Hi I downloaded and installed Avast home edition and after the scan, I could no longer access the Internet. I couldn’t even get to the point of registering the program. In order to get back online I had to uninstall Avast and now here I am trying to find out what I did wrong. I saw an older post with the same challenge but their circumstances were different. I have Windows XP home edition version 5.1.2600 SP2 with 128 Ram and currently have McAfee security and firewall. The only other protection I have is
Ad-Aware. The download and install seemed ok it was after the scan was run that I had a problem. I have heard that Avast is really good so I would love some help to install it properly. I have been frustrated with McAfee constantly “running” behind the scenes and slowing me down while I am working on other programs.
Thanks!
You need to allow ashwebsv.exe, ( webshield), ashmaissv.exe (your mail) and avast.setup (updates) internet access through your firewall.
Did you uninstall the mcafee anti virus portion of the suite? The firewall can stay, it will work with avast.
I hadn’t uninstalled anything. When I go to McAfee, do I just turn off the anti virus protection or can I uninstall just that portion of McAfee?
How do I “allow access” to the three files that you mentioned through the firewall?
As you can tell, the technical side of computers is not my forte
Thanks
Turning it off is not enough, the two antivirus’ will conflict.
I could tell you to go to add/remove programs and uninstall the antivirus portion of the suite, but depending on your version, that could very well be the wrong info.
I suggest you go to their forum and ask for assistance. You will have to create a log in like you did here. The good folks there will help you. 
Here’s a link to their forum, log in scroll down to the apropriate section and ask. 8) Explain that you still want the firewall.
The firewall should alert you that something is attempting to access the internet, The alert will include the name of the application, program or file name. If it’s one of the listed avast file, then allow it.
Similar problem. Intermittently get kicked off internet.
I have had Avast at home for a long time. It is now the 4.7 version. This machine runs XP pro with no other anti-virus protection. No problems for the longest time. In fact, it has saved a lot of problems.
Now the machine intermittently drops from the internet (time warner cable) and will not pick up the signal again. After extensive checking with Time Warner they swear it is not the modem or their problem.
Any ideas?