OpenDNS and Avast Updates

I use OpenDNS and my Avast AV is not updating “engine and virus definitions” or the “Program.”
Are there any URLs I need to white-list in OpenDNS? White-listing “avast.com” did not solve the problem.
Avast Free AV
version 2015.10.2.2218

What avast version are you using, free/pro/ais/premier and version number (11.1.2245 is the latest) ?

I know there are avast users using OpenDNS and we don’t seem many reports of issues with OpenDNS.

If you look in the avastUI > Settings > Update - scroll down to the Proxy Settings and expand that section > check the ‘Specify proxy server.’

This should allow you to enter your Proxy IP.
That said, looking at that screen I don’t believe it is set up for the likes of OpenDNS (with to IPs) and it doesn’t necessarily require a user and password.

Hopefully someone using OpenDNS can respond.

Are you able to do a manual virus definitions update from the UI ?

The only time I am able to update is when I disable Opendns. There are update servers names that need to be added to OpenDNS’s “whitelist,” I just can’t remember what they are.

Updates usually happen fairly soon after boot, but after boot your DNS should be set and running, so a manual update well after update should just use the connection you have.

This isn’t a white list issue really. The web Shield can have URLs excluded, but the update function doesn’t use the web shield as such. And other than the point I mentioned about setting the update proxy there is no function to white list.

You can visit the OpenDNS site and see what the IP addresses are, I can’t remember them as it is many years since I used them. But they are relatively easy to find.

208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields.

Once you set this up in your system it becomes the default DNS server and avast should use that without needing anything to setup.

What errors are you getting ?

A few years ago, a colleague of mine had this same issue. He was able to get it resolved by adding the update server names to his OpenDNS white-list so I know for sure that’s one way to resolve if you don’t want to keep changing your DNS address constantly. Unfortunately, I’m not in touch with that individual so i can’t contact them directly.
I already have the Public DNS set and it does not allow Avast to update. The only way I update is either disable OpenDNS or change the DNS address to my ISP’s DNS servers. The only thing I see is “Avast was unable to update.”

The update (and other) servers are listed in servers.def
Keep in mind that they are subject to changes though.

The problem with that is there are many, many update servers (to cater for 230+ million user updates) and they are also changing, so I don’t think that is a practical solution.

There is a servers.def file in the avast\setup folder, this lists the servers in current use (but are changeable), you will get an idea of how impracticable trying to white list these would be.

running open dns here for long time. never had any issues. avast updates just fine. no special settings required.

skinnypops

version 2015.10.2.2218
< That can be the problem. It is a old version.