Complete Noooobe

[missing-the-point]

OK complete computer phobe.
 

I have installed Avast Ver 4.xxxx.  I have two questions about it:

1.  How do you get it to activate/start working.  The ball in the Sytem tray is gray, not blue.

2.  It tried to run the VRDB Generator (Now) and it took forever and a day, I gave up after an hour and stopped it.  Iis it normal to take sooooo long, and should I restart it again.

I have uninstalled all other antivirus softwares etc.

Can someone please help me .................

[essexboy]

What was your previous AV ?  As some are worse to get rid of than a virus and if Avast detects it it won't start properly.  Avast if installed properly will start with your system

[missing-the-point]

It was Norton Anti-V  etc.  This wasalready pre-loaded onto the Computer when i got it.

[Bluesman]

It was Norton Anti-V  etc.  This wasalready pre-loaded onto the Computer when i got it.

Here you have some info how to totally remove Norton:

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=23486.msg193711#msg193711

[DavidR]

I have installed Avast Ver 4.xxxx.  I have two questions about it:

1.  How do you get it to activate/start working.  The ball in the Sytem tray is gray, not blue.

Once you resolve the potential NAV issue with any remains, you may find things speed up.

The avast! icon coluor is a bit of a subjective issue some se it as grey some say it is a blue gey, there is a shading aroind the edge to try to make it look more 3d but this does have an effect on the overall colour, it isn't a Royal blue. The background colour can also have an effect, see image of what mine looks like.

[missing-the-point]

Ok guys cheers for the info.  So far I've:

1. Uninstalled Avast - using add/remove programs from Cont Panel.
2. Rebooted.
3. Removed any sign of NAV and Symantec as above.
4. Rebooted.
5. Re-installed Avast.
6. Set the VRDB Generator - to Generate Now ! (and is currently running).

Have I missed anything so far.

Bluesman:  Yes my icon at the bottom next to clock - looks just like yours.  I assume that this is the "Blue" that shows it is running. (yes it is very debatable).

I have checked the Security Centre and it is recognising the Avast AV.

Is there anything else that I need to do now - or do I leave it running like any AV Software.  Also how long does the VRDB Generator take ?

[Lisandro]

Is there anything else that I need to do now - or do I leave it running like any AV Software.

Well, congratulations...
You can configure avast to meet your needs and wishes... avast is very very configurable.
If you need, ask for help before changing it 

Also how long does the VRDB Generator take ?

It depends on how many executable files you have in the computer and how much time you let it to run (if you move the mouse or click the keyboard, VRDB is stopped, wait 8 seconds and start again). Generally, some minutes to few hours 

[missing-the-point]

Everybody, Thank you very much for all your assistance and advice.

Apologies to DavidR - I think i mentioned Bluesman about the screenshot but infact it was your post, so sorry I got a little confused.

Its about 1 half hours since I started the Generator and still going !!!

Thank you all once again............