problem with updating virus definitions

[kathoderayblue]

I have avast 4.6 and in the program it says "Current version of virus database is:  0511-1, 3/17/05.  Somehow I was able to get it to update, but most of the time, and currently when I boot up a message comes up that an error has occured in updating.  When I look in the Log File, I get these messages: "Function setifaceUpdatePackages has failed" and "An error has occured while attempting to update."  Meanwhile, when I try again to update, I get a short update process (a second) and it says update is already present.  The reason I'm concerned is that I went for months not knowing that I was not actually updating successfully, even though it was happening automatically.  I finally discovered the log, and all along there were problems.  I have Zone Alarm 5.0.590.043, and I shut down Zone Alarm on the toolbar before trying to update.  I'm not sure what else to do. I also have Spyblaster 3.3, and tried shutting it down too. But I still get this message.

Thank you anyone who has suggestions.  I'm kind of new at this, and I appreciate any help you can offer, but try to aim it at a not technically sophisticated at this point user.

Kathy

[Lisandro]

When I boot up a message comes up that an error has occured in updating.

Katty, you can edit your avast4.ini file and delay the upate on boot (I suppose your permanently connected to the Internet).
See 'Settings' on my signature (section [InetWD] value AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds)

[kathoderayblue]

I'm not sure if you understand my problem. I don't mind the automatic updates. The problem is, I am getting these notes in my "Log Viewer" that they are FAILING or there are ERRORS. So I'm thinking that, even though it says I have the current update, I'm wondering if I really DON'T?

I'm really sorry, I know you're trying to help me, but I don't understand the instructions you gave me. If you or anyone re-posts here, could you let me know if you understand the problem and provide a little simpler description of what to do for someone who is not technically very advanced yet.

Thank you again,
Kathy

[Lisandro]

Kathy, I'm sorry if I did it too 'technically'.
Step by step this time:

You've said:

when I boot up a message comes up that an error has occured in updating.

You should delay the update on boot. I suppose you use a permanent connection to the Internet.
If you click on Settings in my signature, the first post explains how to edit the C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Data\avast4.ini file.
If you open this file in Notepad and browse for the section in brackets [InetWD] you must add a line like this:

AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds=60

Where the number is how many seconds after boot avast should wait to atempt to update.

Meanwhile, when I try again to update, I get a short update process (a second) and it says update is already present.

Ok, you're updated but, if you did not delay the first one, the error will be logged.

I shut down Zone Alarm on the toolbar before trying to update.  I'm not sure what else to do. I also have Spyblaster 3.3, and tried shutting it down too. But I still get this message.

You don't need to shutdown anything.
At the first time, Zone Alarm will ask you if avast.setup could connect the Internet.
Allow it and check for remember this option. This way, Zone Alarm will only ask you for this once and next time will be when you update the whole program and not just the virus database.

Hope this helps