Avast Blocking my Outlook & Internet

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I have been using Avast (Free Version) for sometime now with no problems. Yesterday, I was having trouble getting the shields to turn on so I uninstalled and reinstalled it.

Now Avast shields come up fine but when I try to access internet or retrieve e-mail (or do anything requiring internet access) I can’t get access. As soon as I turn off the Avast shields, all is fine.

I have no other firewalls and I also use Spyware Doctor.

What do I need to do to restore internet access with shields on?

Thanks,

Dave

2

Avast! Free doesn’t have firewall, it should not be blocking your internet access.
What OS are you on? Any other security software installed?

Martin.-

3

I am running Windows XP (SP3). The only security software I have running is Avast! and Spyware Doctor. The only firewall I have is the Windows default.

All I can tell you is when the Avast! sheilds are on, I can’t access the internet; when their off I can.

I have tried a full uninstall of Avast! (w/ the uninstall program from the website) and a reinstall, but still no luck.

Thanks,

Dave

4

The XP Firewall has ‘zero’ outbound protection so shouldn’t interfere, but you should seriously consider a 3rd party firewall.

Whilst the windows XP firewall is usually good at keeping your ports stealthed (hidden) it provides no outbound protection and you should consider a third party firewall.

Any malware that manages to get past your defences will have free reign to connect to the internet to either download more of the same, pass your personal data (sensitive or otherwise, user names, passwords, keylogger retrieved data, etc.) or open a backdoor to your computer, so outbound protection is essential.

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What version of Spyware Doctor are you using ?
Don’t they have a suite also, or if it monitors internet traffic there could be a conflict.

  • Do you connect to the internet using a proxy (web accelerator, ISP, etc.) if so you would have to co-ordinate that with the web shield proxy ?
  • also see Cause for apparent Web Shield blocking internet connection, http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=57443.0.
5

Thanks for your reply. I would not think Spyware Doctor is the problem as Avast! and SD have been workign in concert for sometime now with no problems. And I do have internet access with SD on adn Avast off.

I do not use any proxies or accelorators.

I will consider your suggestions in your weblink however they appear to involve registry editting which I am a little nervous doing as I am not that computer savy.

I am very anxious to purchase the registered version of your software, but am leary to do so until I can get this worked out.

Thanks for your help,

Dave