Avast 5 Update Problem: Unknown Server

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Every day when I start up my computer, avast tells me I need to update my definitions, as well as the program. When I try to update it stops after 1 or 2 seconds and shows this:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/99644/update.png

Note: it isn’t up to date, avast claims 5.0.418 is out.
Has anyone encountered this problem? I have allowed it in my zone alarm firewall settings, don’t know what else it could be.

2

I’ll update to the latest 5.0.545 avast version.

3

Okay, I uninstalled avast using the aswclear tool, and then reinstalled using the installer on the site.
Seems to be up to date, and as I’m typing this I got a popup saying that avast successfully updated virus definition, so I guess it works!

4

Your email is showing, TayG0.
You can hide it from public in your profile settings,
unless you don’t mind having it out there.

5

I have the same problem on an old Athlon based puter with XP Home. I even get colorful pop-ups, one saying I’m NOT up to date and another, right below it, saying I am. I like the older avast, never had a problem with it. Still using older avast on my new puter. Hate the thought of losing it to the 5.0.545 upgrade and all these problems, and, as I see it, no one has a solution. Clean re-installs haven’t helped either. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful I even have avast! free. I’m medically retired and my SS check won’t cover a paid version.
Gratefully,
bigbro

6

Post a new thread so we can help you more. Dont hijack this one.

7

@ Mr.Agent, I don’t think Bigbro is trying to hijack this thread. He sounds like he is having a similar problem to the original OP in that he can’t update his definitions.

@ Bigbro,

  1. What version of avast are you using (4.0)?
  2. What is your system OP? (XP SP_)? How much RAM do you have?
  3. Have you been keeping your system up to date with Windows updates and avast definition updates until you encountered this problem?
  4. Do you or did you have a different antivirus (AV) on your system prior to avast?
  5. What other security software do you have on your system (firewall, etc.)? Do you have your firewall as a exclusion in the avast settings?
  6. Are you getting any logs, warnings, etc. in your firewall that avast is being prevented from getting the updates?
  7. Can you otherwise connect to the Internet without any problems?
  8. Have you made any changes to your system just prior to your problem occurring?

Do you have an on-demand scanner in the meantime until we get this problem resolved like FREE MBAM http://www.malwarebytes.org/? This works fine with avast (no need to get the paid version).

I would install, if you haven’t already, avast free v. 5.0.545. First let’s start with the answers above and take it from there.

Keep in mind that to fix your problem, you will need to install the 5.0.545 (free) version…it’s actually easier to use.

How to uninstall Avast and do a CLEAN install:

  1. Save a copy of newest version of Avast before you uninstall anything.
  2. Save the http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility on your hard drive.
  3. Disconnect from the Internet at this time.
  4. Uninstall Avast through “Add/Remove Programs”.
  5. Boot into Safe Mode and run the Avast Uninstall Tool.
  6. Reboot (I recommend twice).
  7. Clean your computer up.
  8. Install the newest version of Avast and reboot twice.
  9. Get Internet access and update Avast definitions.
  10. Register your Free copy or add the license key.
  11. Reset your settings, if needed.
  12. Run a scan (try a Full System Scan initially to check for malware).
8
  1. What version of avast are you using (4.0)? I’m using v5.0.377.
  2. What is your system OP? (XP SP_)? XP Home, SP3 How much RAM do you have? 2 gigs
  3. Have you been keeping your system up to date with Windows updates and avast definition updates until you encountered this problem? Yes
  4. Do you or did you have a different antivirus (AV) on your system prior to avast? No
  5. What other security software do you have on your system (firewall, etc.)? Comodo Firewall Do you have your firewall as a exclusion in the avast settings? No
  6. Are you getting any logs, warnings, etc. in your firewall that avast is being prevented from getting the updates? No
  7. Can you otherwise connect to the Internet without any problems? No Problems
  8. Have you made any changes to your system just prior to your problem occurring? It started with an upgrade of avast

Do you have an on-demand scanner in the meantime until we get this problem resolved like FREE MBAM http://www.malwarebytes.org/? This works fine with avast (no need to get the paid version).

9

I thought this was the place to post my problem. Is there not anyone who can put it where it belongs.

10

@ Bigbro,

I suggest you do a CLEAN install to version 5.0.594 to fix you problem.

Save a copy of newest version of Avast (5.0.594) for the version you need:
http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_free.exe – Free,
http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_pro.exe – Pro,
http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_ais.exe – AIS, and save it to your HDD.

Then follow the instructions (in purple) I posted above for doing a clean uninstall/install of your current Avast.

Please post back with your results. Thank you.

11

@ Bigbro

Go to PROFILE then Modify Profile then Forum Profile Information then Please select your country: then Signature: and put information about your system just like my signature about your system just like my signature so that the helpers can offer pertinent advice.

Follow SafeSurf’s advice and report back.

12

Done! The computer in question is the Gateway.

13

Bigbro, Is everything working fine now per my suggestions in my previous post?

14

Bigbro, the Gateway has XP Home-SP2 ???

15

Thank you YoKenny for pointing that out.

Bigbro, please do the following before you do your Avast uninstall/install:

  1. Update your Windows to SP3.
  2. Check to make sure you have all the MS Windows Updates installed on your machine. If not, do it.

You will be prompted to restart your machine after doing the Windows updates.

After this, then you can follow my above instructions for Avast. Part of having safe security on your system is also having an up to date OS, which means upgrading your SP2 to SP3 as there have been many security patches.

You may also want to download the free Secunia_PSI http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/, which will scan your system to see if you need critical patches fixed and it will give a button for the download. This is something many of us use to check our systems to make sure they are kept current with the ever changing software updates.

Please post back after you have completed the above or if you have any questions.

16

It displays when Windows first opens then corrects itself. So I guess so.

17

Had you also upgraded your OS from SP2 to SP3 and did the Windows Updates?

I’m glad to hear that Avast is now working for you. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.