is the update server down?

[luieg1]

s the update server down, or is it my computer acting up?

[softwareguy]

The update server works fine here.

[luieg1]

Anyone in the USA having trouble updating.  I keep getting an error that the server is down.

[DavidR]

I doubt that the whole of the USA is having a problem, possibly your ISP, have you another connection. The web is designed to route around local problems.

Although I'm in the UK I was able to update earlier.

[Vlk]

Which server? Can you access the server in your browser?

[softwareguy]

Make sure your Hosts file are not infected.
Some trojans put AV's update servers in them so you would not be able to update.

[luieg1]

I cannot update my virus bases.  I keep getting an error that the server is down.  How can I check my settings?
 

[luieg1]

I'm running a scan now.  Is there any way to see if my connection is the problem?  I can access the internet fine via DSL.  Maybe I mistakenly changed a setting that is messing it up.

[softwareguy]

If you have WinXP, open C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts with notepad. (This should also work with NT systems I suppose.)

If you have Win9x, open C:\Windows\Hosts with notepad.

After you open those files with notepad, make sure there are no entries pointing Avast's update servers to an invalid IP.

Also have a look at Ad-Aware and scan your computer for any spywares.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com

In addition, take a look at HiJackThis from Merijn:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/

Good Luck!

P.S. Are you able to download VPS updates from here?
http://www.avast.com/i_kat_69.html

[c0Ld]

It's working fine for me. Have you tried just rebooting your computer and/or internet?

[luieg1]

I was able to update over the internet using the link you gave me.  This means my settings are messed up.  I will take your advice and investigate.

[softwareguy]

Another thing to look at is server.def in C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup .

[luieg1]

I'm not that tech smart to make those checks.

[softwareguy]

It is actually quite easy to check server.met for infection.
1. Open Notepad (Start -> Run -> notepad -> OK)
2. Select File -> Open
3. Put the following in your Filename text field:
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\servers.def
then click Open.

Skim through the file and make sure no servers there are suspicious.

P.S. It seems that Avast's official files contain a signature at the bottom that makes sure the file(s) are valid. I don't think Avast would update with a failed sig check, but it's good to check.

You could also try the following:
1. Click Start -> Run -> command -> OK
2. Type ping download1.avast.com
then press Enter.

If the above fails, try ping 66.98.166.72 instead.

[luieg1]

Tried them all...still no good.  Is there any way reinstall without changing my current settings (email & such)?