Since downloading – and uninstalling, and then downloading again - the latest version of Avast! free, the program will not update virus definitions, either automatically or manually. I never receive the “Virus Database has been updated” voice confirmation I used to receive often with the older version, and when attempting to update definitions manually, I don’t get past the “Initializing” phase. Nothing happens.
Uninstall avast from Control Panel (if possible). If, for any reason, you can’t run it, try booting in Safe Mode and doing it from there. Anyway, boot after that.
Run the avast! Uninstall Utility saved on 1. If, for any reason, you can’t run it, try booting in Safe Mode and doing it from there. Anyway, boot after you’ve run it.
Install avast! using the setup saved on 2. Boot.
Register your free copy or add the license key for Pro.
I did uninstall and reinstall previously, though I didn’t go through the steps you suggest here. Thank you for posting them, but as I’m no expert and recently dealt with the dreaded “blue screen,” I’m not anxious to tinker with Safe Mode any time soon.
Again, thanks – and has this problem been raised with an frequency per the new free edition?