Discussion:
Free Antivirus Program for ME
(too old to reply)
webster72n
2010-02-16 03:09:20 UTC
Permalink
Since the free edition of Avast stopped supporting Windows ME, I found this
quite suitable substitute:

http://www.clamwin.com/

Depending on one's attitude towards OpenSource software,
I personally don't have any objections, if quality is the main objective,
and I found that to be the case.

OTOH Avast is giving me a heap of trouble with these popups and trying to
induce upgrading. I tried to delete the program, but to no avail, it just
will not let me.
Is there a way to tweak the registry without doing any harm?

Any help appreciated,

Harry.
webster72n
2010-02-16 04:20:05 UTC
Permalink
Update:

By devine intervention I managed to come up with an 'Uninstall' icon, when
again utilizing Add/Remove in conjunction with the Avast program, and which
I hadn't noticed before. It easily uninstalled everything but two leftover
files, which I deleted manually.
What a relief...
Post by webster72n
Since the free edition of Avast stopped supporting Windows ME, I found
http://www.clamwin.com/
Depending on one's attitude towards OpenSource software,
I personally don't have any objections, if quality is the main objective,
and I found that to be the case.
OTOH Avast is giving me a heap of trouble with these popups and trying to
induce upgrading. I tried to delete the program, but to no avail, it just
will not let me.
Is there a way to tweak the registry without doing any harm?
Any help appreciated,
Harry.
Rockytsquirrel
2010-02-16 14:03:59 UTC
Permalink
Greetings Webster72n,

FYI: the Avast I have on an old ME machine in the back room still
updates 3 or 4 times a day..
(according the def file dates it is indeed updating..)

RTS
Post by webster72n
By devine intervention I managed to come up with an 'Uninstall' icon, when
again utilizing Add/Remove in conjunction with the Avast program, and
which I hadn't noticed before. It easily uninstalled everything but two
leftover files, which I deleted manually.
What a relief...
Post by webster72n
Since the free edition of Avast stopped supporting Windows ME, I found
http://www.clamwin.com/
Depending on one's attitude towards OpenSource software,
I personally don't have any objections, if quality is the main objective,
and I found that to be the case.
OTOH Avast is giving me a heap of trouble with these popups and trying to
induce upgrading. I tried to delete the program, but to no avail, it just
will not let me.
Is there a way to tweak the registry without doing any harm?
Any help appreciated,
Harry.
Mike M
2010-02-16 14:57:07 UTC
Permalink
Harry,

Avast is still being updated and working here on my Win Me (virtual)
machines. Most recent VPS signature shows as 100216-0 (16 Feb 2010) running
on Avast! build 4.8.1368 (Sept 2009).
--
Mike Maltby
Post by webster72n
Since the free edition of Avast stopped supporting Windows ME, I
http://www.clamwin.com/
Depending on one's attitude towards OpenSource software,
I personally don't have any objections, if quality is the main
objective, and I found that to be the case.
OTOH Avast is giving me a heap of trouble with these popups and
trying to induce upgrading. I tried to delete the program, but to no
avail, it just will not let me.
Is there a way to tweak the registry without doing any harm?
Any help appreciated,
Harry.
webster72n
2010-02-16 17:59:58 UTC
Permalink
Mike, and Rocky, if I may:

The pop-ups and messages I was getting told me to upgrade with no further
updates available.
I had noticed some activity yet, but couldn't put up with the 'nuisance' any
more.
Sorry about the confusion and here I thought to shed some light on it.
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?

