7.0.1466 updated to 9.0.2021

[REDACTED]

Fair point, I did actually download the old version 7 before uninstalling in offline mode.

I did reinstall version 6 which I already had saved, but that got "upgraded" so it was probably not the final build

[CraigB]

You should care how old the program is as the older the version the less protection you'll be receiving and version 5 quite frankly doesn't cut it in todays AV requirements and your extended family should be looking for another member who'll take better care of there systems

[bob3160]

(all running W7)

So you use a fairly modern OS and protect it with a totally outdated AV
Even you have to admit that doesn't sound like the smartest thing to do.
There also isn't any compatibility problems in Windows 7 that would force you to use an outdated version of avast!.
Again, your computer(s), your choice. Certainly not a choice I would make for mine or those that depend on me to keep them safe.

[bob3160]

There's a big difference between compatible and capable.
The older version you want to use isn't as capable to give you the protection you could have.
Your computer, your choice.
Also my last comment since some folks have a preformed opinion and nothing will ever get them to change that opinion.

[REDACTED]

I note that the simple question, which forms the basis of my reluctance to update, is yet to be directly addressed: As long as the definitions are updated, who cares how old the program is?

If and when I hear a convincing argument as to why the updated versions are better – strictly in terms of defining/finding/blocking/destroying viruses – I'll consider updating, but not before.

I expected some level of devotion from members of the software provider's own forum, but it still seems like some of you guys have drunk the Kool-Aid and are asking for refills.  I would append that comment with "... no offence" but it seems ad hominem is the name of the game, on this thread at least; "another member who'll take better care of there [sic] systems", my eye.

There also isn't any compatibility problems in Windows 7 that would force you to use an outdated version of avast!.

My point was not that newer versions aren't compatible; it was this specific older version is compatible.

What's in the newer versions isn't just what you, and others, consider to be needless bloat. There are also improved detection and removal methods in each succeeding version. This is coming from someone who has not "drunk the Kool-Aid" because I don't even use Avast. It's pretty much true of all AV solutions. They have to keep getting better to try and keep up. The malware authors are continually looking for ways (and finding them) to get around detection methods so those methods have to evolve.

[REDACTED]

We (sort of) support* only last builds of any major release, currently it's 1474 for v7, 1497 for v8 and obviously 2021 for v9. Any other builds are subject to be banned (which happened this week). We are still deciding what to do about remaining v5 (677, exceptionally not the last one) and v6 (1367). The updates set to manual are respected for these builds (and some other conditions apply) and you should be safe with them (as far as I can influence the decision).

*) take into consideration

Well, two out of my four home PCs (W7 64 bit Home Premium) just had a reboot sometime last night or today and new V9 was trying to install. I had V8 1497 on all my PCs.  I thought V8.1497 is a valid (supported, wink-wink, nod) install ?
Also, why on earth would you force a reboot and install of latest......this is just not right !!!!!!!! 
I've read the thread and if Avast is SO worried about compatibility then instead of the emergency update rebooting a PC and installing new software you should instead just put up constant warning messages that "this version/build is no longer supported, etc."  .....doing the other is just down right without consideration to your users....flat out wrong.

I am now restoring these PCs to early point back to V8.
Avast, will this heavy-handed intrusion to my PC(s) happen again or do I need to disable the emergency updater in the W7 Scheduler ?
So much time out of my day I cannot recover....I'm not a happy camper   

[RejZoR]

If avast! is such an "intrusion", why don't you just move to some other solution and use that in an outdated form? Hating a security company just because they want to protect YOU in the best way possible is just silly. And keeping software up to date is a priority to achieve that. For what? For the fact you want to use outdated software to protect PC? It just makes zero sense.

[Staticguy]

Okay! Just assume that Avast always notifies the user and the message says something like this. "The current Avast version 4,5, 6,7,8 is currently an outdated version of avast. Please upgrade immediately to get the latest updates/program/features" and they may have two options "upgrade later" or "Now". Just like windows update notifies users after it installed updates and requires restart.

It is also recommended to have not only update programs and software but also add-ons just as shockwave and flash. When ever a user has an outdated program of flash or shockwave a dialog box comes up saying that an upgrade is available for flash/shockwave. Here's the funny thing and I have seen many people do it, still at present. They just press "upgrade later" no matter how many times the dialog box appears.

