Avast Free won't update virus definitions (manually or automatically)

[sunsetlover]

My latest update was received on 4/3/2015, "connection not established". When I try to update manually, it cannot reach the server and says "already up to date" (!)

The program version is from last year, 2014.9.0.2018. I don't want to update the program if I don't have to.

Thanks!

[Eddy]

Perform a clean installation of the latest version and see if the problem is solved:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=169255.msg1203279#msg1203279

[sunsetlover]

Eddy thanks.

It tells me engine and virus definitions already up to date (current version 150328-1)

Can you please check yours and tell me if this is what you have?

[Eddy]

Latest vps is 150416-1 (that is what I have).

[sunsetlover]

Sorry to bring up this topic again, but I wanted to provide a screenshot this time.

It tells me "latest update received: 5/23/2015"
and after doing a manual update: "Engine and definitions: already up to date (current version 150523-0)

Obviously it's not updating properly.

[Asyn]

Repair Avast:
1. Control Panel -> Add/Remove programs -> Avast
2. Click on 'Repair'.
3. Follow instructions.
4. Reboot.

[Eddy]

Did you perform the clean installation as instructed ?

[Asyn]

Did you perform the clean installation as instructed ?

According to the screenshot, no.

[MartinZ]

Hi,

repair should fix it + update also the program to the latest version.

[sunsetlover]

Thank you all and sorry for late reply.

Something strange happened. I was in China before when I posted the previous messages. Now I am in Europe and it's updating like clockwork! Latest update was received today a few minutes ago. It shows me virus definition version 150606-1. Can someone check theirs and verify it's the latest?

So there must have been something with the servers from China. I had used a vpn also to update to no avail. Perhaps Martin can advise if any problems have been reported from different locations, ie. China.

Thank you again.

[essexboy]

Updates at the moment are blocked by the great firewall of China.  Users in that country cannot update

[sunsetlover]

Essexboy thanks. And what is the reason for that? The GF wants to protect 360 Qihoo or whatever that company is called?

Btw, there are about 500,000 expats in China and maybe 1/3 or half are using Avast. Plus the millions of tourists at any point in time. So this is not a theoretical question.

Edit: even with vpn servers outside of China it was not updating.

[Eddy]

Even with a vpn traffic still goes through Chinese servers.
Since I can't test it myself I have to guess here, but if a vpn is not secured the updates (and other things) are still blocked.
If you still have contact with someone in China who has the same problem, (s)he could try avast secureline and see if it makes a difference.

Amongst other things, the TGF is about protectionism.
Ofcourse when you ask, the Chinese government denies it.
It would honestly not surprise me if there is something like a back door in that Qihoo.