Advanced Password Manager claims to protect your online passwords and keep them safe and secure. Hence, we noticed that it belongs to a group of Potentially Unwanted Program. Aside from that, the program is also linked to a variety of adware that was used to deploy a copy of Advanced Password Manager and have it installed on the computer without user’s full knowledge.
Freeware like games, media players, download manager, and utilities are just some carriers of Advanced Password Manager. Therefore, it is vital to stay away from such freeware. Instead, download and install software that are reputable and those that are being serve on trusted websites.
Clicking the download button on Avast's own site redirects you to a Download.com page for Avast. This is extremely bad, as Download.com cannot be trusted. They wrap a lot of the software on their site in an adware installer, without the approval (or, often, knowledge) of the developer of the software in question. Steven Means that there is another feature for that purpose that is Self protection, which protects avast files and registry even processes As a matter of fact, all I meant was 'No', since that is the appropriate answer to the OP's question.
In the event that dubious free software was downloaded and executed, the process will not only load the main program. Advanced Password Manager and other unwanted applications may also take place on the computer without a notice. The progression is discrete and it can even evade detection from some security software.
Once Advanced Password Manager is installed, it immediately runs a scan on the computer. It will send catchy messages and warnings to get users attention. Things like insecure passwords, credit card account, profiles, and social security numbers are just some factors that will be raise by Advanced Password Manager in order to convince user into purchasing the full version of the program.
It is a common scheme by rogue software to scan and detect false issues. It will only allow user to fix the problems after purchasing the registration key and program has activated. Thus, every attempt of user to repair the computer using this program will redirect them to window prompting to create free account which is actually a paid service.
Instead of being a victim to this rogue application, we recommend that you remove Advanced Password Manager from the computer as soon as you can. Below are simple guide and tools to help you eliminate this threat.
Online Security Scanner Report for advancedpasswordmanager.com:
| No issues | Community Rating: 0.0 | Updated: April 17, 2017 |
| Link is safe | Feedback: No Data | Updated: April 17, 2017 |
| Currently safe | Ratings: No Data | Updated: April 17, 2017 |
How to Remove Advanced Password Manager
This section contains comprehensive guide to help you remove threats from the affected computer.
Procedures on this page are written in a manner that can be easily understand and execute by computer users.
Stage 1: Uninstall Advanced Password Manager from Windows
1. Go to Start menu and type appwiz.cpl under Run or Search box.
2. Add/Remove Program window will open. Select Advanced Password Manager from the list.
3. Click on Uninstall button to remove the unwanted program.
Stage 2: Scan the Computer with ESET Rogue Application Remover (ERAR)
1. Download the free scanner called ESET Rogue Application Remover.
Download Link for ERAR (this will open a new window)
2. Choose appropriate version for your Windows System. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.
3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start the program. Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file ERARemover_.exe.
4. On ESET Rogue Application Remover SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS, click Accept to continue.
5. The tool will start scanning the computer. It will prompt when it finds Advanced Password Manager and other malicious entities. Follow the prompt to proceed with the removal.
Stage 3: Double-check for leftover of Advanced Password Manager using Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
1. Download the free scanner called Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Malicious Software Removal Tool Download Link (this will open a new window)
2. The tool automatically checks the operating system and suggest appropriate download version. Click on Download button to begin. Save the file to a convenient location, preferably on Desktop.
3. After downloading the file, Windows will prompt that download has completed. Click Run to start scanning for Advanced Password Manager . Another option is to browse the location folder and double click on the file to run.
4. The tool will display Welcome screen, click Next. Please note the message “This tool is not a replacement for an antivirus product.” You must understand that this program is made specifically to find and remove malware, viruses, Trojans, and other harmful elements on the computer. It was not designed to protect the computer.
5. Next, you will see Scan Type. Please choose Full Scan to ensure that all Advanced Password Manager entities and other harmful files left on the computer will be found and removed. For advanced computer user, you can opt for Customized Scan, if there are other drives or folders you wanted to include in this scan.
6. Full scan may take a while, please wait for Malicious Software Removal Tool to complete the tasks. However, you may cancel the scan anytime by clicking on the Cancel button.
7. After scanning, the tool will reveal all identified threats. There may be other threats that our first scan fails to detect. Please remove/delete all detected items.