Harry.
Post by Mike M
Harry,
Avast is still being updated and working here on my Win Me (virtual)
machines. Most recent VPS signature shows as 100216-0 (16 Feb 2010)
running on Avast! build 4.8.1368 (Sept 2009).
--
Mike Maltby
Post by webster72n
Since the free edition of Avast stopped supporting Windows ME, I
http://www.clamwin.com/
Depending on one's attitude towards OpenSource software,
I personally don't have any objections, if quality is the main
objective, and I found that to be the case.
OTOH Avast is giving me a heap of trouble with these popups and
trying to induce upgrading. I tried to delete the program, but to no
avail, it just will not let me.
Is there a way to tweak the registry without doing any harm?
Any help appreciated,
Harry.
Mike M
2010-02-16 18:18:04 UTC
Permalink
Post by webster72n
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
No, and not sure that I ever will as I suspect build 4.8.1368 is the last
build of Avast! 4. I have only ever seen the green "updated version
available" pop-up is when not running the latest engine build. I have yet
to see any message, on any system, urging me to update to Avast 5 which as
you know doesn't support Win Me. The only time I have seen a message about
upgrading to Avast Pro is when my Avast 4 key had expired and had not yet
inserted a new key.
--
Mike Maltby
Post by webster72n
The pop-ups and messages I was getting told me to upgrade with no
further updates available.
I had noticed some activity yet, but couldn't put up with the
'nuisance' any more.
Sorry about the confusion and here I thought to shed some light on it.
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
webster72n
2010-02-16 19:32:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mike M
Post by webster72n
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
No, and not sure that I ever will as I suspect build 4.8.1368 is the last
build of Avast! 4. I have only ever seen the green "updated version
available" pop-up is when not running the latest engine build. I have yet
to see any message, on any system, urging me to update to Avast 5 which as
you know doesn't support Win Me. The only time I have seen a message
about upgrading to Avast Pro is when my Avast 4 key had expired and had
not yet inserted a new key.
My pop-up (coming up right above the taskbar on the right side) was
red/pink, but I didn't use the machine for a few weeks.
If it needed a new key it didn't ask for it.
Might be possible that's all which was necessary.
Too late now, I am moving on.
Thanks for clearing this up for me, Mike.

Harry.
Post by Mike M
--
Mike Maltby
Post by webster72n
The pop-ups and messages I was getting told me to upgrade with no
further updates available.
I had noticed some activity yet, but couldn't put up with the
'nuisance' any more.
Sorry about the confusion and here I thought to shed some light on it.
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
Mike M
2010-02-16 20:21:21 UTC
Permalink
If memory serves me correctly, which is becoming increasingly doubtful, the
red pop-up is normally seen when the key has expired and perhaps also when
Avast has had some problem accessing the Alwil servers. Green is when a new
engine build is available and blue for a new set of AVS signatures. There
is also very occasionally a fourth type of pop-up which contains Avast News
or similar. This last pop-up is, in my experience, rarely seen.

As for how much longer Alwil will continue to update the AVS sigs used by
Avast! 4, I haven't a clue. As long as they continue to offer updated AVS
sigs, Avast 4 will continue to be usable on Win Me.
--
Mike Maltby
Post by webster72n
My pop-up (coming up right above the taskbar on the right side) was
red/pink, but I didn't use the machine for a few weeks.
If it needed a new key it didn't ask for it.
Might be possible that's all which was necessary.
Too late now, I am moving on.
Thanks for clearing this up for me, Mike.
Rockytsquirrel
2010-02-16 23:24:49 UTC
Permalink
Greetings Mike M.
I haven't had to renew a key in some time, where would I look to see
when its due, or do you think that's how Avist will weed out the
holdouts still using Avast 4..
As for pop-ups, haven't had any except the usual blue ones and news
ones..

Tks,
RTS
Post by Mike M
If memory serves me correctly, which is becoming increasingly doubtful,
the red pop-up is normally seen when the key has expired and perhaps also
when Avast has had some problem accessing the Alwil servers. Green is
when a new engine build is available and blue for a new set of AVS
signatures. There is also very occasionally a fourth type of pop-up which
contains Avast News or similar. This last pop-up is, in my experience,
rarely seen.
As for how much longer Alwil will continue to update the AVS sigs used by
Avast! 4, I haven't a clue. As long as they continue to offer updated AVS
sigs, Avast 4 will continue to be usable on Win Me.
--
Mike Maltby
Post by webster72n
My pop-up (coming up right above the taskbar on the right side) was
red/pink, but I didn't use the machine for a few weeks.
If it needed a new key it didn't ask for it.
Might be possible that's all which was necessary.
Too late now, I am moving on.
Thanks for clearing this up for me, Mike.
webster72n
2010-02-18 00:51:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mike M
Post by webster72n
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
No, and not sure that I ever will as I suspect build 4.8.1368 is the last
build of Avast! 4. I have only ever seen the green "updated version
available" pop-up is when not running the latest engine build. I have yet
to see any message, on any system, urging me to update to Avast 5 which as
you know doesn't support Win Me. The only time I have seen a message
about upgrading to Avast Pro is when my Avast 4 key had expired and had
not yet inserted a new key.
Hey Mike:

