Need help: Avast won't update.

[DavidR]

Most routers that say they have a firewall still only protect against inbound attack, unless it specifically says it provided full outbound protection I would assume it doesn’t.

So in a case where something gets past your defences, it has almost free reign to connect and download more malware, upload data, etc. as any inbound traffic resulting from an outbound connection would sail through your inbound firewall protection.

[system]

DavidR
Checked my router config; it shows a capability to block outgoing by keywords or by specific websites. I have never turned this feature on, so it is not involved in my current Avast update problem.

[system]

@Bill44 post:12

I have the same problem, ‘won’t update.’ Using XP and Windows Firewall (unfamiliar with accessing its settings, if any are user available). Avast update was working until last week. Tried Repair, Uninstall/Reinstall, same result.

• Are you using SP3 in you OS? [XP]

• What other security software do you currently have on your machine and what did you have in the past on this machine? If you removed previous security software, how did you remove it (vendor’s uninstaller tool or another way)?

• When you did the uninstall of Avast, did you use the Avast Uninistall Utility Tool in Safe Mode?

• How do you connect to the Internet? By Broadband/Cable/DSL?

• When you open the Avast GUI > Settings > Updates > Update Parameters … what do you have checked off)? What do you have checked off under Proxy Settings? Or give me a screen shot if it is easier.

[system]

Safe Surf,
Running XP with SP3.
Besides Windows Firewall I am running SpywareBlaster and regularly run Malwarebytes AntiMalware. Last security scheme was Microsoft Security Essentials until it slowed my system down to a crawl. Prior to that I ran AVG and ZoneAlarm. And long ago I ran Norton SystemWorks Premier. I think all were uninstalled using Windows Add or Remove utility in the Control Panel (except used Norton’s uninstall for all SystemWorks but Ghost which is still installed but is only run manually).
Uninstalled Avast with its utility, which came up in the Windows Add or Remove sequence. But I did this in normal mode, not Safe Mode.
Internet connection is by DSL.
Avast Update Settings follow.

• Engine/definitions = Automatic update
• Program = Ask when an update is available
• Update parameters = neither box checked
• Update options = all three boxes checked
• Auto update interval = every 240 minutes
• Proxy Settings = Direct Connection (no proxy)

[system]

@Bill44 post:24

Last security scheme was Microsoft Security Essentials until it slowed my system down to a crawl. Prior to that I ran AVG and ZoneAlarm. And long ago I ran Norton SystemWorks Premier. I think all were uninstalled using Windows Add or Remove utility in the Control Panel (except used Norton’s uninstall for all SystemWorks but Ghost which is still installed but is only run manually).
Uninstalled Avast with its utility, which came up in the Windows Add or Remove sequence. But I did this in normal mode, not Safe Mode.

OK. I think I’ve identified some issues here. It is possible that you have remnants on your machine from these other prior security software: MSE, AVG, ZA, Ghost (Symantec) - these all can present conflict with ANY antivirus software.

Use these links to find the vendor’s uninstaller tools to run the uninstaller again, even if you did so already:
http://uninstallers.blogspot.com/
http://www.askvg.com/ultimate-collection-of-uninstallers-removal-tools-for-all-popular-anti-virus-software/
Norton removal tool from here to clear them http://service1.symantec.com/support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

After running each uninstaller in Normal Mode, you must reboot your machine in between after each uninstall.

@Bill44 post:24

Uninstalled Avast with its utility, which came up in the Windows Add or Remove sequence. But I did this in normal mode, not Safe Mode.

I suggest that after running the above uninstaller tools for the prior security software that you do an uninstall and clean install of Avast, but this time uninstall in Safe Mode and install in Normal Mode.

If your Internet connection is DSL, aren’t you connected to the Internet all the time or do you turn something off?

@Bill44 post:24

Avast Update Settings follow.

• Engine/definitions = Automatic update - OK
• Program = Ask when an update is available - OK
• Update parameters = neither box checked - Change to My Computer is permanently connected to the Internet
• Update options = all three boxes checked - OK
• Auto update interval = every 240 minutes - You can change to 120 minutes if you like
• Proxy Settings = Direct Connection (no proxy) - OK

Note my comments in bold colors above, esp. the one in red. This may help if you are permanently connected to the Internet via DSL.

Let me know how this goes. Thank you.

[system]

SafeSurf,

My Avast installation is back in the update business. My problem was solved by checking the ‘My Computer is permanently connected to the Internet’ box in Settings. I have no idea what changed it, as I had not ever changed any of the default settings when it was working from the initial installation. To answer your question about whether I turn something (i.e. router/modem) off, I often do just that when a non-internet savvy user wishes to work locally. That is the reason that I did not try checking the permanent connection box when I first reviewed my settings to send them to you.
Thank you for your patience with my problem. I now feel Safe to Surf again!

[system]

SafeSurf,

P.S. to my last post.
I also appreciate your suggestions regarding uninstalling previous apps and installing in safe mode. I intend to proceed with those recommendations to clean up any residuals that may remain in my system.
Regards

[system]

@Bill44 post:26

I now feel Safe to Surf again!

Hey, I knew my name would come in handy some day! ;D

I’m very glad that everything finally worked out for you. Feel free to come back any time you need help, to learn something new, or just to ask questions. We are here 24/7 for your convenience. Thank you for allowing me to assist you.