I am sure the avast users that have a very outdated version of avast they will apply the same principle like it does for shockwave player and flash and if they do upgrade and they don't like the new GUI and etc etc they will just uninstall the new upgrade and keep using the old version for good. "UNBELIEVABLE".

WHAT AVAST! TEAM AND DEVELOPERS NEEDS TO DO IS TO STOP ALL NEW DOWNLOADS AND INSTALLATIONS OF OUTDATED VERSION OF AVAST! JUST LIKE MICROSOFT DID THEY STOPPED ALL NEW DOWNLOADS OF MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS FOR UNSUPPORTED WINDOWS XP AND WINDOWS VISTA.

For Educational purposes they can decide when ever they want to upgrade.

[RejZoR]

And people will just click "Update later" forever. Been there, seen that way too many times...

[Staticguy]

And people will just click "Update later" forever. Been there, seen that way too many times...

Yeah many years ago I even used to do that, until I found out what is the purpose for doing it. What Avast! needs to do is to take actions as per my bold writing that I mentioned! When avast! does that users (except for educational purposes) with old outdated version of avast will no longer be able to download or install old outdated version of avast. All they need to do is to install the latest version of avast, get used to the GUI, ask questions and help to and from us, get assistance for us. All it takes is just an effort from them? How hard can that be? That's what this forum is for! As threats grows and increase so does antivirus programs. There's are reasons why antivirus vendors change GUI (for quick and easy access to options and features) and increase and make protection features better than before.

[RejZoR]

Yeah, obsession to change GUI every year is a bit annoying. When features require drastic redesign fine, but not just for the sake of changing it. This way they could keep it always forced updated to latest version and users wouldn't even know about it.

[REDACTED]

You guys are missing the point........you think Avast knows what is best for evey user....that is total BS.
My point and others on this thread is that the PC is owned by the user NOT Avast.
The "Manual" selection should mean something....else why is it there ?.....MS allows you to choose what/when to install.
Avast 9 may be solid now but it was a POS of stability when it came out.
I've been on this forum for a year watching people have issues....many their own, some Avast.
So, like a good PC user I want new software....especially one that is by nature intrusive to the PC....to have some time to have some stability revs before I jump in the deep end.
Other people have their reasons for their decisions.......the point it is not Avast's decision to force a install and reboot !!!!!

I do agree with the point, if Avast does not want to support a version then the solution is to stop doing the database updates.
This will force the users to make a decision.  For me I was on V8 build 1497 which Avast Team says is "supported"...but their happy feet to heavy hand a force install mucked up two of my PCs which I am not happy about.

[DavidR]

<snip>
This will force the users to make a decision.  For me I was on V8 build 1497 which Avast Team says is "supported"...but their happy feet to heavy hand a force install mucked up two of my PCs which I am not happy about.

A comment from an avast team member was that they supported (sort of) the last build of the major numerals - that wouldn't include your 8.0 build 1497 as the last 8.0 build was 7.0.8.0.1506

There were three builds after your build though they were considered as 'Support version for migration to AVAST 2014.' I don't know if because of these 'Support version for migration to AVAST 2014' builds somehow the update checking function is looking at build 1497 and saying it isn't the last build in avast 8.0, etc.

However, more to the point of this build 7.0.1474 topic, that too wasn't the last build in avast 7.0, build 7.0.1474 was. So again there may be issues when checking for the last build being supported, but that support would only extend to the virus definition updates, not fixing any bugs in that build - these would likely have been resolved in the 8.0 and or 9.0 versions.

http://www.avast.com/en-gb/release-history

[bob3160]

You guys are missing the point.......

Actually the ones missing the point are those who have no problems running the latest version but still
insist on running something outdated.
You installed the product to keep your system and information safe and then tie it's hands by attempting
to continue the use of old versions.
I have to admit, it at least gives some a reason to argue. Not much else but it's a good topic for getting some things off your chest.

[REDACTED]

A comment from an avast team member was that they supported (sort of) the last build of the major numerals - that wouldn't include your 8.0 build 1497 as the last 8.0 build was 7.0.8.0.1506

I think that build was pulled because of issues....the last "solid" build was 1497...hence the Avast Team post:
We (sort of) support* only last builds of any major release, currently it's 1474 for v7, 1497 for v8 and obviously 2021 for v9