Author Topic: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!  (Read 12098 times)

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Offline Rickajho

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Don't be hatin' - in this case it's Avast 8.0.1506

This is regarding the free, extended registration key provided for older Avast Free versions. Here:

https://www.avast.com/en-us/registration-free-antivirus

I updated my virus definitions this morning. Just for 'maintenance' I decided to reboot the computer and that's when the problem appeared.

Avast is loading, but all the Shields are disabled. Won't even allow me to check for virus definition updates now. WTH!?!? Reboot - problem still there.

I look at my Registration info screen and I find this:



So I'm either not registered. Or I'm good until some time in 2038.  :o

Uninstalled Avast and reinstalled. It's working again under the "30 day free trial" option from a fresh install.

Reenter the registration key from the above linked page and I'm right back to the problem. I'm assuming there is something wrong with that registration key at this point, regarding the software having mixed messages about what date the registration key is good through.

Help! Can someone from Avast look into this?
« Last Edit: March 12, 2019, 06:59:28 PM by Rickajho »

Offline oh2

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2019, 08:57:04 PM »
I have the same problem with Avast Pro 8.0.1497.
After today's virus database update, the cheerful message: "Your license has expired." Only the validity of my license file is until 21/12/2019. The usual uninstall from safe mode and the new program installation will not help, after the virus database update I am back at the beginning - without a PAYED license.

Offline JackPollack

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2019, 09:39:44 PM »
I am having the same problem with v8 on ALL om my machines after last definition update.

I just tried a clean install on a clean VM (never has Avast installed). I didn't even register it, just ran it as a 30 day unregistered license and after update same thing!

Offline bob3160

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2019, 11:17:23 PM »
I've reported this to the developers.
Free Security Seminar: https://bit.ly/bobg2023  -  Important: http://www.organdonor.gov/ -- My Web Site: http://bob3160.strikingly.com/ - Win 11 Pro v22H2 64bit, 16 Gig Ram, 1TB SSD, Avast Free 23.5.6066, How to Successfully Install Avast http://goo.gl/VLXdeRepair & Clean Install https://goo.gl/t7aJGq -- My Online Activity https://bit.ly/BobGInternet

Offline Rickajho

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2019, 11:46:54 PM »
Thank you @bob3160

For what it's worth: I just did a 'manual' definitions update with the most recent vpsupd.exe. (Newer than the update from this morning.) And although that installed ok it didn't unscrewup the problem either.  :(

Curious to know though, how a virus definition update could screw up registration information.  ???

Offline bob3160

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2019, 11:49:37 PM »
Thank you @bob3160

For what it's worth: I just did a 'manual' definitions update with the most recent vpsupd.exe. (Newer than the update from this morning.) And although that installed ok it didn't unscrewup the problem either.  :(

Curious to know though, how a virus definition update could screw up registration information.  ???
VPS updates can do a lot more than just update virus definitions. :)
Free Security Seminar: https://bit.ly/bobg2023  -  Important: http://www.organdonor.gov/ -- My Web Site: http://bob3160.strikingly.com/ - Win 11 Pro v22H2 64bit, 16 Gig Ram, 1TB SSD, Avast Free 23.5.6066, How to Successfully Install Avast http://goo.gl/VLXdeRepair & Clean Install https://goo.gl/t7aJGq -- My Online Activity https://bit.ly/BobGInternet

Offline Cluster-Lizard2014

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2019, 02:17:23 PM »
I'm having what I really hope is the same problem with 8.0.1497 too after switching on the PC this morning which I use that version on I'm getting a message that the aswRundDll.exe has stopped working.

Avast is the only program I use which is set to auto-update definitions and it does that at startup so my immediate suspicion was that the update is what has caused the problem

AVAST says it is now off and my system unprotected. It will not start using the Start button, Resolve All does not work and neither did Repair. This is concerning to say the least as I have not had any problem with AVAST that has caused it not to work at all in a very long time.

I tried Windows System Restore which should have been no trouble but it is refusing to work and suggests that an anti-virus program ie. AVAST is what is preventing it and should be turned off to try again. Nothing like that has ever happened before, I've not had any problems using System Restore with this version of AVAST ie. never had to use Safe Mode.

My AVAST Free is registered correctly of course.






