Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: mirorim on December 31, 2011, 02:20:19 PM
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Hi,
could you please advise how to downgrade from the (full?) version back to Free? I've tried avast's action offer (damn!) to try the full version for free for 30 days, but there is no way (or at least I can not find it anywhere) how to go back to free version (without reinstall the whole SW from scratch)...
Any ideas that can help?
Thank you and cheers (and Happy New Year! ;),
Miro
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I haven't used this option, but I thought there was meant to be a button/GUI option to revert.
I would think if it is anywhere it would be in the avastUI, Maintenance section, probably under Registration.
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Hi David,
thanks for reply. I've tried all possible buttons but none was helpful to downgrade - had to download and reinstall the free one again...
Thanks again and cheers,
Miro
PS: NOT FUNNY avast GUYS! :'(
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You're welcome.
I too would have thought there would be an easy route back from the trial.
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The button is there, just as David described (just it's not Registration, once you switch to the trial it's Subscription).
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Thanks for the clarification Igor.
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The specific path to switch back (after, as near as I can tell, being *forced* to take the trial upgrade; not funny, guys, indeed) is:
Maintenance -> Subscription
click on "purchase"
click on "switch back to free"
...wait while the software downloads, installs, then reboot.
Editorial comment: I recognize that companies are in business to make money, after all, but forcing us to jump through hoops like this to get the free version is just icky. Make it free, or make us pay, don't make it so irritating to use.
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Guys, I know this is an old topic. But the problem remains, and Avast has closed off the the solution presented in this thread. The choice of downgrading to the free version is not among the options given. Or has it been hidden even more cleverly?
Does anyone have any new suggestions (short of a clean install)? Thanks.
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Try to deinstall and again install.
But nobody knows it will be effective or not.
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Did you know Avast had a program called aswclear.exe?
I didn't either. It's possible to find it on the Avast website, but the site is not a model of directness or clarity. I actually found it through Google. Here is a direct link:
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility)
First remove Avast with Add or Remove Programs. Restart computer. Then run aswclear.exe
Avast isn't making it easy not to sign up for Pro, I'll give 'em that.
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This utility is also extensively described in the FAQ:
http://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB10#idt_02
avast! 8.x: Uninstallation methods
A very detailed HowTo.
SCS
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Yes, thank you, that is a very detailed FAQ. But backtracking it showed a path counter intuitive to literal me: click through the installation tab, then click through Uniinstall Avast! free antivirus...
Yes, the information is there. But as earlier posts in this thread indicate it is becoming more of a chore to downgrade than it has been. The "free trial" of Pro seemed very much like foistware. I wonder what next year will bring?
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I an being forced into this mess as well. I needed to perform a System Restore on a Win 7 box, and Avast popped up saying "The trial period could not be activated. In order to start receiving updates, the trial period must be activated." Dandy, except I was happily running Avast Free. There appears to be no way to have Avast keep working *without* activating the trial. Avast was sitting at version 8.0.1483, claiming an upgrade to 8.0.1455 was available. As far as I can ascertain, this upgrade does not exist, nor do any of the other Avast installations report that such an upgrade is available.
I then uninstalled Avast, downloaded the latest version, and reinstalled Avast Free. Well, that worked except that Avast refuses to register for continuing free protection. The only workable option is to register for a "free trial" of the pro version. I did, then set the computer's clock forward to extend past the trial period. Trial expired, can no longer revert back to free version, pay up sucker. I then went through the cleaning, etc. steps listed in earlier threads. Reinstalling Avast Free is not an option - it wants payment.
This whole process would have been more frustrating had it not played out in a virtual machine (we use VMs for instrumentation control; our corporate subscription to Symantec would work fine, but having a lighter-weight virus scanner is desirable). Restoring the entire VM from a backup took a minute or so, leaving Avast Free operational.
Based on this experience, I certainly would not want to rely on the "free" Avast to provide reliable, long-term protection for anything other than a disposable virtual computer.
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Hi!
You can downgrade, but not without a CLEAN install! That means the following:
1. Download 'aswclear' from -----> http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/aswclear.exe to your desktop.
2. Download 'avast FREE' from --> http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
3. Deinstall 'avast' (under XP) via --> Settings ... --> Software. Look for 'avast' and de-install.
4. Restart and use 'PF8' for 'Safe Mode'.
5. Start 'aswclear.exe' (see under 1.), it's for version 5 to 8! If you installed 'avast' on another place (search for
and choose), click 'REMOVE' and restart.
6. Run 'avast FREE'-Setup (see under 2.) and follow the instuctions (attention: untick 'Chrome'-installation).
7. Restart.
HDW38
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This was a bit of a shock, as I do not remember EVER upgrading to the pro offer. I left it untouched...
NOT happy with this hoop-jumping to reset. (Instructions said there was an easy revert on the PREVIOUS "free trial" which I didn't take.
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This was a bit of a shock, as I do not remember EVER upgrading to the pro offer. I left it untouched...
NOT happy with this hoop-jumping to reset. (Instructions said there was an easy revert on the PREVIOUS "free trial" which I didn't take.
