Latest Avast Free will not install on XP SP3

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I have an old laptop on which I use a cricket scoring software.
I sometimes give updates the match as it progresses via the web.
A few days ago I did the annual licence update - was offered an update which I accepted. Avast seemed to load but it did not finish with any desktop shortcut nor an icon in the system tray.
Clicking on the Windows Security Shield, I was informed I had no antivirus?, yet Avast was still in programs etc.
I did a complete uninstall and downloaded the software from here -

https://www.avast.com/windows-xp-antivirus

Is the free version no longer available for XP despite the above web page indicating it is?

Rgds
Antioch

2

That link ultimately goes to the regular avast installation version (nothing special about XP SP3), however this only uses the on-line installation file.

As you should note from my signature underneath my post/s I have one system still running Win XP Pro SP3 and the latest avast free version.

You say it will not install - the on-line installation seems to have hiccups from time to time - if you have any internet hiccup then it could corrupt the installation.

I would suggest using the full off-line installation file, see this topic - https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=218904.0 - for the download locations. Choose the avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe option. Although this says it is an off-line installation, you still need the connection as one element that isn’t on the file (required by XP) would need to be downloaded during the off-line installation.

3

Hi David
Thank you for your reply and link. Could you please explain the last line in your reply -
you still need the connection as one element that isn’t on the file (required by XP) would need to be downloaded during the off-line installation.

Many thanks for your help - I will try later tonight.
Rgds
Antioch

4

You’re welcome.

I can’t remember exactly, but it is along the lines of the avastUI requires a new type of graphical interface, this works just fine with Later OSes but not XP. This is quite a large module so avast aren’t packing both into the installation file. During the installation it recognises you have XP and will download the required module during the installation, hence the requirement for an internet connection.

5

Hello
Isn’t it a link with KB970158 (KDMF Wdf01000)

Every time I install avast on XP, the process remains an eternity on this KB at the end of the installation.

6

I don’t believe so as that pre-dates any change when XP requires an internet connection even for the off-line installation file.

7

Nope, this is needed for HTTPS scanning on XP.

8

Hi to All
I tried the off-line and it finished running with the notification that the UI failed to load.
Not sure what or how to get this UI.

Might try another free AV.
I have also noticed another couple of problems since I uninst. Avast to do a clean install.
I have no ‘search’ - the window comes up and the puppy is there but no place to enter any search info.
I did try a system restore which failed on three attempts and now that has gone - I just get an empty window - cant set any new restore points.

I must have done something wrong perhaps during the uninst. of Avast.

Antioch

9

What puppy ???

10

Quote - What Puppy?

The Search Companion - Start, Search - you then get the search window.

11

I hope this thread is still open.

I still run Windows XP Pro SP3on one of my computers. I was having problems with my old Avast installation, Version 18.4.2338, I think. It started consuming 100% of my CPU so I removed it.

I then did as you suggested and downloaded the latest version of Avast Free Antivirus (20.1.5069.0). But when I tried to install it, I got an error message which said it was not compatible with XP. So I used the normal installation method, and it installed the SAME version that I had. I read all of this thread, but I still don’t understand what else is required to get the latest version.

Harry

12

Generally it isn’t wise to breath life into an old topic as much will have changed.

However, for XP support ended with version 18.8, so my suggestion wasn’t to get avast 20.1, but the last version available for XP. So the link in the post should be specifically for XP and you shouldn’t have got version 20.1. I have no idea how you managed that, if you used the download links in that topic.

If you were using I suggest that you download the http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe although it says offline installer you need to have an internet connection (as there are some elements required for XP that have to be downloaded).

13

See if you find any help here:

If you’re using Windows XP, you need to know this.
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=220639.msg1469787#msg1469787
Downloads for Windows XP and Vista:
Installers working on XP/Vista:
https://install.avcdn.net/av/avast/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe
https://install.avcdn.net/av/avast/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup_online.exe
https://install.avcdn.net/av/avast/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup_online.exe

https://install.avcdn.net/iavs9x-xp/avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe
https://install.avcdn.net/iavs9x-xp/avast_internet_security_setup_offline.exe
https://install.avcdn.net/iavs9x-xp/avast_premier_antivirus_setup_offline.exe

Uninstaller - Avast AV for XP / Vista
https://install.avcdn.net/iavs9x-xp/avastclear.exe

14

I know, but since I was referencing an old topic, I thought I would take a chance.

However, for XP support ended with version 18.8, so my suggestion wasn't to get avast 20.1, but the last version available for XP. So the link in the post should be specifically for XP and you shouldn't have got version 20.1. I have no idea how you managed that, if you used the download links in that topic.

I don’t know how I got 20.1 either, but since 18.8 is the last XP version (sorry I misread your initial post on this), I have the latest version.

BTW, is there any way on this forum that those who post can be notified via Email when someone replies to their post? I searched, but could not find anything.

Harry

15

Hi Harry, there’s a “Notify” button on top/bottom of each thread.

16

So THAT is what that button is for. How stupid of me.

Harry

17

Not stupid as all. just unfamiliar. Live and learn. :slight_smile:

18

What would have been stupid would have been NOT to have asked :slight_smile:

19

And also to DavidR:

And not only do I now know what it does, but it works! I got notified about your responses.

Thanks again.

Harry

20

You’re welcome.