I also have only the free version of Avast, since it provides the same anti-virus service as the paid one, and I don't need the few extra bells and whistles included in the paid version. However, if you want to continue paying for it, and need to check the expiration date, here is how: Right-click on the Avast ball in your task bar in the lower right of the screen; click on "About Avast"; after the panel opens up, the Maintenance menu should be open on the left...click on "Registration" and you'll see the date. It's standard procedure for Avast to send a reminder a couple of weeks in advance. If you can't tell whether the email comes from Avast.com, or you need extra help with this, you can always go to their web site and call the Support number. I also recommend you save your Avast license file in a safe place so you can easily have access to it if you ever need to reinstall it, and so you can remember the date. Here is a link that might be useful: Avast Support

grandms Your input is just as appreciated and welcome as everyone's! I saw where Zep and Raven had already posted and I thought that the chances were good that they would return to the thread. I value everyone and their answers equally. 8)

Susie, I have searched & can't find any Avast on it. I also went into the folders. I just did a search on this one & there is quite a bit Norton leftover on it still. AVG is on too & was working when I stopped using this one. I hope to have another one Monday if everyone would just get well..I don't drive (never learned) & all my rides are truly sick. Cat, I think I will try the XP tonite. I do know it has a LOT of problems & need to be started over..it is not worth spending $150 to do that. Nite before last I was trying to fill out a form to order something.. it took over 30 minutes to do it.. The cursor kept freezing plus it wouldn't scroll without freezing. Some on here can vouch for all the problems I have had. If I can get it running I can at least check to see if there is anything else I want saved. I tried to keep things saved as I knew this day was coming. Yes I know now the APC is probably why it wouldn't turn on but I don't think that had anything to do with the other problems. The XP took about 20 minutes to reboot.. this 98 is very fast doing it. Thanks, Dar

you can not schedule a scan with Avast like you do some other programs, but the easy way to have it scan is to set the screen saver scan, anytime the screen saver is on the scan starts, it stops when you move the mouse then restarts where it left off when the screen saver starts again, that is how I use mine, if you go to the Avast site there are 2 pdf guides that you should read on how to use Avast and set up your scans and also to choose to do the boot scan or not. Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Document How to Install, Configure, and Use Avast Antivirus an excellent guide that answers most questions. It is not a good idea to keep your pc turned off and disconnected from the internet, when you get on it and connect you then are way behind in updates not only for your antivirus but for windows.