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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: afishgill on June 03, 2020, 08:37:16 PM

Title: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: afishgill on June 03, 2020, 08:37:16 PM
Originally I posted this on the June 2020 update thread, but it was recommended I move it.

Every time Avast updates (I have the paid version) it blocks both me and my husband's internet connection.  Multiple restarts and shut downs have fixed the problem in the past, but this time that isn't working.

Disabling all shields worked at first so I could even just get online to post in the forums; but now I have isolated it to the firewall.  Deactivating the firewall will give me my internet access back.  I was told that there are many settings in firewall that can cause this, but without an intimate knowledge of the program, I simply can't agree or disagree.

I have done Avast Repair.  My firewall is set to private and my paid Avast VPN is turned off because most websites will not work if I am behind a VPN.

All system rules are enabled except for remote desktop and steal mode from public networks.  Programs without defined rules: Ask.  There are no other options ticked under Settings>Protection>Firewall .

I would prefer to actually have the Avast firewall active, but if I can't use the internet unless it's inactive, there is little choice for me.

If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 03, 2020, 11:23:08 PM
Are you getting any Avast warning/error ?

Or are you getting any error from the browser/s or websites ?
Or are you just not getting anything, just can't connect ?

Edit: I have asked another Avast Überevangelist who is using the Avast Firewall if he can take a look at this topic.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: afishgill on June 03, 2020, 11:46:09 PM
No Avast warning or error other than when I click "Menu" rather than my logon information on top I see "The online content is unavailable  Please, check your internet connection and try again."  Very ironic considering simply disabling the Avast Firewall will give me internet connection instantly.

No errors of any kind when trying to load any website using Firefox or Avast Secure Browser outside of "check your internet connection" when attempting to load a page.  No other program on my PC is able to access the internet, and Windows Network Diagnostics troubleshooting returns a very strange response to attempting to fix the internet connection;

"Troubleshooting was unable to automatically fix all of the issues found.  You can find more details below.
Problems found: website(www.microsoft.com) is online but isn't responding to connection attempts." 

This error only appears if Avast Firewall is active.  It disappears immediately upon deactivation of the Avast Firewall service; at that time my internet is perfect, as it used to be before I updated Avast Premium Security.

Basically when all shields are active the only indication that something is wrong, is that Avast (and my entire PC) is unable to access the internet, and some features reflect this.  However, if I disable the firewall, Avast is able to connect to the internet and everything looks and acts normal.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Captain555 on June 04, 2020, 12:57:08 AM
I have also the exact same problem. Definitely a bug in the firewall. Ver 20.4.2410. Firewall on, nothing go thru, website or email. Firewall off, everything is fine.  Everything was fine yesterday with Ver 20.4.2405.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 04, 2020, 01:18:26 AM
I have also the exact same problem. Definitely a bug in the firewall. Ver 20.4.2410. Firewall on, nothing go thru, website or email. Firewall off, everything is fine.  Everything was fine yesterday with Ver 20.4.2405.

Don't you mean, yesterday it was version 20.3.2405 ?
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Captain555 on June 04, 2020, 02:16:46 AM
YES. Today it was upgraded from 2405 to 2410. I always look at the 1st number.

Update: today application says (ver. 20.4.2410 - version 20.4.5312.561).
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 04, 2020, 02:31:54 AM
YES. Today it was upgraded from 2405 to 2410. I always look at the 1st number.

Update: today application says (ver. 20.4.2410 - version 20.4.5312.561).

Yes but before the 2020-06-03 update it was 20.3.2405 before updating to 20.4.2410.  In this and monthly updates it is the second sub group that indicates the monthly update.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Captain555 on June 04, 2020, 02:56:35 AM
You're right.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: dariogcq on June 04, 2020, 03:42:39 AM
YES. Today it was upgraded from 2405 to 2410. I always look at the 1st number.

Update: today application says (ver. 20.4.2410 - version 20.4.5312.561).

Yes but before the 2020-06-03 update it was 20.3.2405 before updating to 20.4.2410.  In this and monthly updates it is the second sub group that indicates the monthly update.


