I have Windows 2000 sp4. I tried to install the Avast Free Anti-Virus, but I got the message that I needed Hotfix KB816542. I googled it, and went to Microsoft. They did not have a direct download, but sent an email with the fix - http://hotfixv4.microsoft.com/Windows%202000/sp5/PKG38115/2195/free/126663_ENU_i386_zip.exe.

I ran it, but I still get the same HotFix error message??? What did I do wrong???

This is normally the one that is required over and above win2k sp4:

So I don’t know if that is the same as the KB you mentioned. Although the quote mentions avast5 it is still required for avast6.

@jason586:

I confirm that KB816542 is already included in the Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000.
You can find more information here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/900345/en-us

You have to install the complete UR1 for W2K before Avast! Version 6 - and then it works!!!

Have a nice day!

INGBEAN

Thank you - That worked! Avast 6 is now installed.

I see that you have to register or it only last 30 days. I clicked the green “register now” button, and it said “Retrieving information, please wait”. But then nothing happened???

Have you rebooted since installing ?

It may be that the registration server is busy, give it a while and try again and report back.

You can make an off-line registration.
I prefer this solution - then I can activate the PC without an active internet connection.

The Avast! Support page here helps you in this issue:
https://support.avast.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=612&nav=0

INGBEAN

It must have been busy as I just tried again, and it worked great - Thanks!

I guess I can just let it do its thing now or is there a list somewhere of settings I need to tweak?
I had AVG before, but my computer was dying. I made a last ditch effort to reformat and reinstall, but I could not find my XP discs. So, I installed the discs I did have which was Windows 2000 sp4. That is what lead me to Avast! (since the newer AVG does not run on 2000).
Also, do you just use the Microsoft Firewall with the Free Avast???

Well the XP firewall I never felt offered enough with zero outbound protection, so I have no idea what the win2k firewall would be like.

So I think you should try to find a firewall that provides outbound protection, but then you are looking for a firewall that also supports win2k and I think many of the latest versions may not support it. But it is worth a try on google.