I just updated to 4.6.731. I hoped that it would eliminate an error message I had been getting but I am still getting it. Error message is:
“Information about current update
Last encountered error cannot connect to download8.avast.com
Total time 102”
Does anyone have a suggestion??
When this occur?
Just after the logon?
Which is your operational system?
Do you use a firewall? Is avast.setup allowed to connect into the firewall settings?
Yes, just after log on
I am running XP
How would I check on the firewall setting?? This is a fairly recent occurrence
Just change (or add) AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds value into the [InetWD] section of avast4.ini file.
You could set the number of seconds to wait before attempting to update. The default is 30 but it may not be enough in some DSL systems. In this case, you can try increasing this e.g. to 60 (1 minute). That should be enough.
More details here: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=1647
Do you have a firewall? If so which one?
The firewall should have a help file to help with settings, etc. you are looking for either application or program permissions to access the internet.
I have McAfee. When I go into Internet application in McAfee, I see the Avast programs and they say allow access. Is that what I should be looking for?? Keep in mind my name LOL
The one that requires access is avast.setup, that file is only created just prior to update so it isn’t a permanent file. So try to find the one that relates to avast.setup and either allow it access or delete the entry. Then do a manual VPS update, McAfee should ask permission for avast.setup, allow it.
Is the protection still present though?? What does it mean when it says, “7 providers total, 6 running” When I move my cursor over the Avast globe??
If you were to click on the globe you would get the pic displayed below which displays the “providers”.
these modules are separate functions within the Avast protection which are constantly monitoring your traffic.
As you can see ,I have outlook exchange disabled because i use internet mail so there is no need. You may well have the same
Right on, Thank you very much!! I’m guessing the error that I am receiving is only temporary…possibly it is not connecting at first but does shortly after the error. I was concerned that I had no protection. Are you aware of any other software like avast but as a firewall or pop-up blocker?? It seems like after reading some of the other comments on he forum that some people have a LOT of protection. Is it overkill or does one do someting that another doesn’t??
Can anyone tell me how to do this??
If you click on the link http://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=1647 then you will be able to read how it has been done by others. 
As for the firewall etc i guess its up to you to decide just how much you are comfortable with and this link http://spyros.atspace.com/security.html is as good a place to start as any.Everything is free by the way ;D
good luck
If you installed avast in the default path:
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Data\avast4.ini file
You can open the file with Notepad.
Click Settings in my signature for more 8)