How would that help?
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Asyn on June 04, 2020, 06:04:22 AM
No Avast warning or error other than when I click "Menu" rather than my logon information on top I see "The online content is unavailable  Please, check your internet connection and try again."  Very ironic considering simply disabling the Avast Firewall will give me internet connection instantly.
Hi, see if this helps: https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/222/ (Changing DNS settings)
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: afishgill on June 04, 2020, 04:55:20 PM
No Avast warning or error other than when I click "Menu" rather than my logon information on top I see "The online content is unavailable  Please, check your internet connection and try again."  Very ironic considering simply disabling the Avast Firewall will give me internet connection instantly.
Hi, see if this helps: https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/222/ (Changing DNS settings)

I read the article and although I may have misunderstood its theme, it looks like it's talking about issues with a VPN and I'm not having a VPN issue.  My Avast VPN works and connects just fine, even when my internet access is blocked by Avast Firewall. 

My issue is identical to the person who posted "I just updated Avast, and now the Firewall is blocking my internet access". 

I read the solution you gave that worked (to remove Avast with avastclear and reinstall), and I'd like to try that since it has already worked, but I use Avast Secure Browser. 

So, my question before I start this process is, if I simply save the Bookmarks.bak file from Avast Secure Browser and from Bankmode folder will simply importing those upon reinstalling Avast completely restore Avast Secure Browser's bookmarks? 

I know I will lose history and logins etc. which is inconvenient but not as frustrating as losing my entire library of bookmarks.   My assumption here is that by uninstalling Avast Premium Security I will lose all Avast products associated with the program except for the VPN program, as it appears to be separate.

I truly hope this works because I've been a loyal user of Avast for over 20 years and of paid premium for at least 10 of those years now, I really don't want to have to jump ship now just because I want to use Avast, have a firewall and be allowed to use my internet service all at the same time.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 04, 2020, 05:08:42 PM
YES. Today it was upgraded from 2405 to 2410. I always look at the 1st number.

Update: today application says (ver. 20.4.2410 - version 20.4.5312.561).

Yes but before the 2020-06-03 update it was 20.3.2405 before updating to 20.4.2410.  In this and monthly updates it is the second sub group that indicates the monthly update.


How would that help?

It isn't intended to help but to clarify the version that worked and the subsequent updated version with the problem.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Captain555 on June 04, 2020, 05:21:56 PM

So, my question before I start this process is, if I simply save the Bookmarks.bak file from Avast Secure Browser and from Bankmode folder will simply importing those upon reinstalling Avast completely restore Avast Secure Browser's bookmarks? 


I just did clean reinstall of Avast on Asyn suggestion and it worked perfectly. Didn't touch the Avast Browser at all. All my bookmark are still there.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Narwain on June 04, 2020, 10:21:34 PM
Well, I have the same problem. Last Update (3 June 2020) blocks my internet conection if I have the firewall on. If I turn off the firewall I don´t have any problem.

Edit:
I could solve it with the instructions of Asyn:

1. Download Avast Premium Security: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premium_security_setup_offline.exe
2. Follow instructions: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed Avast versions..!!)
3. Reinstall Avast with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.

PS: Regarding Avast & Malwarebytes, see: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/200324-exclusions-for-avast-users/
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Captain555 on June 05, 2020, 01:16:48 AM
Well, I have the same problem. Last Update (3 June 2020) blocks my internet conection if I have the firewall on. If I turn off the firewall I don´t have any problem.

Edit:
I could solve it with the instructions of Asyn:


Worked for me.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Asyn on June 05, 2020, 05:11:17 AM
So, my question before I start this process is, if I simply save the Bookmarks.bak file from Avast Secure Browser and from Bankmode folder will simply importing those upon reinstalling Avast completely restore Avast Secure Browser's bookmarks? 
I just did clean reinstall of Avast on Asyn suggestion and it worked perfectly. Didn't touch the Avast Browser at all. All my bookmark are still there.
Confirmed, ASB is a standalone product/installation.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: p33034 on June 17, 2020, 05:43:23 AM
i updated to latest version of Avast Free Antivirus last night (16 June 2020). Now unable to access internet using Firefox, Thunderbird, or Chrome; my separate VPN can establish connection to its server.
Have to turn off shields and antivirus to enable me to reach internet.
Couldn't see any solution in above discussion for Free Version.

Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 17, 2020, 11:15:39 AM
i updated to latest version of Avast Free Antivirus last night (16 June 2020). Now unable to access internet using Firefox, Thunderbird, or Chrome; my separate VPN can establish connection to its server.
Have to turn off shields and antivirus to enable me to reach internet.

