Since I’m just returning to Avast! after 3 years, I have a question. In my vista add/remove, the memory usage for avast 5.0 is a whopping 125 mb, but on the download of filehippo and Avast’s site its around 50 mb.
How can I successfully clean it out of the registry and download a fresh copy that is around 50 mb. Matt
What you are reporting ‘isn’t memory usage,’ but space taken on the hard disk, this happens with all downlaoded installation files, especially security based applications.
The file downloaded is a compressed installation and when installed will unpack certain elements, like the virus database which in itself is contained in the defs folder and is almost 52MB.
At times there may be more than one version of the database on the system, after an update there will be the new version and previous version. Housekeeping will clean the old database folder.
I shouldn’t worry then I take it? I seem to have the latest definition updates and program updates, however Microsoft Security center says it’s not up to date…Any suggestions?
Check your system time and date.
Repair your avast installation using Control Panel.
I just did a repair and the windows balloon is still present. I can post a screen shot if someone can help me remember how?
(Note: was in the Ubuntu world for three years, trying to remember these things:)
How to post a screenshot (see how: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=8982.0).
You can use Gadwin PrintScreen to get a screenshot (http://www.gadwin.com/printscreen/) or the free version of WinSnap 1.1.10 (http://www.filehippo.com/download_winsnap/?2173).
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=23457.msg193534#msg193534
using that method, I got it is not installed on the pc when I can see it and it is up to date. Any advice?
Well that topic relates to the WSC not recognising you have avast installed and yours is somewhat different.
As Tech suggested, check your system date (double click on the clock, bottom right of the screen), day/month/year and adjust as required.
If the date is correct, then try a manual update.
I eventually fixed it by using system restore 
all is working.
Glad to know. Is it updating correctly?
It appears to be since both the virus & program definitions are up to date.