How to Uninstall/ Turn Off Avast Password Manager

Many antivirus and internet security programs, like Avast, offer built-in protection to prevent unauthorized changes to settings.

This feature is especially useful for families or less experienced users, as it stops accidental alterations that could weaken security.

However, issues can arise if there’s a problem with the stored password, blocking access to certain program areas. Avast, for example, uses a password protection feature to safeguard its settings, and while this is beneficial, it can become frustrating if you forget the password or can’t access the software.

Here’s how to get around this issue effectively.

Removing the Password Lock: What You Need to Know

To remove the password from Avast or AVG, it’s crucial to know where it’s stored. The password is encrypted and saved in a file called aswResp.dat. Deleting this file will eliminate the password lock, but there’s a catch—this file cannot be deleted through the usual methods, as it’s protected by the antivirus.

Even using file unlockers like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker won’t work because Avast and AVG’s self-protection prevents any changes to their files.

Method 1: Using PowerTool to Remove the Password

Here’s the most reliable way to remove the password lock on Avast and AVG, working on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, and 10. This method works for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.

1. Download PowerTool v2 – PowerTool is an advanced tool designed to detect and remove stubborn files, including those protected by antivirus software.
   • Download PowerTool v2
2. Extract and Launch PowerTool – Once downloaded, extract the zip file and run the appropriate version based on your Windows architecture. You’ll need administrator privileges.
3. Navigate to the Antivirus Folder
   • For Avast: C:\ProgramData\Avast Software\Avast
   • For AVG: C:\ProgramData\AVG\Antivirus
4. Delete the aswResp.dat File
   Right-click on aswResp.dat, then select Force Delete File. Confirm when prompted.

This will immediately remove the file, and the password lock will be gone. You can now open Avast or AVG and access previously restricted areas.

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Method 2: Delete the aswResp.dat File in Safe Mode

If the above method doesn’t work for you, try deleting the file in Safe Mode, as antivirus software doesn’t run in this mode, meaning the file isn’t protected.

1. Boot into Safe Mode
   • Restart your computer and press F8 to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu.
   • Select Safe Mode and hit Enter.
   For Windows 8/10 Users:
   • Hold Shift while clicking Restart.
   • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • On reboot, press 4, 5, or 6 for the desired Safe Mode option.
2. Navigate to the Antivirus Folder
   • For Avast: C:\ProgramData\Avast Software\Avast
   • For AVG: C:\ProgramData\AVG\Antivirus
3. Delete the aswResp.dat File
   Once in Safe Mode, locate aswResp.dat, and delete it.

This method allows you to bypass Avast and AVG’s protections since the antivirus is inactive in Safe Mode.

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Important Notes:

• PowerTool is a powerful tool, and using it incorrectly could cause issues with your system. Only follow the steps above to avoid unnecessary changes.
• Always make sure to back up your system before making any changes to critical files.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to regain access to your Avast or AVG software without needing the password.

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For more tips on managing your antivirus software, check out these related articles:

• How to Block Pornographic Websites Without Spending Money on Software
• Easily Show the Contents of Password Fields
• How to Reboot to Safe Mode for Dummies