assist you better.
Thanks in advance.
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