Cannot connect to Servers for Registration/updates for Avast! Free

Hello All. I do hope this is placed in the correct forum. Four days ago I noticed the auto update of definitions was not functioning. I attempted to manually update the virus definitions and received an error message, Cannot Connect to Server (772.avast.com,853.avast.com,a331vg.avast.com,a816sm.avast.com, etc;) I uninstalled the current version of Avast! Free using the uninstall tool, then re-installed the latest version. However, I am unable to register the version or update the definitions either using the automatic or manual update and am still receiving the error message, cannot connect to server. If anyone has any ideas on how I might remedy this problem, I would be most grateful for any advice or assistance. I have used the free version for over 2 years and only recently struck problems. Using a Dell Inspiration 530s Desktop, 2GB RAM, 150GB HDD, MS Windows 8.
I am using also a laptop and do not have any problems.
Many Thanks,
Marcellinus

What is your firewall ?
Does it allow avast.setup internet access ?

  • If it does delete the entry for it and do a manual update, this should force the firewall to ask permission again.

You say your OS is MS Windows 8, since the latest windows OS is windows 7 SP1, that is obviously incorrect ?

  • 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 ?
  • Try this also if the above doesn’t make a difference - From the avastUI, Settings, Updates, Proxy Settings, set it to Direct connection (no proxy), see image.

Thank You David. Yes, you are correct, the OS is Windows 7. I use wireless broadband. Tried all your suggestions, but alas, still have the same problem. I won’t worry about it further as I intend getting another pc shortly. Once again, THANKS!!

Marcellinus

OK, next check out this:
At the top of my last image, ensure that your settings reflect your connection method, ‘My computer is permanently connected to the internet.’ I think that they are both blank by default, but it should check both methods of connection to see if the connection is present.

Presumably you do have a wireless connection at the time avast checks for updates (very soon after boot) ?
It should be present before it checks for updates. It might be that although the connection is present it isn’t fully established. Do you get the same error if you try a manual update ?

Yes David, I do have the internet connection very soon after boot…I went back and checked everything again carefully. I use a program called Windows 7 firewall control(free) which I have found to be NOT working as expected. For some unknown reason, the program kept going to disable all, in the case of Avast! Free.(But I didn’t get any indication) I don’t know why. I have found the problem, thanks to you. I uninstalled Windows 7 firewall control and reinstalled, and now it’s working and Avast! Free connects to the servers a few seconds after establishing the internet connection. It really pays to go back and check again…Thanks for your advice which Helped greatly in solving this problem, Cheers David.

Marcellinus

No problem, glad I could help.