This is getting a little confusing, with others who have a similar problem also responding.

Yes, I can connect to www.iavs.cz and from there manually download an update.

No, I can’t get the downloard to work by manually starting from the Avast! icon-right click-select update approach, nor can I get it to work by starting Avast! and clicking on the lightening bolt icon. (This did suceed a couple of days ago, however.)

I access the Internet via Earthlink, an ISP provider, on a dial up line. I am not currently running a firewall. There is no proxy server or network involved. I don’t know what you are referring to with the Test button, but if it has to do with a proxy server, perhaps it’s not relevant to my situation.

Recently, I have been unable to SEND e-mail, though I can receive it fine. I have no idea why this should be as I have not done anything that would change the e-mail settings that have worked fine for a long time. Our outgoing phone line is dicey at times, but this has not been an issue lately.

Thanks for your continued efforts.