Need avast! for Windows 2K

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I’m a low-income disabled senior and have to get by using old hand-me-down computers.

I hate to admit it, but I still use an ancient PC running Windows 2000 as my primary computer.

I’ve been trying for days and days to find and install a version of avast! that will run on my computer. But no matter what I try, I end up with a version of avast that doesn’t work.

The latest one I’ve tried is avast_5.1.864.exe which I downloaded from oldapps.com.

But when I click the registration button I get an error message:

The AAVMs ubsystem detected a RPC error

The FIX NOW button doesn’t seem to do anything.

The Current Status shows as Urgent: avast! service stopped but the Start program button doesn’t seem to do anything either.

Is there a stable version of avast! that will work under Windows 2K?

Or is there a way to get the version got on my machine now working?

Will in Seattle
a.k.a. “Clueless”

2

Hi Clueless,

Hopefully you have an antivirus program already running on your system when you go and get these downloads. If not, use another computer to get these files and transfer them to your computer while not connected to the Internet.

If you do not have an antivirus program installed, do not put your system online until you have one installed.

SingularLabs has uninstall programs for most, if not all, major antivirus vendors: http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/

Run the uninstall for all prior versions of any antivirus you have ever had on this system. Check with the previous owner for prior history if you can.

Avast! removal tool here: http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility Avast aswclear.exe must be run in safe mode only and the removal tool must be placed on the desktop only.

Remove all older versions beginning with the newest and work your way backwards. Reboot after each uninstall.

NOTE: Be sure you are only removing Avast! software and folders/files and nothing else with this tool. To ensure this is so, place this tool on the desktop. Very important. (See step # 1 on the aswclear.exe webpage) Read this entire page until you understand it.

Once the left-over remnants of all previous antiviruses are removed, then you should be able to install Avast! Free version 7.0.1466, which is the latest version available. You can get that here: http://www.filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/ Once that installs successfully, you should be able to go online, provided your firewall is turned on.

It is likely old left over files from prior uninstalls is causing your problems.

If you do not want the browser, Google Chrome, to install with Avast 7.0.1466, be sure to use the Optional (expert) installation page, and untick Chrome install.

EDIT: Windows 2000 must be updated to Service Pack 4 for this to work. (Microsoft Rollup Package)

Here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=18997

3

Many thanks, mchain, for that thorough and understandable explanation.

I don’t know which (if any) service packs for Win 2K I have installed.

I just tried Googling to find a way to show the list of service packs I have installed, but can’t figure out a search string that will get me the answer I’m looking for.

Do you know the answer?

Will in Seattle
a.k.a. “Clueless”

4

Click on [Start] → [Control Panel].
Doubleclick on [System] icon.
screen will appear and show you the installed Microsoft Windows Service Pack version.

http://aps2.toshiba-tro.de/kb0/HTD5400Z7000AR01.htm

5

I think SP4 IS NEEDED. The final service pack. Win XP SOFTWARE IS GETTING CHEAPER NOW AND WILL INSTALL ON OLDER COMPUTERS

6

Hello Clueless (from Mercer Island, right? :D) – why don’t you use avast 7 version? As I know, this latest version can be still installed on Windows 2000.
Have you observed any problems with version 7? Thanks.

7

avast! Free V.7.0.1466 works on my W2k-machine very well and without problems.

Only thing is, that you can’t use all elements of it unter W2k, for example the Sandbox. But this doesn’t matter for the users of an older OS, I think!!! :wink:

But you need Service Pack 4 for W2k AND “Update Rollup 1”!!!

At the beginning Version 7 didn’t work for me, but after installing the UR1 the problems had gone.