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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: jimn on May 29, 2006, 12:33:24 AM

Title: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 29, 2006, 12:33:24 AM
For a couple of days now, every time I startup my Win XP Pro (quite up-to-date with patches) I get a big red box and clicking it shows an "Avast! Antivirus Setup" dialog saying "Last encountered error: Can't select any server for download ing (from 0).".

My other 2 systems are fine.

How to fix?
Thanks
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Lisandro on May 29, 2006, 12:55:23 AM
Maybe you need just change (or add) AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds value into the [InetWD] section of avast4.ini file.

You could set the number of seconds to wait before attempting to update. The default is 30 but it may not be enough in some DSL systems. In this case, you can try increasing this e.g. to 60 (1 minute). That should be enough.

More details here: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=1647

Hope this helps  8)
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 29, 2006, 07:21:45 PM
Hi Tech,

No joy adding that.
I get the same error trying to manually update either the "!AVS update" or the "Program update".

It looks like some IP address somewhere has been clobbered.

License still has over a year to go, so I doubt that's the issue.

Any more ideas?
Thanks.
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: essexboy on May 29, 2006, 07:24:19 PM
Check the size of your server defs file if it is 0bytes then run a repair of Avast and that should download a new copy.  It is in the Alwill set up folder
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: DavidR on May 29, 2006, 08:22:07 PM
What is your firewall ?
Ensure that it allows avast.setup access to the internet.
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 29, 2006, 10:35:39 PM
EssexBoy... the file is not 0 bytes. It and 2 sidekicks are 9K, nK ans nK.
I also can't figure out how to run a repair... clicking change/remove in Windows add/remove programs produces a brief flash, then nothing else and no change to the screen.

DavidR... the Windows firewall has been on and unchanged (manually by me) for over a year now.

This is getting to me now.

thanks for the ideas.
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Lisandro on May 29, 2006, 10:40:40 PM
EssexBoy... the file is not 0 bytes.
If you delete the file, a new one will be downloaded if you start an update.

I also can't figure out how to run a repair... clicking change/remove in Windows add/remove programs produces a brief flash, then nothing else and no change to the screen.
Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove programs > avast! antivirus > Remove. Then choose Repair function in the popup window (Repair). You must be connected to the internet while repairing.

If this does not help, can you uninstall / boot / install / boot again?
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 29, 2006, 10:47:45 PM
Tech,

The Windows Add/Remove will only make a brief flash when I click "Change/remove" on Avast4.
So I have no way to remove or repair it.
Is there an Uninstall? I don't see anything in Avast's setup subdir suggesting that.

By the way, I deleted Servers.def and no change.
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: essexboy on May 29, 2006, 11:55:59 PM
Download the avast uninstall tool then redownload and install the latest version http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_uninstall_util.html
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 30, 2006, 01:01:41 AM
This is getting frustrating...

I uninstalled, re-booted, then downloaded/installed the latest.

It reported errors during install and the log has far too much for me to make any sense of it. The thing is a rainbow, with no apparent pattern to the colours.

At this point I don't have an Avast on the system.
It's been so damned reliable for almost 2 years.

I wonder if Microsoft's latest "update" - only of their "Windows Update" software itself was installed but it deemd it necessary to bring along WITHOUT WARNING its 'version verification checker' - has anything to do with this?!?!