8. When removal procedure is complete, you may now close Malicious Software Removal Tool. We hope that Advanced Password Manager have been completely deleted from the computer. Please restart Windows to proceed with the normal operation.
Stage 4: Scan the computer with Anti-malware Program
1. Download the free anti-malware scanner called MalwareBytes Anti-Malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Download Link (this will open a new window)
2. After downloading, install the program. It may run automatically or you have to double-click on the downloaded file MB3-Setup.exe.
3. Proceed with the installation using only the default setup. If you need the complete setup procedure, it is available on the download page.
4. At the last stage of installation process, click Finish to run the program.
5. On Malwarebytes Anti-Malware console, select Scan from the menu to see available Scan Method.
6. Next, click on Threat Scan. This is the most comprehensive scan method that will surely find any hidden items linked to Advanced Password Manager.
7. Click Start Scan button to begin checking the computer.
8. When scanning is done, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will display the list of identified threats. Remove all identified threats and restart the computer to finalized the scan process.
Remove Advanced Password Manager from Mac OSX
Step 1: Quit Advanced Password Manager Process
Before proceeding with the steps below, please close Advanced Password Manager window if in case it is open.
1. Go to Launchpad, Utilities folder, open Activity Monitor.
2. Choose All Processes from the upper right corner of the window.
3. Under Process Name column, look for Advanced Password Manager. Click the name to select the malicious process.
4. Next, click the Quit Process button located in the upper left corner of the window.
5. When prompted, click on Force Quit.
6. You may now delete or remove files that belongs to Advanced Password Manager. Proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Delete Malicious Files that have installed Advanced Password Manager
1. Select and copy the string below to your Clipboard by pressing Command + C on your keyboard.
~/Library/LaunchAgents
2. Go to your Finder. From the menu bar please select Go > Go to Folder…
3. Press Command + V on your keyboard to paste the copied string. Press Return to go to the said folder.
4. You will now see a folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:
- Advanced Password Manager.agent
How Do I Delete Avast Safe Price
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing the Advanced Password Manager to be present on your Mac. Arranging all items to see the most latest ones may also help you identify recently installed unfamiliar files. Please press Option + Command + 4 on your keyboard to arrange the application list in chronological order.
5. Drag all suspicious files that you may find to Trash.
6. Repeat Step 2, numbers 1-5 procedures on the following folder (without ~):
/Library/LaunchAgents
7. Please restart the computer.
8. Open another folder using the same method as above. Copy and Paste the following string to easily locate the folder.
~/Library/Application Support
9. Look for any suspicious items that are similar to the ones in Step2, number 4. Drag them to the Trash.
10. Go to your Finder and open the Applications Folder. Look for subfolders with the following names and drag them to Trash.
- Advanced Password Manager
- MediaDownloader
- Software-Updater
- Genieo
11. Lastly, please Empty your Mac’s Trash bin.
Step 3: Scan the System with Adware Removal Tool for Mac
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac from this link:
Click here to download MBAM for Mac (this will open a new window)
2. Run Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac. It will check for updates and download if most recent version is available. This is necessary in finding recent malware threats including Advanced Password Manager.
3. If it prompts to close all running web browser, please do so. Thus, we advise you to PRINT this guide for your reference before going offline.
4. Once it opens the user interface, please click on Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.
5. After the scan, Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac will display a list of identified threats, Advanced Password Manager is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click Remove button to clean the computer.
6. You may now restart the computer.
Step 4: Delete Advanced Password Manager Login Account
Some malware also installs login item into compromised account under System Preferences. This may not be necessary, but if in case you want to delete this unwanted entry, please follow these steps:
1. Go to Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Select Users & Groups from the preferences window.
3. You may need to Unlock this area in order to make changes. Click on the Lock icon on lower left corner of the window.
4. Next, select the user account related to Advanced Password Manager.
5. To delete Advanced Password Manager account, click on the minus [-] button and confirm your actions. Please see image below for reference.
Many commercial or free antivirus and internet security applications will offer some sort of built in protection. This is to stop unauthorized users from tampering with the settings of the program or disabling its functions. It’s especially useful if the computer is used by children or less experienced users. They cannot inadvertently leave the computer more vulnerable by disabling real-time protection or altering other configuration options which could weaken security.
