updated Avast, but now I can't browse (but can connect to Skype)

[tourdottk]

Hi, I updated to the latest version of Avast yesterday (for some reason it didn't do this automatically), version 5.1.889, but now I cannot browse the internet any more (have tried IE, Firefox and Safari).
Have de-installed Avast and re-installed Avast, but to no avail.
Have pinged, but request timed out.
But... I can connect to Skype...
Any ideas?
Running Windows XP and working on a wireless internet connection.
I am sending this from another computer using the same wifi connection.
Thanks,
Ali

[SafeSurf]

Hello tourdottk and welcome to the forum.

What product of Avast do you have (Free, Pro, AIS)?

What is your firewall?  Did you check to see if Avast or anything else is being blocked in your firewall?

You say that your upgrade did not happen automatically.  This means that you manually or intentionally upgraded it.  What version did you have prior to this?

When you open the Avast GUI, does it say "Secured" or is there a problem?  Are all your shields up and running?

What current and previous security software do/did you have on this machine (antivirus, firewall, trial versions, other security software)?

[tourdottk]

I use FREE
I have Windows firewall running, but even when I turn that off, I cannot browse.
I'm not sure, must have been 5.0.something. (not older)
It says secured, everything is up and running, but (because I re-installed Avast) when I want to register, it says "retrieving information, please wait" and than nothing...
Only Avast and Windows firewall. Changed nothing except updated Avast this morning.

[SafeSurf]

On the main GUI, does it say that you are registered or in a trial 30-day period?

What is your current virus definition version?  Mine is 110222-0 (I also have Free).  Are you getting definition updates?

You can turn your Windows Firewall back on for protection.

What current and previous security software do/did you have on this machine (antivirus, firewall, trial versions, other security software)?

Could you answer this please?

Try an Avast Repair:
- Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove programs > Avast Antivirus.
- Scroll down and choose Repair function in the pop-up window.
- Reboot.

Let us know if this helps.

[Asyn]

If you have problems with the on-line registration, try off-line registration.
https://support.avast.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=459#idt_02
asyn

[tourdottk]

Awaiting registration. Your protection will expire in 30 days.
110120-0. No updates.
Windows firewall is back on.

No other security software on this laptop. Might have come with trial version of Norton, but must have deleted that two years ago...

Repaired, rebooted.
No internet connection with all three browsers...

[Asyn]

Awaiting registration.

Ok, please report back.
asyn

[tourdottk]

I've just registered, but waiting for e-mail with registration code.
I must say that before I re-installed Avast, I had a registered Avast version on my computer...
So I have tried the FREE registered and unregistered version 5.1.889.

[tourdottk]

I now have a registered FREE version, but no connection.
I am trying to update Avast now and downloading files from servers.def.vpx, but get an error that I cannot connect to server.
 

[Asyn]

1. I now have a registered FREE version, but no connection.
2. I am trying to update Avast now and downloading files from servers.def.vpx, but get an error that I cannot connect to server.
 

1. Good.
2. In avast try the setting: Direct Connection (No Proxy)
asyn

[tourdottk]

no result... 

[Asyn]

Ok, as you're on XP, try this: http://majorgeeks.com/WinSock_XP_Fix_d4372.html
asyn

[tourdottk]

no result 

[Asyn]

1. Download avast here: http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_free.exe
2. Follow the instructions here: http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
3. Reinstall avast.
Solved..??
asyn

[tourdottk]

no, sorry...