I'll keep looking for what to do next.
thanks
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Lisandro on May 30, 2006, 03:06:09 AM
I uninstalled, re-booted, then downloaded/installed the latest.
It reported errors during install and the log has far too much for me to make any sense of it. The thing is a rainbow, with no apparent pattern to the colours.
But, can`t you try to post at least the last lines of the log?
This `clean` install is showing me the problem is not exactly on avast... maybe another security program, or antivirus, or even the firewall...
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 30, 2006, 03:55:07 AM
Happy to oblige... here's the tail end for your review:
18:51:15 vrb/pkg  IsFullOkay: vpsm-61703.vpu - not okay
18:51:15 vrb/pkg  IsFullOkay: vpsm-61703.vpu - not okay
18:51:15 dbg/pkg  Full of package vpsm was set to 1
18:51:15 vrb/pkg  IsFullOkay: news409-31.vpu - not okay
18:51:15 vrb/pkg  IsFullOkay: news409-31.vpu - not okay
18:51:15 dbg/pkg  Full of package news409 was set to 1
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\av_pro_core-2f6.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\av_pro_dll409-147.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\av_pro_hlp409-24a.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\av_pro_pro-1d6.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\av_pro_skins-13.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\avscan-231.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\winsys-1.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\winsysgui-1.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\vps-61700.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\vpsm-61703.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:15 nrm/pkg  DldPackage: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\news409-31.vpu, returned 0x00000000
18:51:16 min/pkg  vps: needs to be updated [061703]
18:51:16 dbg/gen  progress end - 1
18:51:16 min/gen  setup: updated
18:51:16 min/gen  setif: updated
18:51:16 vrb/fil  SetExistingFilesBitmap: Setting group av_pro_sysx because of existing file C:\WINDOWS\system32\OleAcc.dll
18:51:16 vrb/fil  SetExistingFilesBitmap: 814->6->6
18:51:16 vrb/pkg  FilterOutExistingFiles: 143 & 6 = 138
18:51:16 vrb/pkg  Extracting from av_pro_core-2f6.vpu (0)
18:51:16 vrb/sys  Reboot set by changed resident C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\aswmon.sys
18:51:16 min/sys  Error copying driver file C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\aswmon.sys (0x00000003)
18:51:16 vrb/sys  Reboot set by changed resident C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\aswmon2.sys
18:51:16 min/sys  Error copying driver file C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\aswmon2.sys (0x00000003)
18:51:16 vrb/reg  Set registry: SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\aswMon2\DisplayName=avast! Standard Shield Support
18:51:16 vrb/reg  Set registry: SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\aswMon2\ErrorControl=1
18:51:16 vrb/reg  Set registry: SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\aswMon2\Type=2
18:51:16 vrb/reg  Set registry: SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\aswMon2\Start=2
18:51:16 dbg/gen  progress end - forced
18:51:16 dbg/gen  progress thread end
18:53:21 nrm/pkg  Transferred files: 11
18:53:21 nrm/pkg  Transferred bytes: 10572801
18:53:21 nrm/pkg  Transfer time: 16 ms
18:53:21 vrb/fil  NeedReboot=false
18:53:21 min/gen  Return code: 0x20000011 [The package is broken.]
18:53:21 min/gen  Stopped: 29.05.2006, 18:53:21

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 30, 2006, 04:31:41 AM
Tech,
I did a restore point from before the last Windows Update, which updated the update program itself and unsolicitedly added the Microsoft genuine advantage verification program (or whatever they call it)).
Anyway, after doing so I UNinstalled Avgast again, then re-installed AND NOW IS IS WELL AGAIN!!!

Thanks for your help, all.
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Lisandro on May 30, 2006, 05:13:30 AM
I did a restore point from before the last Windows Update
I've never believed on Microsoft System Restore feature... when you need it, you`ll be left alone on the side of the road...

Anyway, glad you finally win the battle  8) :)
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Vlk on May 30, 2006, 09:37:41 AM
According to the log, it seems that somone set some restrictive access rights on the C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers folder (so avast couldn't write any files to it). Is that possible?
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: blr on May 30, 2006, 12:58:08 PM
I have the same problem here, but I don't consider rolling back Windows updates as a viable option. If a Windows update is causing this, chances are all of your users are going to have the problem sooner or later. When do you plan on having an update on your side that solves the problem?
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 30, 2006, 01:07:19 PM
Hi vlk,

Well if rights were changed, I didn't do it. I don't know how. And I never fiddle with system files/directories.

It's working now and I'm happy again < s >
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Lisandro on May 30, 2006, 01:36:44 PM
I have the same problem here, but I don't consider rolling back Windows updates as a viable option.
Last Windows updates should not change the access rights to drivers folders... anyway, rolling back by Windows System Restore won't solve anything as usual, it's a joke feature of Microsoft: when you need it does not work  :P

When do you plan on having an update on your side that solves the problem?
Strange... what Alwil can do?  ???
Everything seems to be working in my installations and a lot of others. Are you sure the problem isn't on the firewall? Or the automatic upated at boot (logon) time ONLY?
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: jimn on May 30, 2006, 01:44:39 PM
I don't think there's anything AlWil can do, other than be aware of this situation.

Windows Update has always been a very serious concern for me because it doesn't ask BEFORE doing something... at least not enough information/options.

I feel quite sure that the Avast! problem was directly related to the Windows update but of course no way to prove it.

AlWil already did a great help by having this forum.

I hope I have another almost 2 years of trouble-free use of Avast!.
cheers
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: blr on May 30, 2006, 02:07:59 PM
I have the same problem here, but I don't consider rolling back Windows updates as a viable option.
Last Windows updates should not change the access rights to drivers folders... anyway, rolling back by Windows System Restore won't solve anything as usual, it's a joke feature of Microsoft: when you need it does not work  :P

When do you plan on having an update on your side that solves the problem?
Strange... what Alwil can do?  ???
Everything seems to be working in my installations and a lot of others. Are you sure the problem isn't on the firewall? Or the automatic upated at boot (logon) time ONLY?
System Restore has always worked for me and it seems like it worked for other users in solving this issue so I don't really see how this anti-MS rant helps... This being said, thanks a lot for your great reactivity.
Nothing changed on the firewall and the problem is both on auto-update on boot and on manual updates. I have the exact same symptoms as the other user.
If there is anything I can provide to help (logs, anything), just tell me.
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Lisandro on May 30, 2006, 02:12:54 PM
System Restore has always worked for me and it seems like it worked for other users in solving this issue so I don't really see how this anti-MS rant helps...
I'm not anti-MS... I'm anti System Restore promisses that are not fulfilled. My experience, and a lot of others, is what I've posted before.

