I have noticed that Avast is not updating virus definitions automatically when I connect to the internet. I have to do it manually. I’m running windows XP. Can anybody help? I have just put avast (older version) on this pc and updated the program to 4.8 online.
Bedlam.
Hi bedlam, welcome to the forum.
What it the 4.8 version you are using? Current version is 4.8.1368.
I imagine it will be the same, since you did a program update online.
Next: Program settings>Update (basic), is it set to automatic?
Next: What firewall is in use, and was there another AV on the computer before installing Avast? How was it removed?
HI Llama,
Yes, the version is 4.8.1368.
Program Settings/Update Basic is set to automatic.
I’m using Kerio Personal Firewall 2.1.5 which was on my last PC with avast and it ran well with the same firewall config settings, but there may be some exclusion that I am unaware of as the auto update problem started on my old pc recently as well.
And NO, there was no AV on this pc when it was setup and the OS installed.
Bedlam.
I’m not at all knowledgeable about rule-based firewalls, especially if you may have imported a rules-set from somewhere, but you need to make sure that “aswUpdSv.exe” is an allowed application.
With a program updated it is possible that the update file has changed slightly, I don’t know, but if re-allowing it allows it to update normally, that would probably be the answer.
On my computer database updates seem to occur about twice a day. Automatically. I have it set to check every 60minutes.
@ bedlam
avast.setup is the actual file that requires permissions, however if a manual scan succeeds then the auto update isn’t failing due to permissions or the manual scan would also fail.
Do you use a proxy to connect to the Internet ?
If not go to the avast Program Settings (right click the avast ‘a’ icon), Update (connections) and set the connection method correct for your connection method. Click the Proxy… button, set the option to Direct connection (no proxy). Commonly this is set to Auto detect and can cause some issues.
Thanks for the tip… just changed it to “direct connection”. Hopefully things should improve. Thank you for your advice.
Regards,
Bedlam.
You’re welcome, hopefully that will resolve it, if not we have other suggestions.
Thank you avast gurus 
The “direct connection” option has worked. Am now receiving regular IAVS updates. Thanks all for your help. This forum is wonderful.
Regards,
Bedlam.
No problem, glad I could help.
Happy New Year.
A belated welcome to the forums.