While generally a good thing, it can also lead to issues if there’s a problem with the password stored by the software. Avast Antivirus and Internet Security is one such range of software that has this ability and has been able to restrict unauthorized users from changing its settings for some years. This is done by setting a password to protect the required areas of the program, then anyone else trying to access a protected area is greeted with a password authorization dialog.
The authorization window will darken the rest of the screen and show just the password dialog.
An attempt has been made to enter a protected area of Avast. This may be a legitimate action, but could also be the result of a malware attack.
Do you want to continue?”
Cancel or enter the wrong password and you will be locked out of the areas selected for protection. There are several different parts of Avast that can be protected. Program settings, protection control, protection settings, scan control, scan settings, virus chest control, and backup/restore settings are selected by default when you check the option to apply password protection. The additional areas are update control and general program access. This last option will lock you out of the software entirely unless you know the password.
Back in 2016, Avast acquired AVG software for over 1 billion dollars so it now also owns AVG Antivirus and Internet Security as well. For 2017 AVG released a major update to its antivirus software. It now looks a lot more like Avast Antivirus with some functions also transferred over. The password protection function in AVG is identical to Avast’s apart from some minor cosmetic changes.
Over the years we’ve heard stories of users that have been locked out of Avast even though they claim to have known and entered the correct password. Whether you know the password is correct, somebody else has locked you out or you just can’t remember what the password is, not being able to properly access the software can be frustrating.
To try and find a way around this issue, we analyzed Avast a while back and found out where the password is stored and how to remove it from the system. It will leave your Avast or AVG software free of the password lock. As AVG’s password protection is identical, our methods to get around the issue are the same for both applications.
The Avast and AVG password is encrypted and stored in a file called aswResp.dat. All you need to do is to delete this file and the password lock is removed. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy as the file cannot be deleted in Explorer. Even file unlocking tools like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker cannot delete aswResp.dat while the antivirus is running. It’s not possible to kill the running antivirus processes because they are also protected. Most antivirus software prevents manipulation of its own files, and it’s the same story here.There are settings within the antivirus to disable self protection but it’s more than likely you cannot change anything because of the password lock. The aswResp.dat file is far better protected than it used to be, so is harder to remove. Nevertheless, we still found a way to get around the problem and remove the aswResp.dat file in Avast, and now also AVG.
Deleting the aswResp.dat File in Windows
Here’s the latest and most reliable method we have found to get around the password lock on Avast and AVG. This trick works on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1 and 10. It also works on all Avast or AVG security software with the password protection option.
1. Download PowerTool v2. PowerTool is an advanced low level anti rootkit detection and removal tool that can remove even the most stubborn files. We have also used PC Hunter in the past but it is currently detected and blocked by Avast/AVG self protection.
2. Extract the PowerTool Zip file and launch the 32-bit or 64-bit version depending on your Windows version, administrator privileges are required. The program is portable and doesn’t need installation.
3. Click the File tab and navigate to the following location using the folder tree on the left.
C:ProgramDataAvast SoftwareAvast
For AVG:
C:ProgramDataAVGAntivirus
4. In the file list, locate aswResp.dat, it’s often at the bottom of the list. Right click on it and select Force Delete File. Click Yes to confirm.
The file will instantly be deleted and with it the password locking you out of the antivirus settings. Open Avast or AVG from the tray icon and the password should be gone allowing you to access all previously locked areas.
To show how easy the process is, we have created a small YouTube clip for removing the password from Avast Free Antivirus. The process is the same for AVG and you only need the change the path in ProgramData.
Important Note: PowerTool is an incredibly powerful program and could cause irreparable damage to your operating if used incorrectly. We strongly advise you use PowerTool only for following the guide above. Don’t use any other parts of the program or delete any other files unless you know exactly what you are doing.
Manually Delete the aswResp.dat File
Another method is to delete the aswResp.dat file from within Safe Mode. Avast, AVG and most other antivirus applications are not active in Safe Mode. That means the file is not protected and can be moved or deleted easily.
To boot into Safe Mode, restart your computer and start tapping the F8 key until you see Advanced Boot Options. Select Safe Mode from the list and hit enter. If you can’t get to Safe Mode yourself, there are some tools around that can do it easily for you.
For Windows 8 and 10 users: Windows 8 and 10 can be a pain when trying to get to Safe Mode using F8 because the timespan for pressing the key has been reduced to virtually zero. An easy solution is holding Shift while pressing Restart. Then click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings > Restart. Finally, on reboot press 4, 5 or 6 to enter the desired Safe Mode option.