As a follow-up I would like to mention that I was able to reinstall Avast in
ME, including the necessary key, without any problems and 'pop-ups' and will
be using it again, while keeping ClamWin inactivated as a standby.
According to 'About avast' the 'Expiration' for the program in this context
is 'never'. All one has to do is, renew the key yearly.
That is encouraging to me, because I have come to like the workings and
looks of the program and got so very used to it.
Being able to talk this out here is a good thing.
Thanks again for your and Rocky's input,

Harry.
Post by Mike M
--
Mike Maltby
Post by webster72n
The pop-ups and messages I was getting told me to upgrade with no
further updates available.
I had noticed some activity yet, but couldn't put up with the
'nuisance' any more.
Sorry about the confusion and here I thought to shed some light on it.
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
Rockytsquirrel
2010-02-18 03:55:25 UTC
Permalink
Tks Webster72n,
It's not often I know enough about anything to comment about it, but glad
I could put forth personal info that could help..
(if all that makes any sense) ;-)

RTS
Post by webster72n
Post by Mike M
Post by webster72n
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
No, and not sure that I ever will as I suspect build 4.8.1368 is the last
build of Avast! 4. I have only ever seen the green "updated version
available" pop-up is when not running the latest engine build. I have
yet to see any message, on any system, urging me to update to Avast 5
which as you know doesn't support Win Me. The only time I have seen a
message about upgrading to Avast Pro is when my Avast 4 key had expired
and had not yet inserted a new key.
As a follow-up I would like to mention that I was able to reinstall Avast
in ME, including the necessary key, without any problems and 'pop-ups' and
will be using it again, while keeping ClamWin inactivated as a standby.
According to 'About avast' the 'Expiration' for the program in this
context is 'never'. All one has to do is, renew the key yearly.
That is encouraging to me, because I have come to like the workings and
looks of the program and got so very used to it.
Being able to talk this out here is a good thing.
Thanks again for your and Rocky's input,
Harry.
Post by Mike M
--
Mike Maltby
Post by webster72n
The pop-ups and messages I was getting told me to upgrade with no
further updates available.
I had noticed some activity yet, but couldn't put up with the
'nuisance' any more.
Sorry about the confusion and here I thought to shed some light on it.
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
Asger Lund Mikkelsen
2010-02-18 13:44:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mike M
Post by webster72n
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
No, and not sure that I ever will as I suspect build 4.8.1368 is the last
build of Avast! 4. I have only ever seen the green "updated version
available" pop-up is when not running the latest engine build. I have yet
to see any message, on any system, urging me to update to Avast 5 which as
you know doesn't support Win Me. The only time I have seen a message about
upgrading to Avast Pro is when my Avast 4 key had expired and had not yet
inserted a new key.
I am also still running Avast on Windows ME with no problem. I got tired of
the update persistently starting when it was most irritating, so I changed
the settings to Manual Update, and start it myself two or three times a
week. I have not seen a pop-up message in ages.

I just use the iAVS Update and leave the Program Update alone.
--
* erstat invalid med fm hvis du ønsker at e-maile mig.
* replace invalid with fm if you want to e-mail me.
webster72n
2010-02-19 01:17:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by Asger Lund Mikkelsen
Post by Mike M
Post by webster72n
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
No, and not sure that I ever will as I suspect build 4.8.1368 is the last
build of Avast! 4. I have only ever seen the green "updated version
available" pop-up is when not running the latest engine build. I have yet
to see any message, on any system, urging me to update to Avast 5 which as
you know doesn't support Win Me. The only time I have seen a message about
upgrading to Avast Pro is when my Avast 4 key had expired and had not yet
inserted a new key.
I am also still running Avast on Windows ME with no problem. I got tired of
the update persistently starting when it was most irritating, so I changed
the settings to Manual Update, and start it myself two or three times a
week. I have not seen a pop-up message in ages.
I just use the iAVS Update and leave the Program Update alone.
Exactly the way to proceed, Asger Lund Mikkelsen.
The thing is, I don't use the system that often.
I only turn it on to update my securities in order to keep them current. The
machine serves me as a standby.
Thanks,

Harry.
Post by Asger Lund Mikkelsen
--
* erstat invalid med fm hvis du ønsker at e-maile mig.
* replace invalid with fm if you want to e-mail me.
SGB
2010-02-19 03:07:08 UTC
Permalink
I either missed it in a reply or it was not stated, but will you please
inform how one gets a key code yearly for Avast!