Offline jaroslav.nix

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2019, 02:42:54 PM »
Hi guys, thank you for reporting. The issue is fixed in new VPS 19031302, we are very sorry for this. The avast installation should download the new version automatically, but if not you can uninstall and install again. Thank you.

Offline Cluster-Lizard2014

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2019, 03:37:28 PM »
Just restarted my PC (BTW after risking installing the Windows Monthly Updates) and initially on restart I still had the error message about the AVAST aswRun.dll but I'm guessing that the AVAST VPS update was downloading/installing at the same time.

However when I closed the error message box I immediately saw the red cross had gone from my AVAST tray icon and it is shown now as working.

Phew, glad the issue is apparently sorted as that had me really worried.

Thanks for the exceptionally quick solution. 

Offline JackPollack

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2019, 03:56:42 PM »
The new VPS update fixed the problem thank you.

FYI for anyone having the problem - The auto update wouldn't work with the bad VPS files from yesterday. I download the manual update https://www.avast.com/en-us/download-thank-you.php?product=VPS5&locale=en-us, ran it and rebooted. All good now  :)

Offline DavidR

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2019, 04:06:52 PM »
@ Cluster-Lizard2014
System Restore (especially in older OS versions) has never been bullet proof and it was recommended to disable the Avast self-defence module.  As that would still be protecting Avast even if you disabled Avast.

Windows System doesn't cover everything as far as Programs goes (including other programs). It is more for resolving System problems than individual program issues.  This is why I have always relied on hard drive imaging software for Backup and recovery.  I feel this is even more essential for older systems and programs are concerned as it can be harder to find system/program updates.

Fortunately a fix by Avast has resolved this and I don't believe a system restore would have resolved this.

EDIT: Typo
« Last Edit: March 13, 2019, 04:09:49 PM by DavidR »
Windows 10 Home 64bit/ Acer Aspire F15/ Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz, 8GB DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD/ avast! free 24.2.6105 (build 24.2.8918.824) UI 1.0.799/ Firefox, uBlock Origin, uMatrix/ MailWasher Pro/ Avast! Mobile Security

Offline Cluster-Lizard2014

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #11 on: March 13, 2019, 06:07:07 PM »
As I said I've never had a problem with using System Restore before today ie. their use being blocked by AVAST.

I've not needed to use System Restore that often ever but occasionally it is far easier and quicker than any other method of restoring a PC to its previous state when some newly installed program or changes causes a problem.

I always put in a restore point before installing new software and as part of my weekly maintenance regime. Windows Updates and many other programs, particularly uninstallers like Revo do the same. I hate anything that interferes with their use and I am well aware of AVAST's reported inclination to do so but had not experienced it myself until today.

I hope this was a consequence of the faulty update causing whatever elements of AVAST that were working on my PC to misbehave and not some unwanted new feature. Time will tell on that.

However I agree that, in retrospect, using a Restore Point in this case, now we know the cause, would not have helped fix the problem. Even if it did I'm almost certain it would have returned as soon as the computer rebooted unless I'd turned off AVAST's definitions etc auto-updates.

     

Offline stibi

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2019, 06:26:04 PM »
System Restore (especially in older OS versions) has never been bullet proof

I agree, and never counted on such Microsoft functions.
I prefer system images from the OS & application partition; costs me 20 minutes every 2..3 months and helps against all troubles   ;)

Offline DavidR

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2019, 10:40:35 PM »
As I said I've never had a problem with using System Restore before today ie. their use being blocked by AVAST.
<snip>

I have always recommended disabling the avast self-defence prior to using System Restore if that restore is likely to impact on Avast protected areas/files. 

I too have never had a problem with windows restore, mainly because I never used it (I saw the potential failings as it doesn't/didn't cover everything) as I have used drive imaging software certainly as far back as win98 :)

That said I use the Windows 10 Backup it is a little more flexible and more comprehensive.  I create a system image and backup to an external drive. I also periodically create a system repair disc, normally after a new OS update.
Windows 10 Home 64bit/ Acer Aspire F15/ Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz, 8GB DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD/ avast! free 24.2.6105 (build 24.2.8918.824) UI 1.0.799/ Firefox, uBlock Origin, uMatrix/ MailWasher Pro/ Avast! Mobile Security

Offline stibi

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Re: Avast free registration key for older versions has a problem!!!
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2019, 11:26:14 PM »
Since january I use Macrium Reflect free. Looks good and creates an image under Windows.
Before i used Clonezilla, comlicated to handle.