Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Anil00 on August 02, 2019, 07:02:52 PM
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I have an old Vista laptop that I need to have virus protection for - because Microsoft Security has ended for Vista.
I thought Avast Free was free? It has been warning me that my free license is expired and my computer "is in danger".
Even the Avast Uninstaller does not work.
Can anyone please help?
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-> https://support.avast.com/article/Activate-Free-Antivirus
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When I select the free antivirus upgrade option, a popup appears for Avast Internet Security, 60 day trial.
see attachment.
When I click No Thanks, Avast exits without renewing my license.
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Which version of Avast Free..?
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Have you re-downloaded the most current Avast? Probably yes. Registering only means sending them your email address. I've never had protection ever stopped, but maybe they do. I've used Avast for many years because I'm a builder, and it's a decent AV program provided by a marketing company. Never forget that. The last time I downloaded it, it didn't even prompt me to register it which is why I asked that question first. The free program is equal to the paid program for AV protection. If you're not covered with Avast then Windows Defender will be active. Go to Task Manager and see if Avast is running. If so, then all you have to do is ignore the ads from them. If not, then search online on how to remove it completely and then re-download and install...or go with AVG Free, or McAfee, or a dozen others that do the same things and let them just override Avast.
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When I select the free antivirus upgrade option, a popup appears for Avast Internet Security, 60 day trial.
see attachment.
When I click No Thanks, Avast exits without renewing my license.
There isn't any force. Just select the No Thank you option.
More detail here,
https://youtu.be/Gdf-U45nrQc
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@ kwc813
If you read the OPs post he is using an old Vista laptop (so some of your suggestions won't work). That precludes him downloading the latest avast version as support for XP/Vista stopped as at avast 18.8. Even then there is a possibility as in my XP system that 18.8 doesn't work well at all, hence I have 18.5 on the XP system.
AVG is owned by Avast Software, so no doubt the case would be very similar.
@ Anil00
To help you further we really need to know what version you are using right now ?
User Interfaces and Options would differ.
On my XP system with 18.5 if I click the Upgrade button on the Main UI window, it does give me options. However the avast free option is inert. You effectively have to back out using the X button top right of any window displayed.
You would get these additional options after opting for No Thanks.
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My Avast version is 18.8.2356
Please see attachment for settings screenshot
Basically it wants me to input my credit card for a 60 day trial.
Only then will it renew my 'free' license.
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My Avast version is 18.8.2356
Please see attachment for settings screenshot
Basically it wants me to input my credit card for a 60 day trial.
Only then will it renew my 'free' license.
Don't go down that route, you will end up with the free trial of AIS.
How long have you got to go on your current free license ?
If it is less than 12 days the interface should change to allow for renewing that Avast Free license (not a 60 day trial of AIS at the end of which payment would be taken).
Right click avast tray icon and select Registration information, what do you see there ?
If the license is still valid all you would see if an Upgrade now option.
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"How long have you got to go on your current free license ?"
As I mentioned in my original post, it is already expired.
It expired on July 20.
see screenshot.
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also see scrreenshot forcing the trial. Once you click the "Start Free Trial" button, it takes you to checkout and you cannot close the window - even if you remove it from your cart.
The only way is to launch Task Manager and kill the Avast Application.
This is behaving like malware itself.
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That is even stranger, as 10 days expiry it is meant to reactivate. So there is something else going on here, what is beyond me. You could also try an Avast Repair.
Are you using the Activate button on the left of the Screen ?
I suspect that you are using one of these, the Resolve or the Reactivate buttons. Most probably the Reactivate button given the wording 'Reactivate it now by selecting the right level of protection for the upcoming year.' That would throw you into the screen you posted earlier, leading you into the 60 day free trial of AIS.
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"Are you using the Activate button on the left of the Screen ?"
Yes, I have tried that also.
I wish someone from Avast would help.
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"Are you using the Activate button on the left of the Screen ?"
Yes, I have tried that also.
I wish someone from Avast would help.
Did you watch the video which points out the pitfalls?
https://youtu.be/Gdf-U45nrQc (https://youtu.be/Gdf-U45nrQc)
When it states free trial, you're not renewing the free version.
When it asks for your Credit Card, you aren't renewing the free version.
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"Did you watch the video which points out the pitfalls?"
I did watch your video. The product I am using is Avast Free Antivirus.
Clicking Activate or Reactivate does not renew the license even after closing subsequent screens.
Unlike your video. You may be using an earlier version. I am on 18.8.2356
@Bob3160 What tool did you use to make your video? it nicely captures your screens and clicks.
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"Did you watch the video which points out the pitfalls?"
I did watch your video. The product I am using is Avast Free Antivirus.
Clicking Activate or Reactivate does not renew the license even after closing subsequent screens.
Unlike your video. You may be using an earlier version. I am on 18.8.2356
I'm actually using a much newer free version but, I'm also using Windows 10 v1903.
It still doesn't change the fact that when you select trial, it isn't free and supplying your credit card never means you're getting something free.
David uses Windows XP so he know the earlier version of Avast.
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I wish someone from Avast would help.
The devs will be back on Monday...
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I am also using 18.8 on old WinXP laptop. The key thing to keep to free version is to click "No Thankyou" to all trials offered. I think you have said you did that, but then ended up with no reactivation.
I wonder if it would be worth a repair or complete uninstall (using the right uninstaller for that version) and then reinstallation of 18.8.
I believe that is what I had to do on one occassion, but don't think my reason was particularly to renew free licence.
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This looks that you can't contact our licensing server. Have you please tried to restart PC?
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Rather than starting a new post and then, get the same unhelpful answers in a NEW posting, I posted here as a reply to say that this is still happening in 2023. Every day for the past month, I have been "offered" the "FREE" version option or the "upgrade" option AND, I select "Free" every time as usual. But then, another window comes up with the "Upgrade" option ONLY and, there is NO button to click in this window or the next that says: "No Thanks". AND, no close button on either of the windows or, when I "right click" it in the task bar so, it blocks my screen until I close the window with my keyboard strokes" "alt + F4" What's that about?
Anyhow, today is the last day to renew so, what's gonna happen now? I have been using Avast for years. Will I then have to download AVG?
Screen shots included:
The screen with the "choice" of selecting the Free version OR the Upgrade but, with no close button or option for "NO THANKS" as someone posted here earlier.
Screen shot after I select "FREE", and an upgrade screen comes up...also with no close button or option for "NO THANKS".
Screen shot as I follow that option to see if I can opt out there and there is no option for that. Every day for about a month, this has been going on.
I have Windows XP so, this is the last version I can download of the free. The version on my XP is 18.8.2356 (build 18.8.4084.409)