Programme Updates

[REDACTED]

Why are we getting 'multiple' programme updates in rapid succession, requiring reboots. Are there some 'issues' that are outstanding in the new software that we should be aware of?

[DavidR]

Are you taking part in the avast beta testing ?
If not you shouldn't be getting multiple program updates in rapid succession, the last regular program update outside of beta testing was on 2015-03-23.

See release history https://www.avast.com/release-history.

[REDACTED]

Hei David,

I think I must have taken a 'wrong turning' somewhere ... currently installed is 2015.10.2.2217
I am not a suitable 'candidate' for beta testing, maybe you can advise how I get out of my predicament! Or I could just 'sit' with 2217 until 'they catch up?'
Thanks in advance
Ron

[DavidR]

As far as I'm aware a clean reinstall of avast 2015.10.2.2215 the current regular release (see instruction and links below), should wipe out the history of your having been a beta build user.

EDIT: If you stick with what you have now - the next round of beta testing or another beta build in this beta session, would result in your being offered the new beta as a program update.

You don't say what avast version that you are using, the instruction and link below is for the free version.

Download the latest version of avast, 10.2.2215  http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe and save it to your HDD, somewhere you can find it again (if you didn't save your last download). Use that when you reinstall.

- Download the avast! Uninstall Utility, avastclear.exe http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avastclear.exe and save it to your HDD.

• 1. Now uninstall avast! - using add remove programs/Programs & Features, if you can't do that (as appears to be the case) start from the next step, reboot.
• 2. run the avast! Uninstall Utility, it will request it be run from safe mode (and will handle the boot into safe mode), once complete reboot into normal mode.
• 3. install the latest version, reboot.

Note: save the copy of avastclear.exe so it can be reused as some users are reporting that after running it, it is self-deleting.

[Eddy]

Ron,

if you don't have a problem...
I would say don't try fix something that isn't broken 

[REDACTED]

Thanks folks ... 'I think I will stick with it' which might be my best option. Be just my luck to 'stuff up' in trying to get back to being a regular user. Maybe I should simply wait out a couple of programme updates before updating ... I am guessing that I will 'be ahead' of regular users in adopting this approach?

Constant updating is a bit of a pain only in respect of reboots ... I use my pc's from 'Standby' with the occasional reboot for eg MS updates.

Thanks again
Ron

[schmidthouse]

Thanks folks ... 'I think I will stick with it' which might be my best option.

Just to add, As you have most likely realized and confirmed by DavidR's comment:
Snip> "EDIT: If you stick with what you have now - the next round of beta testing or another beta build in this beta session, would result in your being offered the new beta as a program update".

If you do not do a "Clean Install" you will continue to receive 'beta notification' updates as future betas come out.

[REDACTED]

Yes I gathered that would be the case. No worries, I will update every so often and if it gets to be a 'pain' then I will take the removal/reinstall actions.
Cheers
Ron

[bob3160]

Yes I gathered that would be the case. No worries, I will update every so often and if it gets to be a 'pain' then I will take the removal/reinstall actions.
Cheers
Ron

You also need to realize that there are dangers associated with using the "beta" version of any program.
These problems can be slight or major. It could result in your OS not functioning properly or not working at all.
As long as you're prepared and willing to put up with these possible annoyances, stick with the beta.
Your computer, Your choice.

[REDACTED]

Well ... that helped to make my decision to uninstall the beta and install the 'normal user' version. Thanks for providing the links that I needed. Fortunately, the beta uninstalled from Programs without problem so it was not necessary to use your second link. I did a Custom install to avoid the extra features that Avast can provide eg Grimefighter etc. I use other software for 'cleaning' and it would be a bit of an overkill to duplicate.

Everything seems OK again so just to say ... "Thanks all for helping me out".

[DavidR]

You're welcome.

Hopefully, just doing the reinstall, rather than the full clean reinstall will be enough to have wiped any reference to prior beta use. The reason we (avast users) suggest a clean reinstall including the use of the uninstall utility, is that that extra step can often be quicker in the long run.

[bob3160]

Well ... that helped to make my decision to uninstall the beta and install the 'normal user' version. Thanks for providing the links that I needed. Fortunately, the beta uninstalled from Programs without problem so it was not necessary to use your second link. I did a Custom install to avoid the extra features that Avast can provide eg Grimefighter etc. I use other software for 'cleaning' and it would be a bit of an overkill to duplicate.

Everything seems OK again so just to say ... "Thanks all for helping me out".

Hopefully not using the avast removal tool doesn't still leave you in the loop for auto updates to betas.
Sorry David, didn't see your reply. Same thoughts.

[REDACTED]

Oops ... in reading above ...

1. Now uninstall avast! - using add remove programs/Programs & Features, if you can't do that (as appears to be the case) start from the next step, reboot.

... I understood that I only needed to do 'the next step' if the remove programmes did not function? It did function.
Will sit back and see what occurs but whatever I guess that I can simply ignore any beta update offers and wait for the next 'normal user' update.

[bob3160]

Oops ... in reading above ...

1. Now uninstall avast! - using add remove programs/Programs & Features, if you can't do that (as appears to be the case) start from the next step, reboot.

... I understood that I only needed to do 'the next step' if the remove programmes did not function? It did function.
Will sit back and see what occurs but whatever I guess that I can simply ignore any beta update offers and wait for the next 'normal user' update.

Guess you didn't watch the video. It makes the steps pretty clear.

[REDACTED]

I just followed David's two links as described by him. Obviously a bit of confusion by me. I am most grateful for all the help and it will be interesting to now see if beta still wants me! If so I now know what to do.
Ron