This is a one time Safe Mode boot unlike MsConfig which will repeatedly boot into Safe Mode until you turn the option off again.
1. When you’re in Safe Mode, navigate to the respective antivirus folder.
C:ProgramDataAvast SoftwareAvast
For AVG:
C:ProgramDataAVGAntivirus
2. Delete or move the aswResp.dat file to another location.
You will need to enable show hidden files in Folder Options first if your Windows isn’t already
configured that way. Go to Control Panel > Folder Options > View tab > select “Show hidden files, folders, or drives”. Alternatively, copy and paste the path above into your Explorer address bar to be taken straight to the folder.
You might also like:
Reset the Password to Uninstall Symantec Endpoint ProtectionHow to Uninstall REFOG Keylogger Without Knowing Master PasswordHow to Hack Into a Windows XP Computer Without Changing the PasswordLogon Windows Using USB Drive without Typing PasswordHow To Disable, Uninstall or Remove Windows DefenderThis works as indicated. Powertool is NOT infected and it DOES remove the avast password .dat in about 1 minute. Avast did NOT ask for the password, I could just click PROCEED and get it off my PC.
I spent hours and hours trying to uninstall Avast. The safemode crashed my PC for days because I could not log into Windows10 with my PIN because Windows10 would not connect to internet in safemode!! I had to reinstall my entire c: drive again from a backup and lost days of work and days of my time. I wanted to avoid safemode again and get Avast off my machine to upgrade to a subscription antivirus service.
ReplyUsed the Powertool v2 and deleted the file. Avast still wanted a password. I restarted the PC and finally was able to enter the settings area of Avast, password had been taken off.
Thank you for this simple solution.
ReplyI used the Safe Mode solution on my Windows 10 computer and it worked perfectly. It fixes the problem and is simple enough so that unexperienced users will also feel comfortable with it. Thanks very much for your help!
ReplyThere is no aswResp.dat file showing in the Avast folder what do I do now?
ReplyHow are you trying to delete the file?
ReplyBrilliant and worked a treat, exactly as your YouTube clip showed. I am delighted after spending so long & had almost given up on ever getting back into my anti virus programme settings. I have windows 10 64bit and your urladdress worked fine.
ReplyGreat….thanks a lot…helped me a lot….
Replythx very much …. i real appreciate your lesson
ReplyThank you!! Very much appreciated.
ReplyThank you very much.
ReplyDon’t bother, PowerTool download is infected, blocked by Avast running.
ReplyAvast appear to be actively monitoring this post…;)
Please try the link again.
ReplyThanks very much i am very happy now ……………..thnkssss very very very……..much
Reply
thanks,it worked
ReplyThank you sooooooooo much it really worked I wish I can pay u…
Replythank you
ReplyThanx to you i managed to uninstall it…A big Thanx bro…
ReplyThanks bra,i dont have password on my avast now…
ReplyBeen trying to uninstall this avast for like 2 years… Within 5 minutes, it is gone. Thanks to you bro. Kip up the good work
ReplyOmg I have been emailing avast about this issue for 2 years now. I’ve been furious that they don’t reply their customers! I couldn’t uninstall or access a lot of stuff bc of avast blocking it and i couldn’t turn it off. Thank you so much. Works like a charm!
ReplyFirst suggestion worked like a charm! Good on ya, Mate! Thank you!
ReplyThanks Raymond! I forgot my password for close to a year now. I thought of uninstall and reinstall to get my access to the settings back. I searched online and found your solution instead, and it worked for me. I booted to safe mode, renamed the aswResp.dat file, and bingo, it’s done!
ReplyYes thank you.
I have win 10 and i uploaded Avast on new system and locked it up. My friend came over and had 3 devices he needed me to look at. Well an hour later i forgot how i spelled the password… lol i tried to delete it but nothing happen. on the next reboot i do i will go threw the steps to delete it. If this tool is how you explain it I will try it on some Windows 10 apps. I hate them apps, if i had know win 10 was going to be like this i would have stay’ed in win 7. I’m just not the Sharing type.
Once again Thank You!
AKA Michael.
Thank you. I did the Safe Mode renaming of that file then rebooted. Went to programs and selected Avast to Uninstall.
