End of support for Windows XP/Vista

[rocksteady]

I use Avast free 18.5 on rarely used WinXP. It still gets virus definition updates.
I prefer 18.5 over last available version 18.8 for XP/Vista, which for me and some others had resourse hog issues.
If you install 18.5, set program updates to Manual, to prevent automatic update to 18.8.
These old versions are still listed on filepuma here: https://www.filepuma.com/download/avast_free_antivirus-2/versions/2

[bob3160]

I'm still on xp & found an older avast version to put on my pc. I see there's no longer support for the older version except as I understand it, there'll still be virus definitions updates? The version I got asked for registration but when I hit the button, it didn't go any further so without registering it, it says the program will self destruct in 30 days?

Did you follow these instructions?
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=220639.msg1569407#msg1569407

[rocksteady]

I have just booted WinXP with Avast Free 18.5. Definitions were updated OK.
The Avast UI screen states Licence will Expire in 3days at the bottom.
I have hit the "Extend" button and from that chosen Avast Free option. Then exited the next page that offers upgrade at discount.
The problem is I still see the "Licence will expire in 3 days" warning, despite attempts to extend it.
I thought Avast Free was not time limited.
Anyone else seen this and overcome the licence extension loop?

Also seen this previous post re v18 Licence expiry from @NON.

After testing here I cannot find a stable way to re-register nor remove red X for expired Avast 18.
Clean reinstall seems to be a only stable option, while Avast cannot get new license it works (i.e. no red X) without license except for short period of time after boot.

I have not attempted to re-install v18.5 (yet).

[bob3160]

I have just booted WinXP with Avast Free 18.5. Definitions were updated OK.
The Avast UI screen states Licence will Expire in 3days at the bottom.
I have hit the "Extend" button and from that chosen Avast Free option. Then exited the next page that offers upgrade at discount.
The problem is I still see the "Licence will expire in 3 days" warning, despite attempts to extend it.
I thought Avast Free was not time limited.
Anyone else seen this and overcome the licence extension loop?

Also seen this previous post re v18 Licence expiry from @NON.

After testing here I cannot find a stable way to re-register nor remove red X for expired Avast 18.
Clean reinstall seems to be a only stable option, while Avast cannot get new license it works (i.e. no red X) without license except for short period of time after boot.

I have not attempted to re-install v18.5 (yet).

Wow, it took you a long time to respond......

[rocksteady]

Hi Bob,
I was not responding as that was referring to Avast 10, where you offered "Information for those using an old NON SSE2 Operating System who still want to use Avast" and downloads. That is different from the problem I mentioned.

I had not had any issues with Avast 18.5 until yesterday on my (rarely booted) XP operating system. I also have backup copies of 18.5 and 18.8 so am not looking for those.

What I am looking for is a way to extend the 18.5 Free licence.

The nearest hint was the post from @NON, where he mentions 18.5 still works but tray icon has a "red X" after expiry. NON also mentions reinstallation of 18.5 may cure that.

So I am just seeking solutions for when my 18.5 Free expires in 2 days, as the UI states it will. Any offers?

[rocksteady]

Hi Bob,
I was not responding as that was referring to Avast 10, where you offered "Information for those using an old NON SSE2 Operating System who still want to use Avast" and downloads. That is different from the problem I mentioned.

I had not had any issues with Avast 18.5 until yesterday on my (rarely booted) XP operating system. I also have backup copies of 18.5 and 18.8 so am not looking for those.

What I am looking for is a way to extend the 18.5 Free licence.

The nearest hint was the post from @NON, where he mentions 18.5 still works but tray icon has a "red X" after expiry. NON also mentions reinstallation of 18.5 may cure that.

So I am just seeking solutions for when my 18.5 Free expires in 2 days, as the UI states it will. Any offers?

Well my 18.5 Free Licence Expired today. Tray icon now has red "X" etc. Licence "Reactivation" via UI does not work.
I have tried a re-installation of 18.5 Free, but get the same result. Licence says expired, but the program seems to run OK with up-to-date defs and can perform manual scans etc.  Just seems to have a problem communicating to Avast for licence renewal.

I would be interested if anyone else has found the same issue and what they have done about it.

[hugh.casement]

I downloaded a version of Avast that supposedly still works with Windows XP.
It appeared to install, but there's no short cut on the desktop screen.

Which of the many executable files in the Avast folder do I run?

 

[DavidR]

I downloaded a version of Avast that supposedly still works with Windows XP.
It appeared to install, but there's no short cut on the desktop screen.

Which of the many executable files in the Avast folder do I run?

You don't say what version you installed  ?

You shouldn't need to run any of them in the Avast Folder.
Any functions you need should be done from the Avast UI (User Interface is AvastUI.exe), there should be an Avast Icon in the same place as other running applications on the right of the taskbar. 

One of the problems in still using XP, is the old Avast program version, it isn't going to be very familiar with the current Avast version users.   Most would be working from memory and there are very few of them on the forum.

If you Open the XP Task Manager, that should show the Avast executable processes that 'are' running  ?

[rocksteady]

On XP (using avast free 18.5)
Start>Programs>Avast Software>
you should find a menu item for "Avast Free Antivirus"
That points to AvastUI.exe