Can't install in old XP machine

Yes, it’s an XP machine. No, it doesn’t generally access the internet, it is used behind our local firewall and only accesses files on the server. I’d still like to be safe. Avast advertises support for XP. This machine HAD XP on it before a hard drive crash. The OS has been reloaded and appears to be working normally. I can install other programs and they function. When I attempt to install Avast, it starts to install, allows me to choose options, etc… then goes into the lower right corner, the progress bar goes all the way right, and then it just disappears. No error message, not icon, no request to reboot (and rebooting does nothing, avast doesn’t show up). We have purchased a license for the standard “Internet Security” version of Avast, but I only seem to be able to download the free version… I assume I will put the license key in after installing that.

After each install attempt, I get the following in the System Event log:
Event Type: Error
Event Source: Service Control Manager
Event Category: None
Event ID: 7009
Date: 5/30/2018
Time: 6:08:10 PM
User: N/A
Computer: PCG-GRT270P
Description:
Timeout (30000 milliseconds) waiting for the Avast Antivirus service to connect.

Event Type: Error
Event Source: Service Control Manager
Event Category: None
Event ID: 7000
Date: 5/30/2018
Time: 6:08:10 PM
User: N/A
Computer: PCG-GRT270P
Description:
The Avast Antivirus service failed to start due to the following error:
The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.

I also see a message that The aswHwid service was successfully sent a start control.

The Avast service is in the Services list, set to automatic and Status shows empty. Trying to start the progress bar goes about half way then it generates the error message “Error 1053: The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion”

Any help appreciated.

  • Which SP…?
  • Does your CPU support SSE2…?

Note: Offline installation is officially no longer supported on Vista and XP (since V17.4) because new CEF (only one bundled in offline installer because of size) is not supported there and the online installer will download the correct CEF version.

Windows XP Service Pack 3

Intel Pentium 4 so SSE2 is supported.

you must ensure that you are connected to the internet during installation.
And without doubt, like Asyn’s note, you will have to - with xp - download the online version

It is connected, it does download.

Also, Avast is listed in the Add or Remove programs list, and a repair installation appears to nearly finish. It even shows “Starting service: avast! Antivirus” and then indicates “The product was successfully updated.” But the service still won’t start, and there is no icon for the program.

I’ve searched for “Timeout (30000 milliseconds) waiting for the Avast Antivirus service to connect.” and I don’t find anything that seems related. The machine was not rebuilt due to infection, the hard drive failed, so many people reporting this issue after that problem doesn’t seem to relate.

I DO have internet connectivity on the machine. I can go to e.g. Avast.com and see the page there just fine.

  • Other security related software installed…?
  • Which AV(s) did you use before Avast…?

I’d suggest you try a Clean Install of Avast:
https://goo.gl/4Ptzkf
If you need additional help with the Clean Install, watch this:
https://youtu.be/p-h3myRD51A