Hello, I need your help. After I updated to version 17.xx the program can’t update. It says “unknown error” and after 10 tries it stops. I uninstalled it and install 2286 (downloaded the offline install) and it couldn’t update either the program or the virus definitions. I used the uninstall tool and took it out and installed the 2288 version. It still can’t update and I downloaded the full virus definitions. I can’t keep doing this, it takes too much time and effort, installing and uninstalling and rebooting. What’s the solution? Thanks in advance!
Perform a real clean installation of the latest version and see if that solves the problem.
Eddy, you didn’t read my post. I used the uninstall tool and then I installed the 2288 (latest) version. Isn’t that a clean install? I’m still having the same problem after three clean installs in different versions. I have to install everything manually.
No, that is not a real clean install.
After using avastclear there are many leftovers that you need to remove manually.
And the latest version is 2288, not 2286
First of all, I wrote that I installed v.2288 not v.2286. Then I tried once again: I used the uninstall tool and then I searched Program Files and Program Files (x86) and, finally I ran regedit and deleted from the registry all entries with Avast in the description (~10 under different software folders). I installed a fully downloaded (not installer) version (2288) of Avast and STILL DOESN’T UPDATE!!! I must download virus definitions separately and install…
Wow I have the exact same problem and I created a separate thread which can be merged with this one I guess. I think it’s a problem with the latest version of avast.
I uninstalled it and install 2286
Eddy:
HOS_AUS:
Thank you, I’m not the only one!
None of the leftovers interfere with doing a clean install or doing a removal when installing another third party AV.
Clean Install of Avast:
https://goo.gl/4Ptzkf
That is NOT a true clean install as you know.
Please stop giving people false information
Eddy I don’t want to argue but anything left behind doesn’t interfere with doing an install of either Avast
or any other AV. Stop trying to make people go through hoops and cause additional issues when that’s not needed.
Eddy there is absolutely no need to go to those lengths and not necessarily safe for an inexperienced user to edit the registry.
In the 13 years I have been using avast, any clean install has been done conventionally (having downloaded the avast uninstall utility and avast off-line installer) and no problems. Uninstall using control panel add/remove programs or programs and features depending on OS; Run the avast uninstall utility, reboot and use the off-line installation file to install avast.
Fact is that what Bob is saying is NOT a clean installation.
PERIOD !
We are talking about a trouble free installation.
Again. stop asking average users to go through hoops to perform steps that aren’t needed.
Steps that if not done correctly can damage their system.
It IS a CLEAN install in the real world scenario. Avast certainly doesn’t suggest that the user go hunting (for god know what) in the registry or hard drive. If Avast were concerned that it should be done, do you honestly believe that Avast Uninstall Utility wouldn’t do it. No need to answer that I’m reading your mind right know.
The Avast Uninstall Utility, was essentially designed to be used if you actually couldn’t use add remove programs/programs and features. A bit like wearing a belt and braces.
sigh
No it is NOT a clean install.
A clean install is removing EVERYTHING from the current installation first before trying to install something again.
If not everything is removed it is like serving dinner on a plate that has leftovers from the day before and saying everything on the plate is fresh.
I guess you just can’t understand that what’s left on the plate will not contaminate anything else you may put on that plate.
Removing what’s still on that plate may also destroy the plate itself unless you’re an expert at removing those left over crumbs.
I have the same issue!
I have used avast for years and about 2 weeks ago I kept getting errors on auto update - thought I had a virus that disabled my AV. It kept popping up saying I am not protected and would give me an error on updating. I removed Avast using avast clear. (did a clean up with ccleaner) I tried to do an online install but no joy - error again! I downloaded the offline version and had no issues installing and using until yesterday I got the same problem again, error when updating.
I have now removed the program and feeling very frustrated. I love Avast but lately it has been frustrating. Now I see others are having the same issue.
This is what happened when I tried to re install this morning. “Avast installer is unable to continue because the installer is corrupted or forbidden to run on this machine. For more information please see the set up log file. Reason: 41227 (0x0000A) [Downloader system error]” I have full admin control and never had this pop up before.
I am about to install the offline version again so I am mildly protected but this must be an issue with Avast as others are experiencing the same issue. 
New system Windows 7 service pack 1
“Avast installer is unable to continue because the installer is corrupted or forbidden to run on this machine. For more information please see the set up log file. Reason: 41227 (0x0000A10B) [Downloader system error]”
What shall I do?
Hi,
What is your “Avast installer” , on-line or off-line ?
If online or updated ,is it possible for you to download “off-line installer” , Here ?
Perform a clean install using tool like explain by Bob3160 and DavidR above.
Then ,install offline version
For a clean installation, I usually do not pass the avast tool until I have uninstalled avast with the uninstaller Revo in advanced mode, which should normally avoid us having to remove the registry keys by hand as proposed by Eddy , It is still more reassuring and faster as well.
In the registry, there are often hundreds of Avast keys.Not so easy by Eddy way’s.