The instructions only cater for those who intentionally took up the trial, they have a reversion route.
Did you happen to d a system restore at around the time this happened, as we are seeing this happen after a system restore ?
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The problem must be related to system restore. I have two xp/SP3s, both recently running avast free V8 (been running avast since V5 and this is my first-ever issue). On April 22 one of the computers would go online, however browsers and email programs would not connect. I used system restore to roll back two days (April 20) and regained browser/email function. Unfortunately avast somehow morphed from the free version (1483) to a trial version (1455) that would not update and with a notice that ten days remain in the trial period. The other xp did not require going back to a restore point and is running normally with free V8. Unfortunately the xp with the dysfunctional avast is in a remote cabin with a very slow dial-up connection that results in a 7 hour download of V8, while the ISP terminates connection at 4 hours. I hope it's possible to download V8 to CD or thumb drive elsewhere and install it at the remote location.
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I am also having a similar issue with avast that may be related to System Restore. (I have Windows Vista)
Just today noticed the red popup that my "subscription for avast! Internet Security has expired. As a result, the program will not download any further updates". And when i open the main ui, it shows avast! Pro Antivirus. BUT, I've only ever had the free version!!! Never clicked to upgrade or start a trial or anything.
I've been trying to fix an unrelated issue and have needed to use System Restore in Vista lately. So maybe those things are somehow related.
I don't suppose there is another (easier/quicker) option to revert back to the free version than to uninstall/reinstall?
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There isn't an easier option as the reversion infrastructure is only put in place when the used upgrades to the trial version from within the the avast free interface.
So I'm afraid it is a reinstall of the free version.
If you have to use system restore, disable the avast self-defence module first.
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Since, at dial-up speed, avast 8 is a 6-7 hour download, and as my ISP kills connections at 4 hours, will either of these metheds work for reinstallation: (1) download to CD via a machine with a faster connection and use the CD to install on the machine with the slow connection; or (2) reinstall version 5 and attempt to update? My alternatives are to purchase satellite internet or move the remote computer to a faster connection; or find an AV program that will download in 4 hours.
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There isn't an easier option as the reversion infrastructure is only put in place when the used upgrades to the trial version from within the the avast free interface.
So I'm afraid it is a reinstall of the free version.
If you have to use system restore, disable the avast self-defence module first.
This is all too pathetic that we can't revert easily. I'm off to look for another free anti-virus
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Pathetic or not, that is a fact all I as an avast user am trying to do is get you up and running again again with avast free; your choice, your system.
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I probably found something:
go on the avast web page: http://www.avast.com/de-de/index (http://www.avast.com/de-de/index)
than got to the support menu
there is the category licence center (http://www.avast.com/registration-free-antivirus.php (http://www.avast.com/registration-free-antivirus.php))
You can register a free one year licence there. And will get a licence code you will have to fill in your avast! "to run avast! after the testingperiod"
I'm still testing so I can't tell for sure, but it looks a lot like the solution.
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Whilst it is possible to register off-line and have the registration key sent to you, if the program has switched to the Pro trial, then there is nowhere that you can enter the free registration key in the pro trial version. This is why it is such a big hassle.
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I too completed a System Restore and "discovered" that I had to activate Avast Pro, despite the fact that I always used Avast Free. Considering the fact that I have dial-up a clean install is a major hassle. Unless an official fix is forthcoming soon I'm off to another antvirus.
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I too completed a System Restore and "discovered" that I had to activate Avast Pro, despite the fact that I always used Avast Free. Considering the fact that I have dial-up a clean install is a major hassle. Unless an official fix is forthcoming soon I'm off to another antvirus.
Well that is your choice, but getting another AV will still require that you first download that.
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This was a bit of a shock, as I do not remember EVER upgrading to the pro offer. I left it untouched...
NOT happy with this hoop-jumping to reset. (Instructions said there was an easy revert on the PREVIOUS "free trial" which I didn't take.
The instructions only cater for those who intentionally took up the trial, they have a reversion route.
Did you happen to d a system restore at around the time this happened, as we are seeing this happen after a system restore ?
No, no use of system restore.
I had it fixed for about a week or so, now, I'm upgraded to "pro" again, with expired licence.
It had an engine update, yesterday, and things went to shit... again.
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Then there's no easy solution?
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Then there's no easy solution?
Hello Karolinger!
No.
There was a bug in avast! Free V8.0.1482 and 1483 (a combination with system restore) - but it should be solved now.
So please make a clean install of the most recent version 1489.
INGBEAN
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Hi
I know this topic is very old, but I had the same problem. I upgraded to Avast Pro for one year, and then when my year subscription expired (yesterday), I was left only with the options to repurchase a Pro license. There was no option to downgrade to Avast Free.
After about twenty minutes of searching in vain for such a button, I was ready to uninstall Avast Pro and get another Free antivirus. But when I selected the "uninstall" option from Windows 7's control panel option of "Add/Remove Programs", a message from Avast popped up asking me if I really want to uninstall Avast, and by answering "Yes" it then asked me if I want to revert back to Avast Free....
