Hello alan229,
if an update would erase the list of file or folder exclusions,
i am interested in Your environment:
0) You talk about program update not normal virus data base updates, right?
1) You use Avast Business (Antivirus)?
2) If so, the managed solution?
3) If there is central management > these exclusions are set in the Management Console,
so local settings are not overwritten/deleted on synchronizing the configuration settings?
WbR