I notoced my system had not updated for a few days so I tried to do an update from the program (lightning bolt). When I di this, I got the subject error message. This happened yesterday as well. I went to the site and downloaded an update and installed ir successfully, but I wonder why the auto update is not working properly, and why I’m getting the subject error message. I’m running XP.
Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
:-[
bebop,
Do you use a firewall? This can sometimes cause problems when Avast tries to connect.
Another possiblity is that the server just gets busy, especially when a new update is released. We just had one.
Make sure that your Avast still has auto-update checked in the Menu.
Since you stated that you were able to manually download and install an update, I tend to believe that it was not a problem within Avast.
Let me know if the problem persists and we will work on it. The main thing is that you CAN update the database to maintain protection.
techie101
Thank you very much for your prompt reply, Techie.
I’ll continue to monitor the situation. 
bebop,
No problem. I’ll be here.
techie
Techie,
After rebooting, I got the following error message:
Information about current update:
Last encountered error: Server download2.avast.com (207.44.156.15:80) is down.
Total time: 16 s
Does this help you understand anything?
Thanks.
bebop,
Yes, it does. This error will normally be received when the Avast server is busy. If it still does not connect by tomorrow, then we need look into it further.
Today was the release of 0312-10, so I expect that every copy of Avast that is set to auto update…is trying to get online.
Be patient. Talk to me tomorow.
techie