Multiple users on a single home pc

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Hi there all ;D
That’s my problem: i’ve installed Avast on a domestic pc, that is used by more than a person. Each person has his own account (due to his/her personal settings).
Avast appears to work only under the user it was installed. When i try to log in with another account, it warns me that the serial number is invalid, and doesn’t start.
I mean, Avast home edition.
Is there a way to solve this problem. or should i upgrade to Avast Pro?
Thanks for answers, and sorry for my bad English :slight_smile:

2

was it installed from an administrator account?
well you could try to re-register for another avast home serial key or getting pro version.

3

I have already tried with another serial key, but it say “invalid key number”.
I think i must buy a pro version.

4

Since you have multiple users on that system, you didn’t install Avast in the correct way.
Solution:

  1. remove avast from the control panel
  2. reboot
  3. run the uninstall util from Alwil’s website
  4. reboot
  5. install avast while logged in as administrator (not as user with admin rights, but as real administrator)
  6. reboot
  7. the problem is solved
5

All said well eddy, programs should never be installed with user (limited) accounts.

I have just this one question:

5) install avast while logged in as administrator (not as user with admin rights, but as real administrator)

What is the difference?
I have my former only account, administrator one, reduced to limited one and always install new programs with the created administrator priviledge account. Never have experienced problems, but then i dont install so much software.

Thought this would be the easiest way to go Limited as all my emails and browser faves still are in that former administrator default account.
Have been running so 1.5 years without problems.

Or you mean Eddy using a XP Pro user account with raised rights?

6

Well, the important thing are the privileges and access rights - so I believe it doesn’t really matter if you install as Administrator, or another account with the same privileges. It is necessary (for the installer) to be able to create the global registry keys, install drivers and services, set access rights for some files, etc.

7

Thanks for help, but i have a question about what i quoted above:
do you mean that “administrator” that appears when i start windows in rescue mode?
In a normal mode boot, it’s invisible and i have no idea on how using it.

8

I think that is the only way to get in as ‘the Administrator’ with XP Home, the XP Pro allows for log-on as Administrator from normal log-on screen using Control+Alt+Delete.

Although Igor states you should be able to set it up from an account with admin privileges, there have been numerous threads where this hasn’t worked leading to error, you mentioned.

When i try to log in with another account, it warns me that the serial number is invalid, and doesn't start.
The only around it appeared to do as Eddy suggested.
9

Ok, finally i think i have understood ;D
Clear and simple: the “administrator” account is by default invisible under windows xp, unless the user doesn’t disable the “use the start screen” option, located under “control panel - users” (i have no idea on what are their name in the English version of Windows Xp, i am just translating from the italian).
Doing so, when Windows Xp boots, he presents a 2000-like form for login. Just type “Administrator” in it and all works ;D
According to Eddy, i must re-install Avast under this “Administrator” user. I think i can do it in the next days.
I’ll tell you when i do it, and if it works.
Thanks to all