If you receive the "Invalid update control CTF file" message during AVG update, most probably the update control files are corrupted. In this case it is necessary to delete these files. During a next attempt to update AVG, new control files should be downloaded and update process should be completed without any difficulties. Please kindly follow these steps to delete mentioned control files:

• Download the utility from the link below to your hard drive
  deleteupdatefiles.exe
• Run the downloaded utility (command line window will appear for a short time)
• Try to update the AVG program

If the issue persists, then please follow steps below:

• 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

* Please note that some folders/files could be hidden. For more information how to view these hidden folders/files please visit this FAQ: How to view hidden files and folders

Your Internet settings are not correct.

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.

If the issue persists even after performing the steps above, please contact us using the Get Help Online option in AVG Help menu.

More information about contacting AVG Customer Services can be found here: How to contact Customer Services

To install AVG 8.0 over the installed AVG 7.x or AVG Free please proceed as follows:

1. Download the latest AVG 8.0 installation file here (choose your edition):

http://www.avg.com/download?prd=aav
(AVG Anti-Virus 8.0)
http://www.avg.com/download?prd=ais
(AVG Internet Security 8.0)
http://www.avg.com/download?prd=avf
(AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall 8.0)

• Click on "Download AVG now" button
• When you are prompted, please do not open this file directly from the Internet, but click the "Save" button and choose a location, where the installation file should be stored (we recommend saving the file to the Desktop)

2. Reboot your computer

3. Close all running applications, locate the downloaded AVG installation file (it has a four color square icon and its name starts with AVG_...) and launch it

• Follow the installation wizard to install the new AVG 8.0 (previous version of AVG  will be automatically removed during the installation process)
• Enter your license number when you are asked (we recommend that you use Copy&Paste method to enter this license number into the installation form, as described in FAQ #988

4. Update the AVG program.

Note:
It is not possible to automatically transfer your settings from AVG 7.5 to AVG 8.0, due to major changes in the program function. In case you are using AVG Firewall, only basic rules will be copied to the new AVG 8.0 Firewall configuration.

IMPORTANT:
In case you are installing AVG from the very first AVG 8.0 Backup CD (released in March 2008) it is necessary to uninstall the previous AVG 7.x or AVG Free version manually as described below:

1. Uninstall previous AVG version

• Start -> (Settings) -> Control Panel -> Add/remove programs
• Find AVG in the list of installed applications and click on the "Uninstall" button
• Finish the uninstallation process

2. Reboot your computer

3. Close all running applications and launch the installation from the AVG 8.0 Backup CD

• Follow the installation wizard to install the new AVG 8.0
• Enter your license number when you are asked (we recommend that you use Copy&Paste method to enter this license number into the installation form, as described in FAQ #988

4. Update the AVG program.


If there is some issue while installing AVG 8.0 we highly recommend that you use the latest version of AVG installation file as mentioned above. If the issue still persists, please contact our technical support.

Full support for all paid AVG 7.5 products will be provided until April 30, 2009. This support covers all* home and SMB/enterprise solutions, and includes all updates and 24/7 technical and sales support.

*Except AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5, for which support will end on December 31, 2008.

You can upgrade your AVG 7.5 product (see FAQ 1182 for more details) at any time to benefit from the advanced, proactive protection of AVG 8.0.

If you are installing AVG and the installation process fails, there are several steps you can take to install AVG successfully.

1. Make sure you are installing AVG under an account with Administrative rights
This step is vital for correct and successful installation, since AVG needs to copy some of its files into folders, which are not accessible by an account with User permissions. For information on how to check whether you are logged into Windows as a user with administrative rights, please refer to this FAQ topic.

2. Always use the latest AVG installation file
AVG program is being improved continuously, including the installer which is responsible for correct installation process. Moreover, using the latest installation package eliminates the need to download larger program and virus base updates immediately after installation. To download the up-to-date installation file, please visit the Download section of our website, choose your product and click on "Download AVG now".

3. Close all running programs, disable security applications
Before running the installation file, please close all unnecessary running programs and make sure that there is no security application which might interfere with the installation process. Typical examples of programs preventing successful AVG installation are anti-spyware utilities and registry monitors/cleaners, which are preventing access to Windows registry. AVG needs to be installed also into registry to allow the functionality and protection it was designed to offer.

