I have been using Avast FREE HOME VERSION I think about 7 years, Always auto updated no problkem, Same Linksys Router, Same Computer Nothing has changed DSL from Verizon. I noticed that the Auto updates Stopped coming in So I started to use the software and initialize them myself, No problem, Oh here is a nice shiny version 5.0 I figured maybe just maybe this wouyld be great(been that way many years now). I tried 5 times installing, She runs nice, BUT now cannot connect to update AND I downloaded the files and that gave me an error? I Thouroughly cleaned the PC of ALL Alwil and Avast and still same thing! I know I am missing something The Software is great but What Should I do I am attaching a screenshot and the Small bow to the bottom right is the pop up I get when I downloaded the update and tried manually The background is the program eroor Thanks so much for anyhelp possible MK
Hello mak1965,
I use the German version, so I don’t know exactly the English setting-points,
but try the following in the settings:
Settings > Updates > Parameter:
only dial-up-connection (no)
permanent internet-connection (yes).
Hope, you know what I mean.
Otherwise anybody else must translate it in the correct notions for the English setting-points.
Good luck and give us a short feedback! 
Tried the Default, nothing checked also, The permanent connection box , I have always had set to on? Thanks anyway!
Do you mean everyone anyone here does not know about this problem? I sure hope someone sees this. Just turned on the PC and get the update error popup Something is really funny about this! Thanks MK ???
Yes mak1965, set the permanent connection box ALWAYS to ON!
This helped me, as I installed avast the first time a few weeks ago.
And set the “NO PROXY” box to ON, too (I mean, you should “say” the program, that you DON’T use a proxy!).
I hope, you find the setting-points, that I mean!
Sorry, but as I have written, my version is the German one, so that I don’t know, how exactly the settings-points are named in English…
Good luck and kind regards!
~SKY~
I found older 4.8 and installed and autoupdate works just fine, Did NOT have to change anything in settings! Something wrong with 5.0 somewhere!
Hi mek,
I don’t think, that there’s something “wrong” with version 5, but SOMETIMES/ON SOME OS you have to change the default settings before you get an update!
I don’t know, why it doesn’t work correctly from the beginning with the default settings, sorry.
But now your system works with version 4.8.
That is actually o.k., isn’t it? 
Yeah as long as It works! Avast in my opinion is a wonderful program, I have used it so long I would not change unless the old version stopped… I feel that they know about these issues and will get it working eventually! I have faith in Alwil for sure! But the 5.0 don’t work At all on this system, that has been running for over 5 years with Avast and no changes were ever made to the program at all?? Funny? No Not really! Thannks MK
Hi mak,
my “last” idea:
could it be, that a (your) firewall blocks the connection to the update-server and that you first must give this connection free, before an update is possible?
OK, I know, it’s to late, because you installed version 4.8, but perhaps this idea could be the solution of your problem… ???