So it would seem that a lack of downgrading capabilities is a common complaint that Avast chose to solve by that cumbersome route....
I hope this helps at least someone.
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Hi everyone.
Maybe this is an old topic. But I had the same problem.
What i did:
Go to the Control Panel -> uninstall Avast Pro
When prompted if I want to uninstall there is an option to switch back to Avast Free.
I clicked it and everything went ok.
Try it
I was on Win8
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Yes it is an old topic, for an old version and this option wasn't available in that version, now it is in avast 2015.
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My thanks go to Anti_Dandruff7 and vela.russel -- the same thing worked for me.
TBH this is a load of bull though. You should support your users better. I'm not sure if I even consented to trialing Avast Pro in the first place, though with all the annoying popups it's very possible that I accidentally did.
I'm still a user but looking for more honest alternatives.
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There was indeed an easy way to go from Paid to Free in version 2015.
I have no idea why Avast decided to replace something that made it easy to keep customers
with a survey???
Now, in order to change from Paid to Free, you need to download the Free Version then, use the control panel Removal feature.
Reboot your system.
Once that's dome you can run the setup program for the Free version of Avast.
What a Pain...... :(
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What could possibly be the strategy for this move by Avast ???
Makes no sense :-\
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What could possibly be the strategy for this move by Avast ???
Makes no sense :-\
I'm still waiting for a reply from my contacts.
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Hey guys just try to uninstall your expired avast from add and remove programs
There will be two options one is to switch back to previous free avast
And other is to uninstall it completely....
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Hey guys just try to uninstall your expired avast from add and remove programs
There will be two options one is to switch back to previous free avast
And other is to uninstall it completely....
Not if you're using the current version of Avast. :(
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Yes it's there Bob. If you have paid version in trial mode then it should be there an option to downgrade.
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Yes it's there Bob. If you have paid version in trial mode then it should be there an option to downgrade.
So it's there but only for those using a trial mode ??? Not for those who's paid version is expiring and they want to
change over to Free ???
Thanks
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No ti should appear if you are expiring or expired as well..
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No ti should appear if you are expiring or expired as well..
The problem with that, many of these people wishing to downgrade to the free version will have been using the trial version (or before renewal would take effect) and want rid of it before they have to pay.
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Ah I see, trial version should be soon included also, even when not expiring.
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Ah I see, trial version should be soon included also, even when not expiring.
IMHO, it should be included in all payed versions. Making it easy to roll back to free gives Avast a greater chance to still retain a customer even if they've decide not to renew.
It shouldn't make any difference at what point the decision is made to go to the free version. :)
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Ah I see, trial version should be soon included also, even when not expiring.
IMHO, it should be included in all payed versions. Making it easy to roll back to free gives Avast a greater chance to still retain a customer even if they've decide not to renew.
It shouldn't make any difference at what point the decision is made to go to the free version. :)
+1
Agreed :)
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Hey guys just try to uninstall your expired avast from add and remove programs
There will be two options one is to switch back to previous free avast
And other is to uninstall it completely....
Not if you're using the current version of Avast. :(
Hey all. I just used uninstall on the current version. It works!
Win10. Used add/remove programs and selected "modify" instead of uninstall. The option was big, you can't miss it.
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Hey guys just try to uninstall your expired avast from add and remove programs
There will be two options one is to switch back to previous free avast
And other is to uninstall it completely....
Not if you're using the current version of Avast. :(
Hey all. I just used uninstall on the current version. It works!
Win10. Used add/remove programs and selected "modify" instead of uninstall. The option was big, you can't miss it.
You will notice that this topic is relatively old and at a period in time it, was very easy to miss as it was removed so it wasn't there.
That is what we have been fighting for to have the option reinstated.
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After proceeding to uninstall avast premier the option to downgrade becomes available.
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After proceeding to uninstall avast premier the option to downgrade becomes available.
Nice to hear. Thanks for the update. :)
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It's in the Uninstall window.
Well guys I read this thread and lost hope. So I decided to just uninstall. But as I tried to uninstall it the uninstall window came up with two options. One is to downgrade to free and the other is to uninstall. Because Uninstall window is the last time we will see avast, so I think the downgrade to free will stay there for a while.
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Details here: https://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB27#artTitle
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in uninstalling option (via control panel etc), click 'change' then choose avast free.. done
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In version 17.1.2286, go to subscription info and drop down the OTHER OPTIONS item. You'll see the option to go back to the free version. No uninstall required but does require a reboot.
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I will probably never activate an avast free trial again, due to this nonsense. Free trial my ass. There seems to be not quick and easy way to go back to the free version.
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Aww hell, I just tried to uninstall it, and it finally gave me the option to swich back to free mode. Nice maneuvering, AVAST. Let me add you to my list of corporate tricksters. Can I actually trust you with my password data?
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Aww hell, I just tried to uninstall it, and it finally gave me the option to swich back to free mode. Nice maneuvering, AVAST. Let me add you to my list of corporate tricksters. Can I actually trust you with my password data?
That was pointed out in Asyn's post here: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=91263.msg1321882#msg1321882