after installing avast, i can no longer connect to the web...

[bruderda]

When i try to browse with IE, i get the "Cannot find server" message for everything. And avast! cannot connect to update. I tried messing with my firewall settings, and even turning it off completely, but to no avail. Please advise! Thank you!

[DavidR]

What is your OS ?
What is your firewal ?
Does it allow access for ashWebSv.exe (I know you said you disabled the firewall) ?
Does it allow access for avast.setup (the avast update) ?

[Lisandro]

If you close your browser, clean temporary files, open it again, can't you reach any site?
Are you sure you're clean? I mean, did you run avast at boot time and at least one antitrojan? (like www.ewido.net)

[bruderda]

My OS is Windows XP Home. My firewall is Windows Firewall, but yes, I did disable it. And before I disabled it, I did add avast! to the list of program exceptions.
I will try to clean the hell out of everything again and see what happens.

[Lisandro]

My OS is Windows XP Home. My firewall is Windows Firewall, but yes, I did disable it. And before I disabled it, I did add avast! to the list of program exceptions.
I will try to clean the hell out of everything again and see what happens.

Any other security program?
Any proxy application (like an annonimizer)?

Make sure your browser is not set to "Work Offline" (this option is generally in the File menu). If it doesn't help, try switching the proxy settings from "Auto-detect" to "No proxy" (I'm assuming you're not connecting to the Internet via proxy). Left click the avast icon > Settings > Update (Basic) > Details > Proxy

[bruderda]

Thanks a lot for your advise.
I ended up uninstalling avast and restoring my computer to b4 i installed it, cleaned all temporary files, and then ran ewido anti-spyware. then i installed avast! and ran it on the reboot and it worked that time. and it is working with Windows Firewall. don't know why it didn't work b4, but thanks again for your help.
avast! rules!!!

[DavidR]

Glad that you have it sorted now, welcome to the forums.