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General => Technical Help => Topic started by: Silas on Saturday 14 March 09 13:06 GMT (UK)

Title: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Saturday 14 March 09 13:06 GMT (UK)
I was notified that my AVG-free 7.5 needed upgrading to 8.5.  Have done this, but it still shows as 7.5 on my desktop.  How can I be sure it has upgraded to 8.5 please.  Have I done something wrong?
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Wul on Saturday 14 March 09 14:50 GMT (UK)
Did you uninstall the old version and have you restarted your computer since?
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Saturday 14 March 09 14:54 GMT (UK)
Wul, no I didn't uninstall the old version first.  Sorry, but am a bit of a computer dumbo so didn't realise I had to. ;D  How do I do that please?  Yes, I did turn my pc off and then turn it back on to see if it had worked, but no luck.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Nadine Moore on Saturday 14 March 09 17:18 GMT (UK)
Silas

If you open the AVG programme (double click on the icon) then go to Help, About, it should tell you which version you have installed.

Also check your programme file list to make sure you don't have two separate copies installed.

cheers

dinie
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Saturday 14 March 09 18:57 GMT (UK)
Done that Dinie, and it is still AVG 7.5 - can't make it out!  Thanks.  And no, don't have 2 separate programmes installed.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: wood.mjm on Sunday 15 March 09 13:06 GMT (UK)


   I downloaded AVG 8.5, installed it and the old version was automatically deleted. Perhaps you should try installing it again.

Woody.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Sunday 15 March 09 13:53 GMT (UK)
Thanks Woody.  I did try again last night, but no success.  Whereabouts did you download it from?  I have been trying from an alert that comes up on my screen in a morning, but it doesn't come up any other time, so tried from a site last night.  Did you uninstall your old version first?
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 15 March 09 14:37 GMT (UK)
There seems to be a lot of people with this problem! Came across this post from someone who works for AVG.....

Double-click the My computer icon on your desktop (or open Start -> My Computer)
Navigate to the following folder:
Windows XP / 2000:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\avg8\update\download *
Windows Vista:
C:\ProgramData\avg8\update\download *
Find the avginfoavi.ctf and avginfowin.ctf files and delete them
Restart your computer

.
Even if your Internet connection is working correctly, incorrect DNS servers may be filled in, affecting AVG update. This can be caused e.g. by some virus that was previously on your computer.

Open menu Start -> (Settings) -> Control Panel.
Double-click on Network connections.
Right-click on the connection you are using and choose Properties.
Double-click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item on the General tab.
Please check (and modify if necessary) the settings of IP address and DNS servers according to your Internet Provider settings or choose the Obtain * * DNS server address automatically option.
Confirm the settings by clicking on the OK button.
Close the window.

________________________________________________________________

Most people gave up on AVG and changed to Avast which just updates itself without having to do anything.......everyone seems happy with it and it's Free!


http://avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html


You have to just register with them when you dowload, then it automatically updates!
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Sunday 15 March 09 15:07 GMT (UK)
Ooh Hallmark thank you for all that BUT you now have me tempted to change to Avast!  In fact, think I will.  Now, how do I get shot of AVG?  I have heard it is difficult to get off the computer?
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hepburn on Sunday 15 March 09 15:25 GMT (UK)
Hallmark,
                 Ive just followed your on screen instructions,only to be told if I "delete AVG or rename" it could cause me to lose programmes....?so I hit the no button..Any idea what it means?
       
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 15 March 09 16:08 GMT (UK)
You will lose a Program!!! AVG Program.


Norton (say's he..head bowed!) was on this when I bought it...Downloaded Avast, then removed Norton, via Control Panel, have had no problems...

The only thing is Avast does everything for you but it tells you when it updates....so sitting here one night I got a fright when the computer started talking to me..."Your virus database has been updated"...was wondering who was talking to me ;D ;D now he just tells me on a very regular basis...
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Sunday 15 March 09 16:26 GMT (UK)
Right Hallmark, so do I download Avast without even touching or deleting AVG first?  Will Avast delete it for me?  Or do I remove AVG myself afterwards via the Control Panel?
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 15 March 09 16:36 GMT (UK)
Well I had Norton, downloaded Avast, disconnected from Internet....removed Norton,...... Avast downloaded to Desktop, opened and installed it, then reconnected to Internet to register it!