Couldn't see any solution in above discussion for Free Version.

Avast Free doesn't have a Firewall, that is only in the Avast Premium Security product.

Are you getting any errors displayed, if so what ?
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: p33034 on June 17, 2020, 01:52:54 PM
Thanks for the information on the firewall DavidR.   

Avast does not produce any message as other people have said in this topic. Just that Firefox, Chrome & Thunderbird do not connect with message "the connection has timed out ...".  My VPN is able to connect out - so more properly I should have said that Avast is blocking Firefox, Chrome & Thunderbirds access to the internet. Can't work out what the shields are blocking.  I am running Win 7.

thanks
p33034
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Kuikens on June 17, 2020, 02:20:01 PM
Same problem here. I couln't find out why my PC didn't connect to the web anymore.
Spend 5 hours figuring out before I shut off Avast and connection came back right away.
Latest Free version and definitions.
PC runs Windows 7
Laptop with Windows 10 works fine with latest Avast version. 
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 17, 2020, 03:47:01 PM
Thanks for the information on the firewall DavidR.   

Avast does not produce any message as other people have said in this topic. Just that Firefox, Chrome & Thunderbird do not connect with message "the connection has timed out ...".  My VPN is able to connect out - so more properly I should have said that Avast is blocking Firefox, Chrome & Thunderbirds access to the internet. Can't work out what the shields are blocking.  I am running Win 7.

thanks
p33034

You're welcome.

However if Avast Free is blocking it, you should have got an alert or message from Avast not your browser.

What happens if you Enable Avast but disable your VPN ?
It sounds like a conflict, exactly what that is, is the question.

Have you changed any of the Avast settings (if so it might be worth resetting to the defaults) ?

What are your web shield settings, see attached image.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 17, 2020, 03:49:27 PM
Same problem here. I couln't find out why my PC didn't connect to the web anymore.
Spend 5 hours figuring out before I shut off Avast and connection came back right away.
Latest Free version and definitions.
PC runs Windows 7
Laptop with Windows 10 works fine with latest Avast version. 

Again a conflict, but what that might be is the problem. 
What are your web shield setting (as in my previous post) ?

If you only disable the web shield rather than all of avast, doest it connect ?
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: rocksteady on June 17, 2020, 03:57:55 PM
As these 2 people incurred internet problem after Avast Free update, maybe worth them trying a [Repair App] via Avast UI:
Menu>Settings>Troubleshooting.
Then do a PC Restart (not shutdown/startup).
Sounds like something has got screwed up by the update, so nothing lost by trying a Repair, before a clean install is suggested.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Kuikens on June 17, 2020, 05:04:42 PM
I never used any settings in Avast...
Repair didn't work.
Tried all shields 1 by 1.
Firewall shield is the one that blocks all internet traffic except VPN connections.
 
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 17, 2020, 06:23:11 PM
I never used any settings in Avast...
Repair didn't work.
Tried all shields 1 by 1.
Firewall shield is the one that blocks all internet traffic except VPN connections.
 

You didn't say (in your first post) what Avast Product/s you are using  ?

What VPN is it that you are using ?

Is your firewall set to Private or Public ?
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: p33034 on June 18, 2020, 09:32:18 AM
from DavidR
=============================================
However if Avast Free is blocking it, you should have got an alert or message from Avast not your browser.

What happens if you Enable Avast but disable your VPN ?
It sounds like a conflict, exactly what that is, is the question.

Have you changed any of the Avast settings (if so it might be worth resetting to the defaults) ?

What are your web shield settings, see attached image.

=============================================
today I have just started my PC after being away most of the day - & surprise  I am now able to connect to the internet no problems. So I don't know what happened or changed - but I'm not touching anything.  My shield settings are the same as in your image.

FYI my VPN is Surfshark - good reviews and outside the 5Is and 14Is countries.

Thanks for your help
p33034
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 18, 2020, 11:56:55 AM
You're welcome.

The usual or exception a glitch, which appears to have gone after a restart (as there have been no avast changes that I'm aware of).
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Kuikens on June 18, 2020, 11:23:38 PM
Excuse my n00biness...

Firewall is set to private.
VPN: 'Private Internet Access'
Avast Premium Security 20.4.2410 20.4.5312.578



I never used any settings in Avast...
Repair didn't work.
Tried all shields 1 by 1.
Firewall shield is the one that blocks all internet traffic except VPN connections.
 

