Definitions Update Error (Http server returned Error)

[djsneakypetesmusic]

Hi, I've tried several fixes for this issue...

I get a notification saying definitions need updating. I click on update but after few seconds I get 'Http server returned error'

I have tried Avast Repair, also I used avast clear in safe mode then re installed latest version...these didn't resolve the issue.
Manually downloading the update file I was able to update the virus engine...

I am using:
Windows 7 Premium Home Edition(64-bit)
Avast Free Antivirus - Program Version 11.1.2253, definition version 160212-0 no. of definitions 3,260,218
Spy Bot Search & Destroy
CcCleaner

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated...

[Asyn]

First, be sure to get rid of Spybot..!!

Then:
1. Download Avast Free Antivirus: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
2. Follow instructions: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed Avast versions..!!)
3. Reinstall Avast with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.

[mchain]

First, be sure to get rid of Spybot..!!

Then:....

+1!

Use and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware instead:  https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/

[djsneakypetesmusic]

Why get rid of Spybot?

It stops me from getting any malware/ads

I already tried clean uninstall using Avast Clear...

Is it a conflict issue with Spybot, I've had them working side by side for years without issue...

[Pondus]

SpyBot was good in the old days of adware/spyware but not today
dont know if they do it anymore but it used to update once a week

Replace with Malwarebytes ... it may have 10 updates a day

[bob3160]

Spybot also had or has Tea Timer which prevents changes.That would include updating your VPS updates.

[djsneakypetesmusic]

Okay thanks guys

[Asyn]

You're welcome.

[djsneakypetesmusic]

I've uninstalled Spybot and did a clean uninstall of avast in safe mode then reinstalled avast...

Still same error...

[djsneakypetesmusic]

Doing a scan with Malwarebytes...

[bob3160]

Have you tried a manual VPS update to see if that fixes the problem
The full virus definitions database can be downloaded from here - https://www.avast.com/download-update

[djsneakypetesmusic]

I had tried manual before and it updated...will try again.

Malwarebytes is still scanning...51 detected objects so far...

[Cluster-Lizard2014]

A conflict with Spybot (Tea Timer) is a lazy go to excuse for what has happened. If it is this that caused the initial trouble then it must be a new thing because I'd bet Spybot and AVAST had been working together without conflict on his computer up until then.

Spybot updates are just definition updates, like the Malwarebytes free version, the only reason a conflict might have occurred is because AVAST changed something not Spybot.

The most recent version of Spybot is a bloated thing you really don't want or need but the older, smaller footprint v1.6.2 (including Tea Timer) has been happily working alongside various versions of AVAST on my computer for almost 5 years with no issues. I'm sure it has even been recommended here in the past.

Over that time it has sat there doing very little apparently but when needed kicks in and has flagged up two keyloggers and a number of PUPs for me in real time. Whilst it didn't stop them getting onto my machine neither did AVAST which at no point reported them at all. Its never given me any false positives either, unlike AVAST has done many times over the same period.

From the sound of it the OP has multiple malware problems and they had nothing at all to do with a supposed Spybot/AVAST conflict. That was mere speculation with no evidence at all.  The important question that should be asked is how that has happened when the OP is using AVAST? 

[bob3160]

A conflict with Spybot (Tea Timer) is a lazy go to excuse for what has happened. If it is this that caused the initial trouble then it must be a new thing because I'd bet Spybot and AVAST had been working together without conflict on his computer up until then.

Spybot updates are just definition updates, like the Malwarebytes free version, the only reason a conflict might have occurred is because AVAST changed something not Spybot.

The most recent version of Spybot is a bloated thing you really don't want or need but the older, smaller footprint v1.6.2 (including Tea Timer) has been happily working alongside various versions of AVAST on my computer for almost 5 years with no issues. I'm sure it has even been recommended here in the past.

Over that time it has sat there doing very little apparently but when needed kicks in and has flagged up two keyloggers and a number of PUPs for me in real time. Whilst it didn't stop them getting onto my machine neither did AVAST which at no point reported them at all. Its never given me any false positives either, unlike AVAST has done many times over the same period.

From the sound of it the OP has multiple malware problems and they had nothing at all to do with a supposed Spybot/AVAST conflict. That was mere speculation with no evidence at all.  The important question that should be asked is how that has happened when the OP is using AVAST?

When someone has a problem and you aren't sitting in front of their computer, you explore all possibilities.
As usual, your comments here are designed to hinder and criticise.

[djsneakypetesmusic]

I failed to mention that I have a friend having the same issue...he also uses spybot...but since I've removed spybot it hasn't resolved the issue,..