You can remove it via Control Panel...some have just removed it by Start> Programs...right click on the Anti Virus Program they had and selected "Delete"...Control Panel is best way!
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Sunday 15 March 09 16:39 GMT (UK)
Thanks Hallmark, now seriously considering Avast.  Thanks for all your advice. :)
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 15 March 09 16:47 GMT (UK)
If you want AVG....

http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition



but you will need a Firewall...Avast has one built in!
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Sunday 15 March 09 16:54 GMT (UK)
Thanks Hallmark.  Yes, I have a separate firewall at the moment.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 15 March 09 17:05 GMT (UK)
2 Firewalls can give problems, have you Windows Firewall turned off?

Something like this could be what is stopping AVG update!

Also, if you go to Control Panel>Windows Firewall...open it and you will see a list of Programs allowed through the firewall, maybe AVG is not ticked...
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hepburn on Sunday 15 March 09 17:22 GMT (UK)
Ive downloaded Avast and left AVG on,it wasn't updating ,and all my components are "out of date"so it's just sitting there doing nothing...
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hepburn on Sunday 15 March 09 17:26 GMT (UK)
MY AVG is ticked plus AVG up......
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Sunday 15 March 09 17:33 GMT (UK)
2 Firewalls can give problems, have you Windows Firewall turned off?

Something like this could be what is stopping AVG update!

Also, if you go to Control Panel>Windows Firewall...open it and you will see a list of Programs allowed through the firewall, maybe AVG is not ticked...

Thanks Hallmark, will take a look.  Hadn't thought of that.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Sunday 15 March 09 17:42 GMT (UK)
I cannot even see AVG on the list.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 15 March 09 17:43 GMT (UK)
Well just a moment ago I got my second update of the day!!
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 15 March 09 17:51 GMT (UK)
I cannot even see AVG on the list.

Well Windows Firewall is as good as using a paper bag to hold water...what about your other Firewall? Is it there? A Firewall should need permission to allow something through!

Not sure what name it would have but presume AVG update...maybe someone who uses it can say...
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Sunday 15 March 09 17:55 GMT (UK)
My Windows Firewall has to display a notification and ask my permission when a program is blocked.  Windows Firewall is my only Firewall I think.  I am a bit of a pc dumbo (as you have probably gathered).  I also have Spybot Search and Destroy.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Sunday 15 March 09 17:58 GMT (UK)
Ive downloaded Avast and left AVG on,it wasn't updating ,and all my components are "out of date"so it's just sitting there doing nothing...

NOTHING is exactly what it is doing! Especially if it is up....remember Anti Virus programs are written to chase existing viruses....


Not sure why Windows Firewall doesn't have it listed....it should!
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: celia on Monday 16 March 09 10:29 GMT (UK)
Silas
Last night i at last got round to un-installing  :-X Norton ;D
I then went to vunet.com and downloaded A.V.G 8.5.278
it took two minits.The file go's into your documents you then open it and download it. I didn't do anything it told me to do,and its brilliant I have now cured the very slow rootschat by getting rid of Norton. which cost £40 every 12 months It said on the Avg website they wont be updating earlier versions.so if you still want Avg go to your add/remove program and get rid of the old avg and start again.you must use the add/remove program to un-install programs.The thing you see on you desk top are only shortcuts

Celia


Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Nick29 on Monday 16 March 09 10:43 GMT (UK)
I cannot even see AVG on the list.

Well Windows Firewall is as good as using a paper bag to hold water...what about your other Firewall? Is it there? A Firewall should need permission to allow something through!

Not sure what name it would have but presume AVG update...maybe someone who uses it can say...

Not necessarily - firewalls can and do operate from a set of rules which can be set up either manually or automatically (or both).  If my firewall needed my permission to do something each time, I'd never get anything done at all !

The firewall supplied with Windows is poor because it only checks data coming into your computer - it doesn't look at what is going out.  Viruses send data from people's computers all the time, so it's a second line of defence to have a good firewall.

On your comment about virus checkers - yes, an up-to-date virus list is very important.  But what about viruses which haven't made it on to any list yet ?

They are the ones which "sort out the men from the boys", when it comes to virus checkers.  These viruses are known as "in the wild" viruses - brand new viruses which have just been written, and which don't appear on any list.  In independent tests, AVG free failed to find over 700 "in the wild" viruses which were found by two of the top virus checkers.  This is why I say that AVG Free is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Monday 16 March 09 10:47 GMT (UK)
Thank you Celia and Nick.  I shall study all this carefully and get it sorted today if it kills me!!
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hepburn on Monday 16 March 09 10:55 GMT (UK)
Where do I get a good firewall?
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Nick29 on Monday 16 March 09 11:05 GMT (UK)
It's best to get an integrated security package (i.e. one that does anti-virus and firewall).  That way, the firewall and AV work together.

