I have been using Avast on my 98se computer and now have a new computer with XP. What is the best way to get Avast on to the XP computer as it does not have any anti virus at all at present. Can I download it direct to the new computer without getting any viruses or should I download to the old computer and transfer it across somehow?
Any help in simple language would be great.
Thanks in advance
Richard
Download the latest version of avast on your old system, copy the setupeng.exe to a CD or USB pen drive, do the same for any security software you may need, firewall, anti-spyware, etc. never go on the internet with your trousers round your ankles. Install on your new system from the CD, etc.
You can use the same registration key if you have the registration email you were sent otherwise re-register with the old system and save the email to the CD, etc. Complete the avast! 4 Home Registration form and you will receive an email from register @ avast.com (without the spaces) with your registration key.
Thanks for the quick reply. Could I download it direct onto a usb stick on the old computer?
Richard
I don’t see why not provided your usb stick is recognised in explorer.
I can’t imagine why will you get any virus when you’re downloading avast, an antivirus…
No. You’re not allowed to transfer files. You need to install in the old computer. You can use the same Home Registration key.
‘Normal’ sensitivity level of Standard Shield is the best balance between performance and protection.
Do you need further help on configuration avast?
Richard’s concern was going on line with his new system without protection ‘prior’ to downloading and installing avast. That is why I confirmed he should download the setupeng.exe file using his ‘existing’ (old) system to install off-line on the new one.
I agree… but I think it’s a little paranoid to think that downloading avast from the official website and installing it will compromise computer security…
downloading avast from the avast won’t compromise security, but being on-line without an anti-virus installed will the setup file is 13MB as a dial-up user I wouldn’t like to be on line for that length of time (I don’t know what type of connection Richard has), especially if you are without a firewall also.
Not to mention the XP installation is likely to need a trip to windows update to close any vulnerabilities that may well be being exploited, no thanks, surfing in the nude (even for a very short time) can give you a nasty rash.
Updating Microsoft Windows and installing both firewall and antivirus I have never a problem to be nude this time.
Ok… I’m trying to don’t get paranoid ;D
DavidR,
your caution is well advised but if the new computer is like most folks’ delivered from the manufacturer with XP on it then at least it will come almost certainly with the Windows XP firewall on by default.
Thanks everyone for the advice. I was not suggesting that I would get any virus from the Avast site merely that being on dial up I did not want to be exposed to anything else sneaking in while I download for a long time.
Yes Windows firewall will be on until I get a better one downloaded
Thanks
Richard
So, go ahead… no fear.
Indeed there are good free firewalls better then the Windows one.
http://www.matousec.com/projects/windows-personal-firewall-analysis/leak-tests-results.php#firewalls-ratings
http://www.firewallleaktester.com/tests_overview.php
http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/firewalls.shtml
When I first installed XP Pro SP1 (update from win98se) I got hit by Blaster within a few minutes and all I was doing was getting security updates at windows update. I can’t recall the firewall but that was in my AVG days ;D before avast.
I have now downloaded Avast and installed but can’t get any emails now. There is supposed to be an email protection wizard but it does not appear when you go on to start- programs-avast. It appears below Help on the old computer but not on the new one. Any idea where it is, or is it a faulty download?
Thanks
Richard
- Configure your email accounts to work without the antivirus and test them.
- If everything is fine, close all your email clients (programs).
- Start Menu > All programs > avast antivirus > Mail Protection Wizard
- Follow the non Outlook/Exchange option (i.e., the second one).
You can choose the supported email programs and select all the accounts
(even the ones created in the future). - Configure your email accounts to use avast! as antivirus.
I will check the emails without avast in a minute, but I can’t do this, “Start Menu > All programs > avast antivirus > Mail Protection Wizard” as I don’t have the "Mail Protection Wizard"option at all. Has this been a faulty download or is it hidden somewhere else on xp computers?
Thanks
Richard
Mail Protection Wizard is only available on Windows 98 and Millenium.
With Windows 2k\XP, since earlier avast 4.5 has a new mail detection that will work automatically. Please, set up your email account just as avast does not exist. It will detect the pop3/smpt/imap ports and scan your messages. Can you make a try and see if it’s ok? Thanks.
New email detection is automatic and do not require user interaction. Anyway, spam killer applications need manually change email account settings 
The MPW isn’t required with winXP that is why it doesn’t appear, the set-up for email accounts isn’t required in winXP.
Set your accounts as they should be without the changes made in your previous win98 system and that should do.
Are you experiencing any problem sending or receiving email, errors, etc. ?
If not and the avast mail icon is present when downloading email and the avast icon rotates then it is working as it should.
Sorry about the delay, small family crisis. Set up the email accounts as recommended and 4 out of 5 email address are now working. The fifth I think must have some other problem as I can’t access it even by web mail. I had made the mistake of copying my account details from the old computer onto the new one , that being the reason it did not work. Many thanks to all that replied, it is good to know help is at hand when you need it
Thanks
Richard
Your welcome.
What is different about this email account from the others that are working ?