Hi, what a nightmare… I have ran Avast free for well over 2 years now with no problems. Yesterday I updated to the new version of Free Avast from download.com. Once finished downloading and installing I tried to update the definition database and it came up with errors retrieving the definitions. I tried to get online through Firefox and IE and no internet. So I uninstalled Avast through add/remove programs and it still would come up with no connection. I restored my computer to right before I updated the Avast program and I was able to connect but when I disabled the local connection and tried to enable it again my system crashed (blue screen). Now anytime the network tried to enable it goes to blue screen crash. I use Firefox with Xp service pack 2. I have ran all my spyware, malware, and virus detection with no problems. Any help is greatly appreciated. If you need any additional info please just let me know. I have tried uninstalling my network adapter now and when I try to reinstall it, at sometime through the install it crashes also. Thanks again,
That’s the problem
I use Firefox with Xp service pack 2. I
XP SP2 went out of supportJuly 13, 2010:
Windows XP SP3 Brings the Death of SP2 - July 13, 2010
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-XP-SP3-Brings-the-Death-of-SP2-July-13-2010-85986.shtml
You need XP SP3.
So everyone with SP2 trying to update to the latest Avast program is going to have issues?
I need to know because I still have SP2. I tried to update to SP3 in early July when I saw support was ending, but it wouldn’t work. It started to update, then would fail after several minutes, and not tell me why, so I gave up trying after a few agonizing attempts. 
Let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns after you update your SP2 to SP3. You may also want to check to see if your software is up to date with the free Secunia Software Inspector http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/; it will give you direct vendor download link if you need to update anything.
Between my computers, and the ones I am responsible for maintaining… I have over a dozen systems with XP SP2 fully updated, and not SP3. These systems have no issues. So XP SP2 is not the culprit. I have heard of several people who are having network issues in the last 2 - 4 weeks. The common thing that all have is Avast 5. Most of them are running XP SP3, so its not SP2, or only happening to SP2 users
@ Baseman,
Some of the issues have been fixed with Avast updates, which were done rather quickly. Others needed to install the WinsockFix Utility after the last major MS Update:
Windows XP – http://majorgeeks.com/WinSock_XP_Fix_d4372.html
Others had issues with .Net Framework 4 caused by the last MS Update), for which you can find a fix here: http://my.opera.com/rejzor/blog/slow-windows-xp-sp3-startup-with-net-framework-4.
So these are not Avast-related, but problems we discovered by problem-solving with users.
Out of curiosity, why are you still using SP2 when it presents a huge security hole in your systems?
I would be rather disapointed if i found out that someone who was supposed to be maintainin my computer’s had not updated the service pack’s.
Maybe they like to support users with Pirated copies of XP as well ???
You could be right there YoKenny,would be the only reason i can think of not to have so many system’s upgraded to sp3.
yeah… thats really nice. Somebody makes a comment, and you idiots accuse of illegal activity. Personally, Im done with Avast after these stupid comments. I have only come to this board on a few occasions to check on problems, and this sort of defensive political deny/deflect happens every time. Such a class act here… NOT. You all need to get over your egos. While you all may THINK you know everything and are always right and its your way or its wrong… there are SEVERAL reasons why people have not updated. Just because you cant understand or agree, doesnt make them illegal. But, thanks for playing and showing your stupidity and arrogance.
ouch its hurts
i have this reminder that i keep with my message box to remind me everyday i log-in, this word is my guide it is saying like this
helloplease stop posting useless (or even offensive) posts that don’t add any value. Only post where you have something meaningful to add, or don’t post at all.
maybe that’s clear to all of us 
Regards!!!
but yet, you have the time to take your jab with your “ouch its hurt” comment before you make your holier than thou comment? thats a riot.
if you read all of that post, everyone is a target of that reminders even me
Edit: by the way do you like to continue this threads? (void irrelevant topic)
as you can see i am sp2 user, but what can i do that the machine package by the time i buy the machine.
Regards!!
Toughen up Baseman, pirated copy’s was only mentioned as maybe, you have not been convicted and replying in this mannor is showing how defensive you can be.
Hello Hunter 33
For what its worth I also had problems installing SP3 on XP a while back and received FREE support from Microsoft Tech and after a few emails with specific directions got it install no problem!
Microsoft does provide Free support if any of their updates fail to install You can reach support through the update site: http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us
Just look on Left side panel 
No genius, it shows I dont appreciate when someone goes to a support forum and gets accused of illegal activity. its like when someone questions the almighty on this forum, they get attacked in some way, shape or form. You need to get over youre ego. Since I have no problem confronting people like you about your ridiculous comments, thats all the toughness I need.
I tel you what champ… lets accuse you of molesting children… and when you get upset about it and address the issue… then see what you have to say about the “replying in this mannor is showing how defensive you can be.” Just because people dont roll over and play dead and bow to you… doesnt make them guilty of anything champ ;D
@ Baseman,
I have not been confrontational with you but polite with you and trying to help if you review my previous posts; I approach things in a different manner. That is why I am stepping in again to help diffuse things. I sense your anger and frustration and I’d like to help you.
Perhaps I can offer you a suggestion that you contact Avast to help you http://www.avast.com/contacts. If you prefer not to, perhaps I can continue to work with you. Please let me know. Thank you.
To all:
I’d like to remind posters to remain respectful of their posts for all OP’s regardless of the issues and to not “a*s_ume” anything. Posts (from the OP or helpers) should also not contain any foul language since children also read this forum. Thank you.
no one said you were disrespectful in this thread. there were 2 others though, who were completely out of line and ignorant. thank you for your offer, but as I said, I am done with Avast after seeing this happen continuously. Hopefully by the end of the weekend, I will have all systems changed over. enjoy the holidays.