4.  Remove possible conflicting applications
If you are using an application which might be in conflict with AVG, please disable it or uninstall it completely before running the installation. In general, AVG may conflict with such application, that provides similar or same functionality as one of the AVG components. This is especially important for other programs with one or more of these features:

• real-time protection against viruses (same as AVG Resident Shield)
  
• monitoring or control of network traffic (same or similar to AVG Firewall)
• checking or filtering of e-mails (same or similar to AVG E-mail Scanner)
• checking of websites, web content filters (same or similar to AVG Web Shield)

5. Disable UAC (Windows Vista only)
On Windows Vista, the function User Account Control may in some cases create a copy of specific AVG files in a virtual folder. This limits AVG functionallity after the installation. The UAC function can be disabled in Windows Control Panel -> User accounts -> Turn User Account Control on or off -> uncheck "Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer" -> click OK button and restart the computer.

In case the installation is still unsuccessful after these steps were taken, please do not hesitate to contact our Technical Support using the web form. To provide us with the most complete information and thus help us provide you with a solution in the shortest possible time, please attach the AVG installation log file to your request:

• open Start -> Run or Search -> type "%tmp%" -> OK
• find and attach the file "AVG8INST.LOG"

First, check your computer with the vcleaner.exe utility. This utility is able to clean/remove most known of viruses that are known to cause installation problems. It isn’t necessary to install this utility, just save it on your PC and run it.

You should check your computer this way:

• download the vcleaner.exe utility
• reboot your computer into the Safe mode  (if necessary)
  
• double-click on the downloaded file to launch it
• please wait until the test finishes and restart your computer

After checking your computer with vcleaner.exe, you can begin installing AVG. We strongly recommend installing AVG using the latest installation file, which can be found in the Downloads section of our website.

When the installation is complete, please update your AVG, to be sure that the latest virus definitions are in place.

AVG 8.0 - Legacy OS support

Please be informed that older versions of Windows operating systems (Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows Me) are no longer supported. It is possible to install AVG 8.0 on the following OS's (and Service Packs):

• Windows® 2000 Professional SP4 + SRP1 (Service Pack download)
  
• Windows® 2000 Server SP4 + SRP1 (Service Pack download)
  
• Windows® XP Home SP2 (Service Pack download)
• Windows® XP Professional SP2 (Service Pack download)
• Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition
  
• Windows® 2003 Server SP1 or higher (Service Pack download)
  
• Windows® Vista Home Basic
• Windows® Vista Home Premium
• Windows® Vista Ultimate
• Windows® Vista Business
• Windows® Vista Enterprise

For more details, please check the web page of the appropriate AVG product in the System requirements tab (for example AVG Internet Security).

Why don't we support older operating systems with AVG 8.0?

Unfortunately the new scanning engine and on-access scanner, as well as the whole AVG technology cannot work on the old systems. These systems do not provide features and functionality that are necessary for proper detection and especially removal of malware. The systems are insecure and have already not been maintained by the OS vendor for several years. Therefore we cannot guarantee sufficient protection.

Solution

We suggest that you upgrade your OS and/or install the latest Service Pack to be able to use all the AVG features. We also recommended that you use WindowsUpdate to keep your operating system up-to-date.

If the AVG Trial Edition is installed on your computer you don´t have to re-install it if you bought the AVG Commercial version. You can simply use the Commercial Edition license number to activate the product. You can do it this way: AVG -> Help -> Activate

Once you have purchased an AVG product, you need to install the AVG program onto your computer. The installation consists of several steps, their description can be found bellow.

1. Downloading the AVG installation file
It is recommended to always use the latest AVG installation file when installing AVG. Using an old installation file may lead to downloading large update files immediatelly after installation. The latest installation package also contains fixes to the most recently discovered issues, minimizing the chance of encountering an AVG malfunction in the future.

In case you have an AVG Backup CD and do not want to install AVG from the Internet, please visit FAQ 941.

• AVG installation files can be downloaded from our website:
  AVG Internet Security 8.0
  AVG Internet Security 3-Pack Edition 8.0
  AVG Anti-Virus 8.0
  AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall 8.0

• Click on AVG 8.0 for Windows to start the download.
• When you are prompted, please do not open this file directly from the Internet, but click the "Save" button and choose a location where the installation file should be stored. We recommend saving the file to the Desktop.

In case you encounter any problem while downloading the file, please refer to FAQ 940 for more information.

2. Installing the AVG program

Once the installation file is downloaded, run it by double-click on the file. Please note that it may take several seconds before the installation begins.

