Hi all,
I have been using Avast for some years now and have been very satisfied with the program. Currently I am using the version 4.8 Home, and have noticed that if I want to go to the programs settings, or even update it, it brings up a small window asking me to enter a password. The program is been registered but I don’t know why it keeps asking me to enter a password.
Does anyone know what password is asking or how to skip the password and let the program automatically update the definitions?
Thanks in advance
Right-click your avast icon, click set/change password.
Type in the password, then leave enter new password and confirm blank. Click ok.
Just because it asks for a password, doesn’t mean it’s not going to update.
The password is so that unauthorized users can’t change the settings.
Welcome to the forum
Tricky if you don’t know the password.
Someone, at some stage, must have entered one. Try and find out whodunnint, and what it was.
If it can’t be found out, Avast will keep working, it will just be impossible to alter certain program settings - not a desirable state of affairs - and a full uninstall/reinstall would need to be performed.
Like TARQ57, I need password assistance.
I installed avast! just recently. I was not asked to create a password as a trial user. NO mention of password at installation.
Now when I go to “Program Settings” or to “Create/Change Password” options, I am asked for existing password. Apparently Avast created a password at installation; however nowhere am I told what the installation password is. Without knowing that, I am not able to create or change the password.
Please, what is the installed password for avast! so I can change it? Thanks!
Tricky if you don't know the password. Someone, at some stage, must have entered one. Try and find out whodunnint, and what it was.
There is no password. Just like Tarq said, someone must have put one in, or it was done accidentally.
If you don’t know what it is, you can do a full uninstall / reinstall to clear it.
Hi pabloinla, welcome to the forum 
If you have not set a password, then the ‘old password’ should be blocked. You should be unable to click on that part.
Just enter a new password, that you want to use.
-Scott-
Oops, scythe posted…and yes, my post is only valid if there isn’t actually a password…
Let’s see! I own my computer. Only I use it! The PC is at home!
I did not set a password for avast yet a password is asked for to view the program settings. I ignore the request (maybe there is a blank password) and click OK and a popup says “You didn’t enter correct password” Therefore, guys, there is a password on the program that no user has set! That is simple logic!
Like many programs I have used as a network manager (such as those sold by Cisco Systems) a program created password seems to be in place. I have seen several questions put to this forum other than this thread asking the same question that I have. No one seems to know the answer so we are unable to proceed with securing the program.
So I am wondering, does anyone with knowledge of this password issue know how to proceed? I like the small footprint of avast. The McAfee program hogs processor terribly while avast lets me do my work while humming away in the background. I’d like to secure it with my password, not the insecure one from avast that a knowledgeable user could hack. thanks!
Let's see! I own my computer. Only I use it! The PC is at home! I did not set a password for avast yet a password is asked for to view the program settings. I ignore the request (maybe there is a blank password) and click OK and a popup says "You didn't enter correct password" Therefore, guys, there is a password on the program that no user has set! That is simple logic!It appears to be simple logic. I am at a loss to explain it, and have never seen this before, except in cases where someone else has used the computer and entered a password unbeknown to the main user. Avast does not do this. (If it is the genuine Avast.)
So I am wondering, does anyone with knowledge of this password issue know how to proceed?Yes. Fully uninstall it, reboot, use the Avast Uninstall Utility [url=http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-uninstall-utility.html](Here)[/url], reboot, re-install it. There is no other way I know of to reset a lost password. As to how it happened, well, that is a mystery.
I am at a loss to explain it, and have never seen this before, except in cases where someone else has used the computer and entered a password unbeknown to the main user. Avast does not do this. (If it is the genuine Avast.)
I guess you could have downloaded a non-legit version of avast, and that’s why it’s asking for a password, but as we all stated, avast doesn’t automatically create one by itself so someone or something must have created one.
Thanks guys, I will try uninstall utility and reinstall 1st thing mañana.
I did what you guys recommended, uninstalled avast! with the utility in safe mode! Reinstalled. Everything looks fine now :D!
Just to note, Microsoft Help sucks as always. To start in safe mode I had to google for how to to find F8 key provides a menu at startup to choose safe mode.
Anyway, I am happy. Looking forward to getting the full version of avast to replace McAfee, the system hog!
Glad you got it working, and hope that avast serves you well!
Come back anytime. 8)
I owe you a bit of an apology; I should have thought to include the “f8” procedure for safe mode, and the indicated requirement of this.
But I’m glad you sorted it.
I’ve never had the opportunity to use Avast on a system following the removal of McAfee. (only Norton.)
I bet it makes a bit of a difference!