I would recommend Eset Smart Security (https://secure.eset.co.uk/order/category.asp?intCategoryId=7) or Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 (http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/)

I would avoid Norton (Symantec) like the plague  :)
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hepburn on Monday 16 March 09 11:28 GMT (UK)
It's on offer 19.99 instead of 39.99..... ;)
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Nick29 on Monday 16 March 09 11:52 GMT (UK)
Yes, it is.  Eset is the better software, because it places a lighter load on the computer whilst it's working.  Eset gets cheaper if you have more than one computer in the house to protect.

Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Monday 16 March 09 12:49 GMT (UK)
I wasn't recommending AVG, just put it up in case anyone wanted it!

Any AV is only as good as it's latest update obviously, if AVG or any AV won't update it is more or less useless.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Monday 16 March 09 14:47 GMT (UK)
Well, I have tried uninstalling AVG 7.5 by doing it via the Control Panel and it won't let me, so I now give up.  Am unable to install the 8.5 version.  Thank you all for trying to help, but I am completely beaten, so will now wait for the 7.5 version to cease working and go from there.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Monday 16 March 09 14:53 GMT (UK)
What message are you getting?
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Redroger on Monday 16 March 09 15:04 GMT (UK)
A posting to watch definitely, I was going to instal AVG on my netbook when the free period runs out on the program provided with the computer, now I definitely shan't. Avast looks a distinct possibility, but I already have the Virgin program provided with their broadband on my main computer. Would I be best served keeping to this on the netbook?
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Monday 16 March 09 15:05 GMT (UK)
You can get them manually here... http://free.avg.com/download-update
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Monday 16 March 09 15:09 GMT (UK)
What message are you getting?

Hallmark, I will try it again and tell you what the message is.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Monday 16 March 09 15:21 GMT (UK)
Hallmark, first it says creating backup, then it carries on and comes up with 'installation failed' - that's all it says.  I have 'Googled' about this problem and loads of folk say they cannot uninstall AVG!  So, that's that, I give up, but thank you for your efforts.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Monday 16 March 09 15:25 GMT (UK)
Someone kept getting a message coming up from  AVG icon at bottom of screenthat the AVG website could not be opened

They double clicked and opened up the icon and it showed  7 boxes - the one showing update manager said it need to be updated and was ticked red.

They tried to use the download - didnt work. They then clicked on the "Update Now" on left hand side of screen - it worked then and Update Manager was ticked green.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Monday 16 March 09 16:19 GMT (UK)
YIPEE !!  I have uninstalled 7.5 !!  Did it by going to All Programs via the Start button, clicked on AVG 7.5 and it gave me the option to uninstall - it worked! THEN I Googled AVG-free 8.5, found a site and it has actually downloaded successfully!!  I cannot believe it.  So, it is necessary to get rid of 7.5 first it seems.  Thank you so Hallmark and everyone else who has tried to help. :)
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Monday 16 March 09 16:24 GMT (UK)
Not a problem, glad you are sorted! Now....run a full scan!!

Dave.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Monday 16 March 09 16:29 GMT (UK)
OK Dave, will do that!  Phew, I'm worn out!! ;D
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: hallmark on Monday 16 March 09 17:45 GMT (UK)
ME TOO!!! LOL
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: downside on Tuesday 17 March 09 12:19 GMT (UK)
I guess this of mainly academic interest now.

When you start Windows, various processes are started at boot time and they include at least 3 AVG processes.  If you launch Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and click on the Processes tab, you should see those AVG processes which all begin avgxxxx.exe.

You cannot remove/uninstall AVG while those processes are still active.

In theory you could download and install AVG 8 even though you still have 7.5 on disk providing that you stop the AVG 7.5 processes first.

As you attempt to install AVG 8 though it should detect a previous installation and remove that before installing the later version.

Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel can only remove AVG in safe mode when the processes are not active.

Some anti-virus programs add an extra layer of security by changing the ownership of certain files so that even an Administrator or someone with administrative privleges cannot remove files.  The reason they do this is because it prevents a virus taking control of the anti-virus program and therefore taking control of the whole computer.
Title: Re: AVG-free problem
Post by: Silas on Tuesday 17 March 09 12:25 GMT (UK)
Thanks Downside, that is very informative.  So the reason I couldn't uninstall AVG via the control panel is that I should have been doing it in safe mode.  Thank you for all that.  My new AVG 8.5 is now scanning, so fingers crossed all will be OK.