What causes AVG Antivirus to block safe programs, and how can I fix it?

Answer 1

AVG Antivirus is designed to protect your system by detecting and blocking potential threats. However, it may sometimes block safe programs due to the following reasons:

False Positives: AVG might misidentify a legitimate program as a threat due to its behavior, code, or file structure resembling malware.

Outdated Virus Definitions: If AVG’s virus database is outdated, it may incorrectly classify programs.

Aggressive Heuristic Scanning: AVG’s real-time protection may flag programs that perform unusual but legitimate actions.

Unverified Publishers: Programs from lesser-known publishers might lack proper digital signatures, triggering AVG's defense mechanisms.

Custom Configurations: Your AVG settings, like a strict firewall or application rules, may block programs unnecessarily.

How to Fix AVG Blocking Safe Programs

1. Update AVG Antivirus

Make sure your AVG is up to date, as updates often include fixes for false positives.

Steps:

Open AVG.

Go to Menu > Settings > Update.

Update both the application and virus definitions.

2. Add the Program to AVG’s Exceptions List

If you’re sure the program is safe, you can whitelist it.

Steps:

Open AVG and go to Menu > Settings > General > Exceptions.

Click Add Exception.

Browse to the program’s file or folder and add it to the exceptions list.

Save the changes.

3. Check the Quarantine Area

AVG may have already quarantined the program. You can restore it from quarantine.

Steps:

Open AVG and go to Menu > Quarantine.

Select the blocked program and click Restore.

You may need to add it to the exceptions list afterward.

4. Adjust Heuristic Sensitivity

If AVG’s scanning is too aggressive, you can lower its sensitivity.

Steps:

Open AVG and go to Menu > Settings > Basic Protection > Antivirus.

Under Heuristics Sensitivity, reduce the level.

Save the settings.

5. Disable Shields Temporarily

If AVG is interfering with the program’s installation or operation, temporarily disable its shields.

Steps:

Open AVG and click Protection.

Select Core Shields.

Toggle the shields off temporarily (e.g., for 10 minutes).

Run the program and verify its safety before re-enabling the shields.

6. Report the False Positive to AVG

If the program is frequently flagged as unsafe, report it to AVG for investigation.

Steps:

Visit the AVG False Positive Report Page.

Upload the program’s file and provide details.

AVG will analyze the file and update their database if it’s safe.

Answer 2

How Can I Fix the “REPLACE DRUM” Error Message on My Brother Printer?