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Problem trying to install an older version of Avast

9 years ago

I've been a big fan of Avast free antivirus for years. Unfortunately, when I recently upgraded to the current build of the software, it started causing web pages to load slowly or incompletely. I know this because I get the pages to load normally if I temporarily disable Avast. I thought doing a restore point to a couple of days ago might help, but I only have a few restore points, and none of them will complete for some reason.

I used the Avast Uninstaller program to remove it so I could do a clean install. I downloaded what were supposed to be several older versions of the program from reputable sites like Filehippo. However, despite what the version labels are, the downloads all have the same size install file and keep installing the most recent version of Avast that I don't want.

Any suggestions on how to get a slightly older version of Avast installed properly on my computer?

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Comments (7)

Elmer J Fudd
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
If you've checked the things that could have an indirect effect by choking resources - ie, you don't have too many windows open at the same time, you've cleared cache and history in the browser, your hard drive isn't near capacity and has been recently cleaned up and defragged, then you may be stuck.

An old version installation of something like an antivirus program is likely to be auto-updated with the periodic check for threat profiles, which should happen no less than weekly. Meaning, you're fighting a losing battle. The old version will likely get replaced with the first update.

If you can't find happiness with Avast, it may be time for you to try a different security program. A recent thread in this forum had a link to an article containing independent ratings.

Good luck.
azinoh
9 years ago
Avast is having problems on XP & Vista systems. There is info about it on the Avast forum. I switched my Vista computer to Avira.

https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=204858.0
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I am having a HARD time of it!------I DL'ed about 4 times, each taking 5-6 hours to do so and still can't get an old version of what I want. zep516 (My Page) on Thu, Nov 14, 13 at 14:50 I'd do a manual up date, as in download them, that may solve the issue with Avast, Here is a link that might be useful: manual up date Avast When I went there and clicked on the Updates for Version 5-8 (middle row) it DL'ed Version 4.8.0.0. Isn't that a too old of a version? I then went to "filehippo" and clicked on different older versions from there and it always DL'ed the 2014 one I do NOT want as people are having a lot of trouble with it! I want 7.0.1474 as I am embarassed to say I have 6.0.1497 here on my windows XP and wanted to stay close just to get it working till I read up on a safe one to DL that does not cause a lot of problems. HELP! Also--------Does a person have to worry about the Removal Tool taking something off that may screw up my computer or does it only take what Avast put on in the first place and only avast? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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kudzu9
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Elmer- Thanks. I recognize that I may need to switch. I do have quite a bit of experience with other antivirus programs, but have had the best experience with Avast, which is why I'd like to keep it. My problem is likely due to the fact that I am running Vista Home Premium on an older computer that doesn't have the specs to be upgraded to a newer Windows version.

azinoh- Thanks for the link...I looked in the Avast forums but somehow missed that thread.
kudzu9
Original Author
9 years ago
A new thought. I checked and my computer easily complies with the installation requirements for an upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7, which would likely solve this issue. I checked on Amazon, and Windows 7 software there goes for over $100, but I can find supposedly new unopened versions on eBay for about $35 from U.S. vendors who have high positive ratings (like 99.8-100%). Is there anything I should be concerned about in getting this software from one of these vendors?
Elmer J Fudd
9 years ago
In your shoes, I wouldn't spend a penny toward extending the life of an old PC if buying a new one is something you can afford. Old PCs are like old cars, they get to a point where any of many components can be expected to die.

Inexpensive PCs are easy to find from many different sellers.

If you like and want to keep this PC while it's still working and you don't mind trying a different antivirus program, give that a try first and see how it goes.
kudzu9
Original Author
9 years ago
It's an 8 year old PC, but top of the line when I bought it, and still has adequate specs: Sony all-in-one, 2.5GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, good graphics card, and 24" HD screen. So I want to keep it going a bit longer, if I can.
Elmer J Fudd
9 years ago
You gave me a good laugh, kudzu. I may have the same PC, also 8 years old but with Win 7, sitting on our kitchen desk. It gets regular but not daily use. We bought ours at Costco and as I remember it was moderately expensive at the time (maybe about $1K). Ours is starting to act erractically - it freezes occasionally and loses the Wifi signal occasionally- and it's on my list to replace when I get around to it.

Ours has been a good machine too and we've enjoyed having it. You may know that Sony stopped making PCs. The Vaio product line was transferred a few years ago to another company. Desktop products were discontinued and the successor now makes/sells only laptops.

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