ReplyThanx a lot Raymond dude, you’re the best…
ReplyOh man, I’m in hell because of this!!! LOL!!! OK, luckily, I am somewhat PC Savvy, well, let’s hope so… I do think that this is a ridiculous feature of theirs!!! My God, I’m trying to get into My Own Software I bought From Them and They’re saying I have to bye $120.00 for their Technical Support to resolve this issue… That, to me sounds like they “hacked” my system (I’m NO Hacker BTW!!!)… At first I was patient, but after finally calling their number they claim is for total support (Ummm, ya, OK, what is “Total Support…” mean to them???), I didn’t get the “total support”. What is going on with Avast? I mean, I know they’re trying to stay as safe as I want to be, but this is going to far. Many do not have much of a clue about their PC and they’ll be charged (As I was…) money, then discover this problem and may be as dismayed as I was trying to figure out why they can’t install the Avast Product as I am… More when I figure out how to open my Avast Product I bought… This is a ridiculous process from Avast in my very strong opinion!!!
ReplyThanks for this post. I have been frustrated by Avast in the last week coz I didn’t have the password. Now my browsers are back to full function.
ReplyHal9000, thanks for the tip, and thanks for sharing the brilliant tool. Finally I can see what is under the hood of windows and then control it. I have added your site as a link from my site. And will be coming back to read other stuff Raymond.cc is up to.
Thanks heaps.
I finally DID it. Thank you very much for sharing this trick. Thank you again.
I used the PCHunter then went for Program Data, Avast Software, Avast. and there I found the AswResp.Dat file. The reason I failed in the initial tries was because I was in the Program files instead of the Program Data.
Thank you. It definitely works without any hustling around.
Replytnx. raymond your my idol .really worked!
ReplyIT’S REALLY WORKED VERY NICELY & EASILY :-)
ReplyDelete Avast Antivirus
you have to log in using a different account on your computer (the administrator account) once you do this, then follow the directions provided. write them down step by step if you have to. it might be a tad difficult to remember them all. trust me, if i can do it anyone can. good luck.
ReplyHow Do I Delete Avast Software
it worked like a charm! it was a little convoluted but if you follow the correct procedure you will eventually get rid of this bugger of a problem. there was only one thing that was not quite as stated. the `aswResp.dat` file, was actually only `aswResp` thanks a bunch!
Replyit works 100% sure……thank u
Replygreat thanks !
Replyhey,….thanks thanks a lot
Replyyou are great thanks
Replythank this is work 100% this is very good way
ReplyThankyou a lot Raymond .cc, your software actualy worked
Replythank you!
worked great for me.
Replythank s 2 u,…. u are a good man /…. mr. raymond cc. i salute u…
ReplySweet thanks you are good.
ReplyThank You so much i almost lost it.. but because of you i got back into avast.
ReplyThanks dear friend , fantastic job .
ReplyIf you use the unlocker utility mentioned above, you can actually use that. Firstly, open the start menu and type in msconfig. Secondly, click on ‘Startup’, locate and uncheck “avast! Anti-virus” (or similar). Next, click ‘OK’ and reboot the computer then delete the password file.
ReplyCheers bruv! Been driving me crazy for months when I knew I hadn’t set a password ;-)
ReplyThanks Raymond! you did a great job man.
ReplyFound this with a google search. Worked like a champ even on a Windows 2012 file server. Thanks!
ReplyExcellent Job Raymond. Effortless. This Avast free version was causing very convenient clashes with my purchased anti virus software and also caused a virus detected state every 30mins. So relieved that I have now finally got rid of AVAST for good. You’re a genius!
ReplyThanks a lot Raymond, works like magic :)
ReplyThanks Dude its working very well…
Replythanks, dude you safe my life, ^_^
ReplyThank you very much bro!!
Reply
thanks a lot……
Replythanks dude
ReplyThank you i found my way through it thank you
Replythanks nice share…. it works’s
ReplyRaymond, you are the one!!!
Thanks
How Do I Delete Avast Secure Browser
yes, I always move that file to other folder Ray.
ReplyThank you Raymond, for very useful information.
ReplyAn useful hacking tip…
ReplyA very useful information. Thanks.
ReplyThanks a lot, Ray! I was waiting for this. I’m going to try right now…
Cheers.