SecureLine VPN server refused license

With a valid license, I am unable to connect to SecureLine VPN, getting a message indicating that the VPN server has refused the license file.
any idea what is this all about?

Did you try the standalone version…!?

Same result

https://support.avast.com/article/Troubleshoot-activation

Contacted support, followed all instructions and problem persists. OK on the stand alone version now, but it’s ridiculous to have avast premier popup all the time suggesting to “go private” as it obviously does not recognize the stand alone version.

Remove the SL component in Avast Premier.
https://support.avast.com/article/96/ (Add/Remove components)

I removed it already, but each time I connect to a network, the pop up saying the connection is not private shows up again, even when the stand alone is already connected.

Are ads disabled in Premier…!? (Avast GUI → Settings → Popups)

And that was the culprit, did not realize that the ads were on, thank you

You’re welcome.