Avast Free Version and Printing Issues

Robscot · 2015-04-18T18:11:59.000Z

Good afternoon.
I have Avast Free Antivirus on both a desktop computer and a laptop. Until recently, we could print from my wife’s Dell
laptop to our HP Printer without a problem. Then I noticed it would no longer work, and while my tech guy was here on
other issues he fixed it. Worked fine for a day or so, then it went down again. I remember he said that Avast was probably
the culprit and recognized the printer has an intruder. I do not have the Avast Firewall to my knowledge, which some people
here say can cause the problem.
Does anyone here have any suggestions as to how I can correct the problem and getting it back to working like it use to?

Eddy · 2015-04-18T20:03:57.000Z

Without knowing details we can only guess.
So, please provide details.
What exact version of avast ?
What OS/SP ?
Any error ?
If so, what is the exact error ?
How is the printer connected ?
etc.

Robscot · 2015-04-18T21:00:44.000Z

Pgm. Version - 2015.10.2.2214 (Avast Free version).
Windows 7 Professional, SP1.
No error messages.
HP Printer is connected to Dell desktop computer. Dell laptop goes through it
to get to the printer and print, I believe.

Strange thing is that it has worked fine for a long time. Just recently had this problem.

Robscot · 2015-04-18T22:15:48.000Z

CORRECTION!

The desktop is Win 7 Profession, SP1, but the laptop is Win 7 Home Premium, SP1.

Eddy · 2015-04-19T00:25:58.000Z

Ok, first thing I notice is that you are using a old(er) version of avast.
Latest version is 2015.10.2.2217

If I understand it correctly the printer is physically (through a usb/parallel cable) connected to Desktop.
How is the laptop connected to it ?

Are you using internet connection sharing through the desktop ?
Are you using a router ?
Are the systems both directly connected to a router / modem ?

Robscot · 2015-04-19T15:05:54.000Z

Thanks for the input, Eddy.
Will try to download the latest version of Avast – on both computers.
The HP printer is connected to the Dell desktop by cable.
The laptop computer is not connect to anything, usually used in another room when turn
on a couple of times a week.
We are using internet connection sharing through the desktop.
Also we are using a reasonably new Netgear router and Xfinity cable modem, but the laptop
is not physically connected to the router or modem.
Believe this answers all your questions.
Thanks again for your input to date.

DavidR · 2015-04-19T17:29:51.000Z

Note - Latest version is 2015.10.2.2217 is a beta build the latest regular release version is 2015.10.2.2215 and you should be able to do a manual program update through the avast UI.

Robscot · 2015-04-19T18:20:42.000Z

Thanks DavidR.
I updated after I heard from Eddy from 2214 to 2215. Was surprised I didn’t get 2217, but now i know why based
on your response. Thanks.

DavidR · 2015-04-19T20:40:57.000Z

You’re welcome.

Robscot · 2015-04-25T15:01:27.000Z

Still having the same printing problem. Have been told it’s probably Avast – said to try to disengaged for 10 minutes and then see if we can print. I hesitate to do that, since we’d be without antivirus protection during that time. Do you all have any experience with this short shutdown?
Thanks.

Eddy · 2015-04-25T15:22:01.000Z

It should not hurt to disable avast for 10 minutes to test.
If you really want to be sure…
just pull out the network cable from the wall outlet to your modem.

If you have disabled avast and the printer is working, we know where to start looking.
If it still doesn’t work, write down any error message and other things you notice during the test and let us know.

Robscot · 2015-04-29T19:34:27.000Z

Remember when Robert DeVisenso signed a wrong score card at the Masters Golf Tourney years ago? Now I know how he felt when he said, “I am a stupid.”
Found we did not have the wireless status active on the printer! Now it’s printing fine from my wife’s laptop.
Nevertheless, I appreciate very much your trying to help me out. Thanks again!

DavidR · 2015-04-29T20:36:05.000Z

You’re welcome.

Thanks for the feedback and taking the time to let us know - I’m sure you won’t be the first or last to do that - hopefully this could also help others.

I didn’t even think wifi as a potential culprit, my printer although wifi enabled I have it on USB.

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