Nothing changed on the firewall and the problem is both on auto-update on boot and on manual updates.
Can't you manual update?
Can you delete the avast.setup entry from your firewall settings and start a manual update again, answering yes to the connection, etc.

If there is anything I can provide to help (logs, anything), just tell me.
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\setup.log
The last lines of it  8)
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: blr on May 30, 2006, 02:41:34 PM
Manual update doesn't work either (same symptoms). Can't uninstall (nothing happens when I click uninstall/repair from the uninstall control panel). The firewall settings don't contain anything related to Avast setup (it's the default XP firewall). I tried adding Avast to the list of exceptions but that didn't help.

Here's the end of my setup log:

14:37:32 min/gen  Started: 30.05.2006, 14:37:32
14:37:32 min/gen  Running setup_av_pro-33b (827)
14:37:32 nrm/sys  Operating system: WindowsXP ver 5.1, build 2600, sp 2.0 [Service Pack 2]
14:37:32 vrb/sys  Computer WinName: X
14:37:32 min/sys  Windows Net User: X\Propriétaire
14:37:32 min/gen  Cmdline: /downloadpkgs /noreboot /updatevps /silent /progress 
14:37:32 vrb/gen  DldSrc set to inet
14:37:32 vrb/gen  Operation set to INST_OP_UPDATE_GET_PACKAGES
14:37:32 min/gen  Old version: 33b (827)
14:37:32 nrm/gen  SGW32P::CheckIfInstalled set m_bAlreadyInstalled to 1
14:37:32 vrb/sys  Computer DnsName: x
14:37:32 vrb/sys  Computer Ip Addr: 192.168.0.166
14:37:32 nrm/int  SYNCER: Type: use IE settings
14:37:32 nrm/int  SYNCER: Auth: another authentication, use WinInet
14:37:32 vrb/pkg  Part prg_av_pro-33b is installed
14:37:32 vrb/pkg  Part vps-62104 is installed
14:37:32 vrb/pkg  Part news-4a is installed
14:37:32 vrb/pkg  Part setup_av_pro-33b is installed
14:37:32 min/gen  Old version: 33b (827)
14:37:32 vrb/fil  SetExistingFilesBitmap: 814->138->138
14:37:32 min/gen  GUID: 28b3cfc3-99a7-4f5e-8c8f-26fed88efd51
14:37:32 min/gen  Server definition file for 'main' (C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\servers.def) is invalid.
14:37:32 nrm/pkg  Transferred files: 0
14:37:32 nrm/pkg  Transferred bytes: 0
14:37:32 nrm/pkg  Transfer time: 0 ms
14:37:32 vrb/fil  NeedReboot=false
14:37:32 min/gen  Return code: 0x2000000C [Can't select any server for downloading (from 0).]
14:37:32 min/gen  Stopped: 30.05.2006, 14:37:32

Thanks for your help. Very much appreciated.
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Vlk on May 30, 2006, 02:50:41 PM
blr, try downloading this file

http://files.avast.com/iavs4x/servers.def.vpu

and puting it to the <avast>\setup folder.

The retry the update.


Thanks
Vlk
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: blr on May 30, 2006, 02:54:56 PM
blr, try downloading this file

http://files.avast.com/iavs4x/servers.def.vpu

and puting it to the <avast>\setup folder.

The retry the update.


Thanks
Vlk
No luck with that. I also have servers.def and servers.def.lkg. Do I need to do anything with those?
Do I need to restart anything? By the way, how do you restart Avast?

UPDATE: I also downloaded servers.def from the same location and deleted the .def.lkg. That solved it.

Any idea about what could have caused the original file to go bad? I can send you the bad file if you want. It's only spaces that match the genuine file size. Could it be malware trying to disable Avast?
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: Vlk on May 30, 2006, 03:26:24 PM
Quote
Any idea about what could have caused the original file to go bad? I can send you the bad file if you want. It's only spaces that match the genuine file size. Could it be malware trying to disable Avast?


Hardly... more likely, there was a data integrity error while downloading the file. The probability is quite low - but it can happen.

The updater is immune to situations when this happens for any of the packages it downloads - except for this tiny one.


Glad that the problem is solved.


Thanks
Vlk
Title: Re: Big red error box on auto-update
Post by: blr on May 30, 2006, 03:31:11 PM
Yes, thanks for the help.