XP: paid subscription breaks Avast

Hello all

I have been running Avast Internet Security 18.3.2333 (build 18.3.3860.316) on Windows XP sp3 since last year. My subscription ended last month and after some days I paid for another year. I thought the new subscription would just lengthen the time I am able to use Internet Security as Windows XP is not officially supported any more but new virus database updates are still compatible. What actually happens is that as soon as Avast finds out that a new subscription has been paid for it updates the Program to a newer version which leads to “UI Failed to load” i.e. Avast not working at all.

After two unistalls of Avast I now have that aforementioned Avast Internet Security 18.3.2333 (build 18.3.3860.316) installed again, in trial mode with 30 days remaining, with current virus definitions. Insertion of activation code will lead to program update so it is out of the question right now. This is a bizarre situation where using a valid licence leads to loss of all functionality. In Avast Internet Security user interface I have found nothing that would prevent the update. “Manual update” is selected for the Program but this is just ignored. It is honored however as long as I stay “incognito” and do not give any activation code!

Is there a way of activating the new licence while staying with the old version of Program?

The last supported program version for XP is 18.8, so I would guess that is what it is trying to update to ?

I’m only using avast free 18.5 on my XP Pro system as I had issues on anything after version 18.5.

You say it breaks Avast, what do you mean by that, what breaks ?

Did you get sent a new license/subscription number by email ?
If so are you able to copy and past that into your Registration (Avast tray icon) information ?

Thanks for reply. Yes you are right it updated to 18.8.2356.
After reboot Avast said:

"UI Failed to load.
This is really embarrassing.
AV Service is not responding.

EXIT RESTART SERVICE"

Clicking RESTART SERVICE did restart the
service process but it dies in under a minute
and I am back to same screen. I never get
to the Avast main screen with the shield.
The only part of Avast working then is the
system tray icon.

The last working program version for me is
18.3.2333. Which I am now back on.

I did get the activation code by email. First
time I did not even get to insert the code, Avast
somehow activated itself via the net without
me doing anything and updated to an unworking
version that is too new for my computer.
After uninstallation of that I reinstalled
Avast 18.3.2333 (build 18.3.3860.316) and this
time I copy/pasted the activation code and bang,
Avast again updated its program version without consulting
me even though I had selected the “Manual update”
of “program”. I was forced to uninstall again as the situation
was same as before. It seems that when Avast can connect
my licence to my computer it forces the update. As long
as I do not tell my copy of Avast who I am I can use the
old version with current virus database updates albeit
as a 30 day trial version. Which is much better than nothing.

How can I stay on Avast Internet Security 18.3.2333
(build 18.3.3860.316) for a year without being
forced an update of the “program”? I only want “virus
definitions” updates.

I only use Avast Free and I have also set Program updates to Manual and my system remains on 18.5, so I have no idea why yours updates after updating the license.

The only problem is that the 30 trial will run out and that avenue will probably not be available.

Dropping down to Avast Free may or may not help, but then the issue would be finding an old version 18.3 installation file.

https://support.avast.com/article/Troubleshoot-Embarrassing-UI-Failed-load

Problem solved! Yay!

I found on my hard drive an old Avast Premier installer. After using it I now have
Program version 18.3.2333 (build 18.3.3860.316). This time switching to the new
one year license did not initiate the destructive program update as the installed
product was the same (Premier) as the license was for.

I should have realized this before posting here. I set the Program update to
Manual and it is now respected. All is as well as it can be with an unsupported OS.

Thank you for your advice even though this time I managed to solve this myself.