How to Fix the AVG Anti-Rootkit Application Driver Missing Error Message

How to Fix the AVG Anti-Rootkit Application Driver Missing Error Message
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AVG Anti-Rootkit

AVG antivirus includes an anti-rootkit component that scans for malicious and dangerous hidden files called rootkits. Rootkits can hide inside applications, dll libraries or drivers. A rootkit infection means malicious software has gained access to a computer or network using an administrative account.

It is important that all enabled components in your AVG program function correctly. There are reports from AVG users of receiving an AVG anti-rootkit application driver missing error message. The next section in this article will guide you on how to resolve the “You are not protected” security status or a security notice found in the AVG security center.

Reasons Why AVG Anti-Rootkit Driver Failed to Install

When installing the AVG program, you need to make sure that no conflicting programs are running. Some of the conflicting programs with AVG are other antivirus programs that offer real-time protection, and content filtering software, as follows:

  • K9 Web Protection Software
  • Ashampoo Firewall free
  • ZoneAlarm Toolbar

Non-content filtering software that conflicts with the AVG program are PC Maclan and Better File Rename. If you are using the latter, simply update to the new version that fixes incompatibility issues with AVG. The rest of the programs in this section should be completely removed before installing or repairing AVG software.

Another reason the anti-rootkit scanner or driver are failing to install in Windows is the downloaded AVG setup file may be quite old, corrupted or damaged. Always use the latest installer of AVG to take advantage of program fixes that are included in the new setup file.

The Fix to AVG Anti-Rootkit Application Driver Missing Error Message

The first step to fixing the missing AVG anti-rootkit driver is to repair the installation of AVG:

  • Download the latest setup file of AVG from the vendors’ website: AVG Free users should get the copy from this link. Paid users of AVG product should download the “Paid version” setup file from this page.
  • Run the downloaded installer and choose Repair installation - this option repairs or reinstalls missing or damaged components of AVG.
  • Restart the computer when prompted. AVG should no longer display an error or missing AVG anti-rootkit driver.

If the above solution doesn’t work, you need to completely remove AVG using the AVG Remover:

  • Make sure the computer is configured to show hidden files and folders. See these two articles on how to make these visible in XP or Windows 7 and Vista.
  • Download the appropriate version of the AVG Remover from the vendor’s website. To determine if you are using 32-bit or 64-bit edition of Windows, check out this article first.
  • Run the remover executable and reboot the computer when prompted. Note: If the computer failed to download the AVG Remover e.g., the file disappeared after downloading, simply locate avgoff2k.dll in the AVG directory (usually in C:\Program Files\AVG\). Delete the dll file and then try downloading the AVG Remover tool again.
  • Delete ** AVG folders.
  • Download the latest setup file of AVG.
  • Close unnecessary applications that are running and install the AVG program again.

** AVG Folders that you need to delete are as follows, if they exist:

For Windows XP users:

  • C:\Program Files\AVG or C:\Program files(x86)\AVG (for 64-bit OS)
  • C:\Documents and settings\All users\Application data\AVG8
  • C:\Documents and settings\All users\Application data\AVG9
  • C:\Documents and settings\All users\Application data\AVG10

For Vista and Windows 7 users:

  • C:\Program Files\AVG or C:\Program files(x86)\AVG (for 64-bit OS)
  • C:\ProgramData\AVG8
  • C:\ProgramData\AVG9
  • C:\ProgramData\AVG10
  • C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\AVG8
  • C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\AVG9
  • C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\AVG10

Screenshot taken by the author courtesy of AVG Technologies.