Version 8.0.1489.0 virus definitions not updating plus other problems

[webbrewers]

Manual updates stall
Auto updates don't respect schedule and run whenever they please
Updates consume too many resources
Tray icon disappears intermittently

WXP SP3

Tired repairing and a host of other suggestion mentioned here.
Is there a fix? Does newer version work?
Can anyone recommend another av that works as advertised?

[Eddy]

avast is working as "advertised".
You are using a over 6(!) month old version.
It really is time you install the latest one.

1. Download Avastclear, Rejzors uninstall tool and the appropriate Avast program edition.
Here are the installer links. Note: You need to be ONLINE during this install.
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup_online.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup_online.exe

Avastclear : http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avastclear.exe
Rejzors Uninstall tool: http://rejzor.wordpress.com/avast-cleanup-tool/

2. Uninstall Avast by control panel  [If you don't have Avast in control Panel go to #4]
3. Uninstall in Safe Mode using Avastclear.
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
4. Run Rejzors Uninstall Utility in Normal Mode (removes traces avastclear doesn't) - reboot.
http://rejzor.wordpress.com/avast-cleanup-tool/
5. Be Sure Too Check Once Uninstall is Complete:Device Manager>View>Show Hidden Devices
If there is anything related to Avast with a yellow triangle then uninstall it (highlight, right click) and reboot.
6. Install the version you downloaded.
7. Reboot.

offline installers:
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_internet_security_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup.exe

Do as stated above and let us know if the problem is solved or not.

[sammi 1820]

Webbrewers stated he was using xp sp3......Rejzors site for his tool says this>>>"Designed for:
- Windows Vista/Win7/Win8 32bit and 64bit
- avast! Antivirus 7.x Free/Professional/Internet Security
- avast! Antivirus 8.x Free/Professional/Internet Security/Premier
- avast! Antivirus 2014 Free/Professional/Internet Security/Premier."
No mention of XP.....will it work on it???....

[Alikhan]

Webbrewers stated he was using xp sp3......Rejzors site for his tool says this>>>"Designed for:
- Windows Vista/Win7/Win8 32bit and 64bit
- avast! Antivirus 7.x Free/Professional/Internet Security
- avast! Antivirus 8.x Free/Professional/Internet Security/Premier
- avast! Antivirus 2014 Free/Professional/Internet Security/Premier."
No mention of XP.....will it work on it???....

You can skip the Rezjor step if running on Win XP.

[sammi 1820]

Thanks...Good to know...One less step to not have to be concerned about!!

[webbrewers]

Thanks for all the information. I'm still on the fence. An AV that disregards its settings may not be the best choice. And I'm not convinced the new version addresses any of the problems Avast 8 causes. On the other hand, is there really a better alternative?

[Eddy]

Keep in mind that it always can happen that software gets corrupted.
Just one bit that is placed wrong can already cause many problems.
With todays systems it can already happen if there is e.g. a power shortage of less than a nanosecond.
We as humans will not notice it, but a system sure can/will.

Most software nowadays is very complicated.
Let's say : Did you ever typed a 2500 pages letter without making a typo?

As far as the update (I recommend a clean install) of version 2014.9.0.2013:
Many things have been solved since version 8 and the latest version offers a lot more/better protection.
It sure is worth going through the steps I mentioned earlier.

If you decide to install the latest version, I suggest you spend some time learning to know the new interface and options.