Hi,
For a few days now AVAST! FREE ANTIVIRUS has been unable to update automatically, or manually, for that matter. I invariably get a message saying that AVAST! could not connect to the server a954sl.avast.com (74.86.232.36.80).
I currently have AVAST! FREE ANTIVIRUS version 6.0.1091 with virus definitions 110502-1. These virus definitions had to be downloaded manually from http://www.avast.com/download-update.
Is there a current problem with the AVAST update server? Or is there a different cause?
I tried switching the firewall off to no avail.
Thanks for any suggestion.
Regards,
Robert
Make sure to set Avast to “no proxy” in Settings → Update.
And set to “Always connected”.
Sorry but “no proxy” or “auto-detect” made no difference. AVAST still “cannot connect to server”.
I am on a dial-up connection. “Always connected” does not apply.
Any firewall?
Any problem with the hosts file? (infection)
Check “always connected” anyway.
Please use this MS-tool to fix the Hosts-file: TOOL
Download the file to disk and then run it.
Download Malwarebytes Antimalware free by clicking on the blue MBAM in my signature.
Install it.
Start it.
Go to the update tab and update it.
Then start a “Quick scan” (takes only few minutes).
A log will appear after the scan - save that to your disk and post the file here (click “Additional Options” at the bottom of post editor window to attach the saved log file).
We’ll continue then.
I did everything suggested.
To no avail.
AVAST still “cannot connect to server”.
Switching the firewall off did not help.
I am not sure that the “malware” found by the anti-malware application was actually “malware”. In any case, removing it changed nothing.
I am attaching the log file as requested.
Go to Control Panel and select Internet Options
Select the Connections TAB
Select LAN settings button
Ensure there is no tick in the Proxy Server box
Select OK and restart Internet explorer
And for Firefox there are instructions on this page and you want the setting to be no proxy
THEN
First run the fixit on this page
If that fails then try the following
[*]To open a command prompt, click Start > All Programs > Accessories and then right click command prompt and select run as administrator. (Vista & 7 only)
[*]Copy and paste (or type) the following command in the command box box and then press ENTER:
netsh winsock reset c:\resetlog.txt
[*]Reboot the computer.
[*]In next reply please post content of the file c:\resetlog.txt
I did as suggested.
To no avail.
AVAST still “cannot connect to server”.
I am attaching the log file as requested.
Switching off the firewall isn’t a guarantee as its low level drivers will still be running and could have an impact.
What is your firewall ?
Does it allow avast.setup internet access ?
- If it does delete the entry for it and do a manual update, this should force the firewall to ask permission again.
This system is running Comodo Firewall on Windows XP SP3.
“avast.setup” is a “trusted application” with Comodo (all requests are allowed).
I just tried updating AVAST manually. It worked even though I cannot fathom out why!
Thanks for all the help anyway!
You’re welcome.
On second thoughts, it seemed that reregistering “avast.setup” with Comodo did the trick. I am not quite sure, but I cannot think of any other explanation.
Many thanks to all for the wonderful community spirit!
Just had this exact same problem. Luckily I found this thread to fix it.
It was solved by going to Comodo Firewall - Define New Trusted Application - Browse running Processes (while avast was trying to update) - Avast.Setup
Fixed. Thanks.
Sometimes it seems firewalls get digital amnesia and block what is listed as allowed; either removing the entry or reregistering it may jog its memory (resolve any corruption) ;D
You’re welcome, good that you found the forum search function, a wealth of information is available on the forums.
I am having a similar problem in that I have been unable to update the last definitions set.
My problem however is slightly different in that I have no problem connecting to the server or having the file download. Upon attempting to save the file I get the same message auto or manual update … “Last valid erro: Invalid file signature. Setup will terminate.”
Current engine/definitions Version 110503-1 , Program version 6.0.1000
Click on the blue “Free” in my signature and download 6.0.1091.
Install right over the existing installation, no prior uninstall.
Reboot.
Check.
Thanks muchly. Doing a separate download and install seems to have solved the problem (I was getting the same error trying to update the program through the control panel). All is now up to date.
Thanks again!
My pleasure.
Happy surfin’ 
Zyndstoff