freeze while updating to 17.3.2290

Windows 7 Professional on Dell laptop.

Twice have tried to update from Avast Free 17.2.2288 to 17.3.2290. Both times it froze on
Step 3 of 3, Extracting File: safezone_windows-7-release-i386.exe.

The first time Malwarebytes was running although it’s set to ignore avast files. The second time I closed out MBAM and all other applications prior to trying the update. Same result both times. I let it sit for 20 minutes the first time, 10 minutes the second. The first time the mouse would respond but the second time it would not.

Both times, had to do a hard shutdown and start by holding the power button for several seconds. Avast still shows it needs updating.

Any ideas what is causing this problem and how to fix it?

Thanks.

Steve

How are you trying to update it ?
Program Update from the avastUI, Downloading program update (off-line or online), etc. etc.

If trying to update from the avastUI, I suggest that you download and install the offline installation file. Direct download locations - https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=199715.0.

From the Avast UI. I will give the offline update a try although I’ve never had a problem with the UI update before. Thanks for the reply. It will be tonight or tomorrow before I can do this but will report back. Thanks.

You’re welcome.

Hi,

Is there enough free disk space on the location where the files are extracted?

Kind regards,
S.O.

706 GB free on that drive.

Still no go. Downloaded the OFFLINE update executable, the first one listed in the offline section. Closed all applications including Malwarebytes but did not close Avast. Don’t see a way to shut it down other than to kill it in task manager and I did not do that.

Ran the offline executable using Run As Administrator. It told it is installing so “don’t turn off your computer.” It opened a window that was a solid dark color with only the rotating busy signal in the center. Then that busy circle stopped and just sat there. The laptop was not totally frozen but was extremely lethargic. The mouse cursor would move normally but click on anything and it was 1 to 3 minutes before it would respond.

My laptop does not have lights for the hard drives (1 internal, 1 external) but the software activity “lights” in the tray showed no drive activity at all. Not even a blink.

After 15 minutes I did a hard shutdown and restarted. I still have the old version of Avast active and telling me it needs to be updated, the “attention” indicator on the tray icon.

So, still no go. Any other ideas? Thanks.