Also in New Zealand. Same problems updating virus definitions automatically (and manually) with the new version 5.1.889 since installing over 667 3 days ago using Update Program button. This problem has happened a couple of times before with previous version updates, and has usually been corrected quickly. I seem to remember that on one occasion the NZ server was overloaded by so many people trying to update at the same time - could that be the problem now?
Anyway, Avast has fixed things promptly before, and I'm sure they will do so this time! In my opinion, Avast Free is streets ahead of any other AV progs available (including those you have to pay big bucks for!). I've been using it through several builds now over a couple of years, after AVG for nearly 10 years and a couple of expensive Big Name competitors before that.
Right now, Automatic Update is a complete fail and has been since I installed the new build over 667. I am able to manually update definitions using either the 'Update engine and virus definitions' button or the 'Update Program' button - it just requires perseverance and hitting the button until it gets a solid connection through the 412 errors. I find that the Program button is more reliable and gets through with one or two tries, whereas the Definitions button is less so.
Thanks to Vlk and the other tech guys who know the right answers and give their time. And thanks to Avast for a premium AV app given freely.
I'll just keep hitting the manual button until things are fixed.
Doluck asks about md5 hashes for 5.0.677 from filehippo - the hases are provided on the technical tab - copied here, checksum 5A9721803B7E330C49F71805F57A6D1A
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Intel Celeron D CPU 3.20GHz, 2GB RAM, XP Home SP2, IE7, Avast Free 1.5.889, SpybotS&D, Spywareblaster, MBAM 1.5 (scan only), CCleaner