You didn't say (in your first post) what Avast Product/s you are using  ?

What VPN is it that you are using ?

Is your firewall set to Private or Public ?
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: DavidR on June 19, 2020, 12:49:25 AM
Excuse my n00biness...

Firewall is set to private.
VPN: 'Private Internet Access'
Avast Premium Security 20.4.2410 20.4.5312.578

I never used any settings in Avast...
Repair didn't work.
Tried all shields 1 by 1.
Firewall shield is the one that blocks all internet traffic except VPN connections.

You didn't say (in your first post) what Avast Product/s you are using  ?
What VPN is it that you are using ?
Is your firewall set to Private or Public ?

No Problem.

I don't use the Avast Firewall so I'm not familiar with its settings.  There has to be something going on between your VPN and the Firewall, for nothing to work if you have the firewall enabled (other than the VPN).  So it would appear that the VPN is bypassing the firewall.

If you don't have the VPN enabled and have the avast firewall enabled do you have a connection ?

If this is the case it may be that you need to add the VPN: 'Private Internet Access' program/connections to the firewall settings.

Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: am05fan on June 20, 2020, 03:07:38 PM
Thought I would add that I'm having the same problem.  I'm using Avast Premium Security.  This issue cropped up on a previous update and I took the advice of someone on the forum to change my firewall setting from public to private.  This did the job, but now with the latest update I need to switch off the firewall altogether.  What seems to be happening is that my browser is "timing out" trying to establish a connection to a web site.  If I switch the firewall back on again once I'm on a web site the same thing happens if I try to go to another web site, so this is definitely the firewall.

An earlier post suggested uninstalling and reinstalling Avast and provided links for this.  Some replies said this worked for them.  I'm hesitant to try this though; will I need to reactivate Avast if I uninstall and reinstall it, or will it "remember" my computer?

What are the odds that this bug is going to be fixed by Avast?  Presumably it must have been reported to them if so many people are having this problem?
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Guy161 on June 21, 2020, 09:22:03 PM
Hello

I've got exactly the same problem on Windows 7 (32Bit) and Avast Premium Security 20.4.2410 (Build 20.4.5312.580), Firewall set on private, no VPN activated. The problem occurred yesterday. The only way to write this reply was to deactivate the Avast Firewall. To have a minimal protection I turned on the Windows Firewall which previously was turned off. No as well the connection with the Internet as with my private network work fine. But of course this is definitely not the solution of this unbearable  issue. Hope that Avast reads all these posts and solve the problem as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: diogenese19348 on June 22, 2020, 07:05:33 PM
Same problem here, no VPN, windows 7 Professional, all updates.  Avast installed the new update yesterday, I rebooted my computer this morning, problem happened after reboot.  Same symptoms everybody else is having, turning off the firewall allows everything to work.  Of course then you don't have a firewall.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Asyn on June 23, 2020, 05:52:35 AM
- Other security related software installed..?
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: diogenese19348 on June 23, 2020, 03:40:58 PM
In my case no, just Avast.  Which was working correctly until the reboot from the update.  I have tried a repair, it didn't help.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Asyn on June 23, 2020, 03:46:48 PM
In my case no, just Avast.  Which was working correctly until the reboot from the update.  I have tried a repair, it didn't help.
1. Download Avast Premium Security: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premium_security_setup_offline.exe
2. Follow instructions: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed Avast versions..!!)
3. Reinstall Avast with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: TransportPlanner on June 29, 2020, 09:26:43 PM
In my case no, just Avast.  Which was working correctly until the reboot from the update.  I have tried a repair, it didn't help.
1. Download Avast Premium Security: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premium_security_setup_offline.exe
2. Follow instructions: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed Avast versions..!!)
3. Reinstall Avast with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.

Thanks, this worked. Not too happy that I spent an entire day trying to figure out that it was the Avast Firewall that was stopping the internet from working (also stumped my programmer friend). I think either an email should have been sent out to potentially affected users or somehow force out an update, if that's possible with the lack of connectivity. At least it's resolved now (for me) - I imagine plenty of others are struggling with this still!
Title: Re: Avast Firewall is blocking my internet access! June 2020 Update.
Post by: Asyn on June 30, 2020, 07:18:00 AM
You're welcome.