It's not possible to do that, because on this particular computer I'm using the built-in Microsoft printer driver (I've no idea what that's called or what folder that is in) and not the manufacturer's (Brother) software, so there is no Brother software to add to the exception list as you recommend to do.
In addition, AVG did not issue any alert that it had deliberately blocked any software or any hardware, so the behavior is undocumented and it is doubtful that merely excepting any folder would solve the issue.
I can only suggest you contact Brother and see if they have an answer to this issue.
Hello Max,
We regret for the inconvenience caused. Please try to repair the AVG program and check whether it resolves the issue. Please follow the instructions on the article avgclick.me/RepairAVG to repair your AVG program.
Thank you.
As you advised, I followed your instructions at http://avgclick.me/RepairAVG exactly, thanks. As I expected, it did not fix the problem; after all, one would not expect to have to repair a new installation of AVG.
I ran full malware scans with several products, which found no malware on my computer.
With AVG running my ASUS X205TA still printed normally using the USB connection on an HP laserjet and an Epson inkjet printer, just not with the Brother inkjet.
Since the Brother MFC-J4510DW is my main printer, I solved the problem by uninstalling AVG and installing a similar antivirus product. The printer is working fine.
By the way, installing and uninstalling AVG automatically turns off and on Windows Defender, my previous antimalware software that came pre-installed with Win 8.1. I don't mind that AVG does so, but the installation screens should be changed to mention it; that would have saved me getting worried when I later read warnings about serious problems that could occur if two antivirus products are installed (there was no such warning issued during the AVG installation process, so I didn't think to manually turn Windows Defender off - and of course that is not necessary since AVG handles it well). When I checked it, I found Windows Defender had already been turned off by AVG silently. Please bring this to the attention of the AVG programmers. I also kept getting error messages when I attempted to update my profile in the AVG MyAccount.
Thanks again for your attempt to help.
Installing AVG Antivirus Free on my Windows 8.1 laptop immediately caused my USB-connected printer, a Brother MFC-J4510DW, to stop receiving print jobs. I have not had any previous problems with this printer this year.
I had enabled removable device scan (which I later learnt was unnecessary as the Resident Shield checks any files opened) and the first two times I plugged in the printer, AVG froze while scanning it. On the third try it said no threat found after about a second. However, the printer would still not print. I then disabled removable device scan, but still no printing.
I then temporarily disabled AVG completely, and the Brother printed one page as normally. However, while AVG was still disabled, attempting to print a second job then failed. Repeatedly turning AVG on and off, or plugging and unplugging the printer, didn't help. I have not yet tried rebooting, as that is an impractical solution to use every time I want to print. Suggestions?
It's not possible to do that, because on this particular computer I'm using the built-in Microsoft printer driver (I've no idea what that's called or what folder that is in) and not the manufacturer's (Brother) software, so there is no Brother software to add to the exception list as you recommend to do.
In addition, AVG did not issue any alert that it had deliberately blocked any software or any hardware, so the behavior is undocumented and it is doubtful that merely excepting any folder would solve the issue.
I can only suggest you contact Brother and see if they have an answer to this issue.
Hello Max,
We regret for the inconvenience caused. Please try to repair the AVG program and check whether it resolves the issue. Please follow the instructions on the article avgclick.me/RepairAVG to repair your AVG program.
Thank you.
Hello Max,
Thank you for the information. Now, please reinstall the latest version of AVG FREE and see if that fix the issue http://www.avg.com/us-en/avg-antivirus-free.
If the issue still persists, we will escalate this case to the concerned team.
Thank you.
Hello Max,
We understand your concern and let us check this with the concerned team… We appreciate your patience and co-operation.
Thank you.
Yes, as I mentioned above, the printer now works fine after I uninstalled AVG.
Hello Max,
We are sorry to know that the issue persists after repair. In this case we suggest you to add the brother software to AVG exception list and see if that fix the issue. Please click on this link for the steps to add the program to exception list http://avgclick.me/AddException
Thank you.
Max, Windows Defender is a software product that attempts to detect and remove malware. It was first released as a free antispyware program download for Windows XP, shipped with Windows Vista and Windows 7 and made into a full antivirus program replacing Microsoft Security Essentials as part of Windows 8 and later versions. Therefore from Win 8 onwards when installing an AVG product which includes anti-virus protection to avoid any residential scanning conflicts Windows Defender shouldn't be used with AVG.
AVG Guru