I use Avast free version only and it updates daily automatically n'p's no bugging me for pay version either?

aputernut, thank you, but that doesn't answer my question. FWIW, I do only manual updates, and then only after checking in here for possible problems.

Thanks for your suggestion.
-J

I just posted a fairly similar problem with AVG. I ended up with the paid 2015 version which I didn't want. So..I went to my control panel....add/remove programs and was just going to remove it. When I clicked to remove, some other options came up and one of them was to downgrade to the free version...so that's what I did and all is well

When all else fails uninstall, and start over making sure you take the correct one and no add on's. When it comes to updating your anti virus trust the automatic update.

Maybee - that's exactly why I chose Avast. I had AVG on my old PC and it made me crazy. My husband had Avast on his old(er) PC and it was wonderful, simple, no sneaky tricks. But that was several years ago and I guess times have changed.

Aputernut - thanks. I was wondering if I'd have to go that route. Rats!

-J

I do not understand why the OP wants to only manually update the virus definitions, that makes no sense at all. The whole purpose of auto update is to offer 24/7 protection.

The last time I installed Avast I needed to pay very close attention during the install process to stop the PUPs (possibly unwanted programs) being installed. Definitely select the custom install so you see each screen and can select or deselect unwanted items. Some pestered during the initial install, others wanted on during the set up. Seemed nuts to me but once past that the program ran fine.

owbist, I have not found pups in avast. I scan after most downloads, especially games.

I did find it in Comodo and lots of stuff that SAS did not like when it scanned. It told me it could not remove it. I used Adware cleaner and it removed some of it, but the pup was still there. Then Malware bytes and the pups were not removed. I googled it and found out it came with the Geek Buddy which came with Comodo. When I uninstalled that, it took care of the problem. Even if I had done a manual install, I probably would not have recognize it.

Owbist, than you for the valuable suggestions you have given me in the past.

You wondered why I do manual updates rather than automatic. I remember only too well the "old days" when updates often caused problems after installation. I learned it was better to check here first before updating. Someone here usually knew about the problem (probably learned the hard way!) which gave me the chance to wait until the problem was solved.

Since I turn the PC on only about once a week, manual updates work fine.

Incidently, in case there are any more "Nervous Nellies" like me who are concerned about inadvertantly getting Avast's paid version, there is an option given about three steps into the update. And I kept my eyes open for that other stuff Avast wanted to install that you warned about.

Thanks to all who offered suggestions.
Cheers,
J .

Its very tricky. You have to look very carefully before 'accepting' any page. If you mess up, stop - go to Control Panel - add/remove. Start over. Its a pain, all the free's are doing the same thing. Zone Alarm is a nightmare. Got through it after unstalling 3x. Still not sure how I got the free version back.

You have to keep fiddling. Takes your whole day/night. I'm persistent and get pissed and keep going! Soooo annoying.

Jane

I updated four computers (two XP, two Win7) to Avast 2015 over the last few days. Used the update function in Avast. No trouble with any of them. It does try to lead one to buying the pay-version but I ignored that, and unchecked the Chrome solicitation at the end.