I think I have done everything that you suggested. I can find no difference in the program's behavior. The following is what’s happening:
On Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 I uninstalled (with the Uninstall Program) my current version of avast! Home 4.8 version of the antivirus software. The folder, Alwil Software, was empty. I then downloaded and installed a new version with no problems.
I was informed that avast! required me to restart my operating system, which I did.
I was also informed (by way of a red pop-up) that I was using an old file (VPS 080923-0) and that I needed to update it!
After I restarted my operating system, Windows informed me that my computer was at risk since “avast! antivirus 4.8.1229 [VPS 080923-0] reports that it might be out of date.”
I was also informed that avast! required me to restart my operating system (again). I get this notice every time I restart the computer. That gets old.
At no time during this was I able to update the VPS file.
My update settings are set at Automatic but I’ve been unable to use the manual mode to update.
I have Windows XP and am using the Windows Firewall with avast! Antivirus selected as an exception.
I have a registration key that is valid until February, 2010.
The a-ball is spinning and I think it’s blue.
I connect my PC to the Internet via the wireless network at the Universidad de las Americas in Puebla, Mexico so I am not on the Internet all the time nor do I depend on a dial-up connection.
I have been getting numerous notices of “suspicious files” and when I run the scan nothing shows up as infected.
In short, everything tells me I’m out of date but nowhere can I find out how to update!
What can I do to put this antivirus system current? Is the file even out of date?
Thank you for any help. I’m getting desperate!