can't update - IE cannot find server

[Swindmill]

I don't use IE but Avast needs it to get updates.  I just realized that when I open IE I get the error message "cannot find server".  Can I set Avast to use Firefox, or do I need to figure out what's wrong with IE?

[Lisandro]

I don't use IE but Avast needs it to get updates.

No, it's not.
IE is only needed to display help files (like a lot of other applications have to use to).
avast can be used with any browser and will update with them. Firefox works perfectly.

I just realized that when I open IE I get the error message "cannot find server".

Make sure your browser is not set to "Work Offline" (this option is generally in the File menu). If it doesn't help, try switching the proxy settings from "Auto-detect" to "No proxy" (I'm assuming you're not connecting to the Internet via proxy).

Left click the avast icon > Settings
Update (Basic) > Details > Proxy

[Swindmill]

Hmm. . . I just assumed it was trying to use IE b/c when I try to update it, it gives me the error message "cannot connect to server".   I checked the work offline status and changed the update settings to "no proxy" and I'm still getting  "cannot connect to server".   Firefox works fine, but for some reason IE won't connect.  Any ideas as to why this is, or what is causing Avast to not connect to the server?

[inthewildteam]

@ Swindmill

Do you have the same problem if your right click avast! icon in taskbar and choose manual updating from the pop-up menu?

i.e. Updating/iAVS Update?

[Swindmill]

Yes, it's giving me the same error message either way.   

[Markus]

I don't think you need to have ANY browser running for
avast to update, you only need to be connected to the
internet. I've had avast update many times with no browser running. If you're having  problems updating, I'm sure the folks on this forum will help you figure it out.

best regards
Mark

[Swindmill]

I wouldn't think you would need to have a browser running, so I'm not sure what's going on.  I just thought that maybe when Avast connected to the server, it did it via IE, which would explain my problem.   I wonder if reinstalling Avast might help?  (can't imagine why it would, but . . .)

[bob3160]

Swindmill
Are you using a Firewall? Which one and have you given avast! permission to access the net?

[jmbrage]

i dont think u need use the browser to update, just the internet. but i also get the same problem.  i try to update and it says cannot connect to server.  im not behind a firewall, i have a router but i have it configed right. i have microsfot antispyware thing, but i dont beleive that would interfere with anything. if anyone figures this out please post.

[jmbrage]

it says "cannont find server to update"

[Swindmill]

Swindmill
Are you using a Firewall? Which one and have you given avast! permission to access the net?

I'm using EZ Firewall right now, and apparently it's not set to ask permission to let programs access the internet.  I checked EZ and sure enough, that's why several programs aren't accessing the internet, including IE and Avast.  THANK YOU for pointing that out, I would not have thought of that for some time.  I guess it's sometimes the most obvious things that are the cause of a problem.