TIA
SGB
Post by Mike M
Post by webster72n
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
No, and not sure that I ever will as I suspect build 4.8.1368 is the last
build of Avast! 4. I have only ever seen the green "updated version
available" pop-up is when not running the latest engine build. I have yet
to see any message, on any system, urging me to update to Avast 5 which as
you know doesn't support Win Me. The only time I have seen a message about
upgrading to Avast Pro is when my Avast 4 key had expired and had not yet
inserted a new key.
--
Mike Maltby
(snipped to shorten content)
webster72n
2010-02-19 04:31:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by SGB
I either missed it in a reply or it was not stated, but will you please
inform how one gets a key code yearly for Avast!
Download the latest version 4.8 from their website or FileHippo
and then request one from avast, using your email address and they'll send
it to you. Then you insert/copy it into 'About avast', which can be found
with a right click on the Avast icon.
Hope that helps.

Harry.
Post by SGB
TIA
SGB
Post by Mike M
Post by webster72n
Don't you get those dreadful pop-ups and messages?
No, and not sure that I ever will as I suspect build 4.8.1368 is the last
build of Avast! 4. I have only ever seen the green "updated version
available" pop-up is when not running the latest engine build. I have yet
to see any message, on any system, urging me to update to Avast 5 which as
you know doesn't support Win Me. The only time I have seen a message
about
Post by Mike M
upgrading to Avast Pro is when my Avast 4 key had expired and had not yet
inserted a new key.
--
Mike Maltby
(snipped to shorten content)
SGB
2010-02-19 21:11:38 UTC
Permalink
GREAT! Thanks for the info, Harry.

Smiles,
SGB
Post by webster72n
Post by SGB
I either missed it in a reply or it was not stated, but will you please
inform how one gets a key code yearly for Avast!
Download the latest version 4.8 from their website or FileHippo
and then request one from avast, using your email address and they'll send
it to you. Then you insert/copy it into 'About avast', which can be found
with a right click on the Avast icon.
Hope that helps.
Harry.
Post by SGB
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
webster72n
2010-02-20 00:37:19 UTC
Permalink
You are quite welcome, SGB.
Good to know it worked for you.
Also with Smiles,

Harry.
Post by SGB
GREAT! Thanks for the info, Harry.
Smiles,
SGB
Post by webster72n
Post by SGB
I either missed it in a reply or it was not stated, but will you please
inform how one gets a key code yearly for Avast!
Download the latest version 4.8 from their website or FileHippo
and then request one from avast, using your email address and they'll send
it to you. Then you insert/copy it into 'About avast', which can be found
with a right click on the Avast icon.
Hope that helps.
Harry.
Post by SGB
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
SGB
2010-02-22 01:37:30 UTC
Permalink
Oh me... oh my...
After reading the help file, I do not see the where there is an explanation
for the "Logging level"?
Would "Emergency" at the top be better than "Debug at the bottom?
This is the first time I have used this this program, please excuse my
ignorance.

TIA
SGB
Post by webster72n
You are quite welcome, SGB.
Good to know it worked for you.
Also with Smiles,
Harry.
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
webster72n
2010-02-22 02:59:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by SGB
Oh me... oh my...
After reading the help file, I do not see the where there is an explanation
for the "Logging level"?
Would "Emergency" at the top be better than "Debug at the bottom?
This is the first time I have used this this program, please excuse my
ignorance.
Somehow you have to get more specific, SGB, I don't have the slightest what
you are talking about.
Did you download and install the 4.8 version of Avast Home Edition - Free
with the key? And if so, what specifically is giving you problems in
implementing the program?

Harry.
Post by SGB
TIA
SGB
Post by webster72n
You are quite welcome, SGB.
Good to know it worked for you.
Also with Smiles,
Harry.
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
SGB
2010-02-22 03:05:14 UTC
Permalink
Oopsy... sorry...

All installed with key code.

Right click task bar avast! icon > Program Settings > Logging > Logging
level
??? This is one thing confusing me.

