Updater won't connect

[lilypad]

 My Avast home edition downloaded a program update last night. 
Today I have had several red screens come up that says it could not
connect to update.  I never had a problem until it updated to
a newer version last night.

When I clicked the red screen this the information I received:
Information about current update:
Cannot connect to download50.avast.com
(207.44.246.86.80)
Total Time: 6.33
 
When I manually update this is what I get:
Summary:
Information about current update:
Total Time: 14s
VPS: Already up to date
(Current version 000774-3)
Server: download29.avast.com (70.87.113.28)
Download files: 3 (0.03KB)
Download time: 6s
 
Do you know what is wrong with the automatic update that it cannot connect. 
Please explain it in very plain English as I am a novice at this.
 

[Tarq57]

I've had this occasionally, it has been (in my case) because the program signature has changed and is no longer recognized by the firewall (Comodo in my case).
If you have an application based firewall, make sure that the new version of Avast update (aswUpdSv.exe) is allowed.

[DavidR]

You can allow ashUpdSv.exe but that won't have any impact, you need to allow avast.setup.

What is your firewall ?
Does it allow avast.setup internet access ?
- If it does delete the entry for it and do a manual update, this will force the firewall to ask permission again.

[Lisandro]

Basically, check the log files (or post the last 200 lines of the logs):
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\DATA\log\Setup.log
or C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\setup.log

Also check:

1) If your subscription allows the update right now (i.e., if it is not expired). Home (free) version need registering each 14 months.
    I hope you haven't bought a license from a site on this list: http://www.avast.com/eng/fraudulent-sales-of-avast-products.html

Also, bad jollyroger.vpu file could contain banned registration keys with error and then update fails because of an invalid key. See how to download a new jollyroger.vpu, http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=27185.msg222148#msg222148.

2) If your firewall settings and allow avast.setup to connect.
    If you're not sure, just turn off your firewall (to be sure the update failure is not due to it).
    Maybe you should 'remove' avast.setup entry, try to update, receiving a new alert from the firewall, allowing it and checking it to remember.

3)  Check your proxy settings into avast!:
     Left click the avast icon > Settings
     Update (Basic) > Details > Proxy
     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 from "Auto-detect" to "No proxy" (I'm assuming you're not connecting to the Internet via proxy).
     You can run proxycfg -d in a DOS window to make your computer connect direct, without proxy. You can run proxycfg -h for help.

4) Also you can try changing update service's login account, follow this:
    Open services control panel (e.g. Start->Run, and type: services.msc
    Double-click on avast! iAVS4 Control Service to show properties. Switch to LogOn page.
    Enter administrator account name and password.
    Do the same for avast! Antivirus service.
    Then start update again.

5) The last option, check if the servers.def file is corrupt or 0KB (C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\servers.def).
    You can try and download the servers.def file, http://files.avast.com/iavs4x/servers.def and replace the one in the avast setup folder.

[Will91]

Hi all:

I had the same problem tonight.  I have avast set for automatic update and I received the red box alerting me the update failed rather than the blue screen indicating it had properly updated as usual.  I checked Comodo and for some reason the two avast.setup files were listed as "block".  I don't know why it had changed from "allow".

I put it back on "allow", tried a manual update, and the update ran fine.  I hope tomorrow, the automatic update will be back to normal.

[Lisandro]

I have avast set for automatic update and I received the red box alerting me the update failed

Just after making login or at any time?

[Tarq57]

FWIW when this happens with me it's always (1) just after a program update, and (2) immediately after logging in or starting windows.
Also Comodo FW.

[DavidR]

There may be an issue with avast.setup not being able to connect with comodo firewall - Comodo config options. Advanced Attack Detection and Prevention. - To get there, open program, click Security", "advanced attack detection and prevention", and click "configure," Block all outgoing connections while booting.

So if comodo is slow in getting established even though a connection may be present (and probably recognised by avast) the connection is blocked.

Personally I believe the default check for avast update should be pushed back from 30 seconds so it doesn't possibly get involved in any boot activity.

You need to edit the [InetWD] section of the C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Data\avast4.ini file and add the following line (depending on your connection type enter one or other of the Bold lines below):
Dial-up connections, add this line: RASWaitSeconds=120
Or
Broadband connections, add this line: AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds=120

[InetWD]
AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds=120
Or
RASWaitSeconds=120

The figure is seconds and the above equates to two minutes, you could try that and adjust upwards if required, 180, 240, etc.

[Tarq57]

Is that line "AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds=120" just typed onto the bottom of the ini file, or does it need to go in a particular place, and/or in a particular format?

[DavidR]

As per the quoted example and instruction (You need to edit the [InetWD] section) it goes in the [InetWD] section

[jezra]

ALSO having major problems updating!

consistent error = cannot connect to server

Tried:

• updating normally--failed

• re-installation of program--failed

• un-install/re-re-install--failed

browser activity stopped!
pinging was successful

Stopped on access protection
browser activity successful!

Tried:
updating normally--failed
same error message on "cannot connect to server"

new error message =
"Cannot connect to download68.avast.com (70.84.202.2:80)"

HELP!! and thanks all!!
jezra

[Lisandro]

Did you follow the steps posted before?
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=30403.msg251156#msg251156

[jezra]

yes

[DavidR]

What about this.

What is your firewall ?
Does it allow avast.setup internet access ?
- If it does delete the entry for it and do a manual update, this will force the firewall to ask permission again.

[Lisandro]

yes

Please, post the last 200 lines of the log: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\DATA\log\Setup.log