SGB
Post by webster72n
Post by SGB
Oh me... oh my...
After reading the help file, I do not see the where there is an explanation
for the "Logging level"?
Would "Emergency" at the top be better than "Debug at the bottom?
This is the first time I have used this this program, please excuse my
ignorance.
Somehow you have to get more specific, SGB, I don't have the slightest what
you are talking about.
Did you download and install the 4.8 version of Avast Home Edition - Free
with the key? And if so, what specifically is giving you problems in
implementing the program?
Harry.
Post by SGB
TIA
SGB
Post by webster72n
You are quite welcome, SGB.
Good to know it worked for you.
Also with Smiles,
Harry.
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
webster72n
2010-02-22 03:54:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by SGB
Oopsy... sorry...
All installed with key code.
Right click task bar avast! icon > Program Settings > Logging > Logging
level
??? This is one thing confusing me.
That is where the fun comes in, SGB, with program settings.
Don't worry about 'Logging', it will be set by default to appropriate kb's
and 'Notice'.
Just concern yourself with all the familiar items and make your choices
according to your liking by checking them off/on.
How about it? <H>.
Post by SGB
SGB
Post by webster72n
Post by SGB
Oh me... oh my...
After reading the help file, I do not see the where there is an explanation
for the "Logging level"?
Would "Emergency" at the top be better than "Debug at the bottom?
This is the first time I have used this this program, please excuse my
ignorance.
Somehow you have to get more specific, SGB, I don't have the slightest
what
Post by webster72n
you are talking about.
Did you download and install the 4.8 version of Avast Home Edition - Free
with the key? And if so, what specifically is giving you problems in
implementing the program?
Harry.
Post by SGB
TIA
SGB
Post by webster72n
You are quite welcome, SGB.
Good to know it worked for you.
Also with Smiles,
Harry.
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
SGB
2010-02-22 20:23:17 UTC
Permalink
"> How about it? <H>."

Quick Harry!

Come help me.
Things are getting 'hairy'. My eyes are blurry. haha
Way too much to read.
The bittersweet world of computer continues.

Learn'n,
SGB
Post by webster72n
That is where the fun comes in, SGB, with program settings.
Don't worry about 'Logging', it will be set by default to appropriate kb's
and 'Notice'.
Just concern yourself with all the familiar items and make your choices
according to your liking by checking them off/on.
How about it? <H>.
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
webster72n
2010-02-22 22:15:10 UTC
Permalink
Post by SGB
"> How about it? <H>."
Quick Harry!
Come help me.
Things are getting 'hairy'. My eyes are blurry. haha
Way too much to read.
The bittersweet world of computer continues.
Sorry, Pal, you're on your own...hahaha.
Post by SGB
Learn'n,
SGB
Post by webster72n
That is where the fun comes in, SGB, with program settings.
Don't worry about 'Logging', it will be set by default to appropriate kb's
and 'Notice'.
Just concern yourself with all the familiar items and make your choices
according to your liking by checking them off/on.
How about it? <H>.
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
Noel Paton
2010-02-22 22:24:45 UTC
Permalink
Wassup, SGB?
basically, I ignore the logging aspects of Avast - it confuses me also!
specific problems we can deal with - 'hairy' isn't *quite* specific enough
<g>
--
Noel Paton
CrashFixPC

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
www.crashfixpc.co.uk
Post by SGB
"> How about it? <H>."
Quick Harry!
Come help me.
Things are getting 'hairy'. My eyes are blurry. haha
Way too much to read.
The bittersweet world of computer continues.
Learn'n,
SGB
Post by webster72n
That is where the fun comes in, SGB, with program settings.
Don't worry about 'Logging', it will be set by default to appropriate kb's
and 'Notice'.
Just concern yourself with all the familiar items and make your choices
according to your liking by checking them off/on.
How about it? <H>.
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
webster72n
2010-02-23 02:39:26 UTC
Permalink
Post by Noel Paton
Wassup, SGB?
basically, I ignore the logging aspects of Avast - it confuses me also!
specific problems we can deal with - 'hairy' isn't *quite* specific enough
<g>
He was plucking my feathers, Noel.
There's nothing wrong with the program settings and they are easy to
understand, only, some people like them and others don't. It's simply a
matter of preference.
Ship ahoy... <H>.
Post by Noel Paton
--
Noel Paton
CrashFixPC
Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
www.crashfixpc.co.uk
Post by SGB
"> How about it? <H>."
Quick Harry!
Come help me.
Things are getting 'hairy'. My eyes are blurry. haha
Way too much to read.
The bittersweet world of computer continues.
Learn'n,
SGB
Post by webster72n
That is where the fun comes in, SGB, with program settings.
Don't worry about 'Logging', it will be set by default to appropriate kb's
and 'Notice'.
Just concern yourself with all the familiar items and make your choices
according to your liking by checking them off/on.
How about it? <H>.
Post by SGB
(snipped to shorten content)
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