• Choose the language of the installation wizard.
• Confirm the license agreement to continue with installation (or decline it to end the installation).
• Choose the type of installation (use the default selection if you are not sure what to choose).
• Fill in your license number that was provided to you upon purchase or registration. To fill in the number, please use the copy/paste method.
• Choose whether you wish to install and use the AVG Toolbar. For more information about this part of AVG, please visit this link or refer to FAQ topic 1188.
• Finish the installation.

In case you experience any issues during the installation, please visit this FAQ topic, which describes the basic installation troubleshooting.

3. First Run Wizard

The AVG First Run Wizard will be started immediatelly after the installation is finished. It will create an initial configuration of AVG in few easy steps, allowing you to set the time of update and test schedules, and to update your AVG immediatelly. In case you decide to change any of the settings you chose during the First Run Wizard, you can do so easily in the AVG program. A description of the steps of First Run Wizard are described in FAQ 1408.

Please note that the First Run Wizard has to be completed, in order to ensure correct function of AVG.

4. Firewall Configuration Wizard

If your AVG edition contain the Firewall component, you will be presented with the Firewall Configuration Wizard immediatelly after the First Run Wizard. This wizard allows you to create a initial Firewall configuration, based on the programs you have installed on your computer, and the location of your computer. Complete information about the Firewall Configuration Wizard is available in the FAQ topic 1370. More information regarding the firewall configuration can be found in the FAQ topic 1114.

If you already have bought some higher AVG edition* and you like to install new components, please do the following:

• Download the latest installation file of the new edition from our website at Download
• Run the downloaded file and choose the Add/remove components option
• You must then replace your previous license number with the license number of the new edition
• Check (tick-on) all new components to install
• Finish the installation process

It is also possible to un-install your current AVG edition first and install the new edition following these steps:

• Download the latest installation file of the new edition from our website at Download
• Run the downloaded file and choose the Uninstall option to uninstall the previous version
• Reboot your computer
• Run the downloaded file again and enter your new license number to install this version of the AVG

* Upgrade possibilities:

1. from AVG Anti-Virus upgrading to

• AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall
• AVG Internet Security

 

2. from AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall upgrading to

• AVG Internet Security

Note: if you are changing AVG edition from or to AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall edition or if you are downgrading AVG edition, we recommend that you uninstall the previous version first, reboot the computer and launch the installation file of the new edition now.

The license number is sent to the e-mail address used in the registration form immediately after the registration process. If you didn't receive any e-mail, there are several possible reasons:

• the e-mail has not been sent, the registration process has not completed correctly
  Please try to register once again on this page
  
• you are using some spam filter
  The e-mail has been probably filtered by an anti-spam control on your computer or on the mail server. Please contact your system administrator to solve this.
  
• e-mail address has not been entered correctly
  Your e-mail address has not been entered correctly into the registration form so it is not possible to deliver the e-mail. In this case please contact our sales department using this sales support form. Thank you.

It is possible that the AVG license number was not entered correctly. Please compare the license key you have entered with the one you have received from us. However, we recommend you to use the Copy & Paste method to insert your license number correctly, as this will avoid mistakes.

 

Please follow the steps below to activate your AVG 8.0 by entering your newly purchased AVG License Number:

On a single workstation:

• Run AVG8.0 by clicking on the AVG icon on your desktop or in your system tray bar.
• From the "Help" drop-down menu select "Reactivate".
• Enter your newly purchased AVG License Number in the "License Number" field and click on "Activate".

To enter the AVG License Number correctly we recommend you to use the Copy & Paste method.

Using AVGADMIN:
Please refer to our Technical FAQ section. 

Please note: The activation of AVG7.5 is different:

• Run AVG 7.5 by clicking on the AVG icon on your desktop or in your system tray bar.
• From the "Information panel" drop-down menu select "ActivateAVG".
• Enter your newly purchased AVG License Number in the "License Number" field and click on "Activate".

To enter the AVG License Number correctly we recommend you to use the Copy & Paste method. 

To activate AVG 7.5 Anti-Spyware follow these steps:

• Launch AVG Anti-Spyware from Programs.
• In the "Status" window of AVG Anti-Spyware you find the link "Enter License Number".
• When you click on this link it opens a new dialog where you can enter your AVG License Number for AVG Anti-Spyware.

To enter the AVG License Number correctly we recommend you to use the Copy & Paste method.

After having done so please click the "OK" button to close the dialog and to activate the product.

Please bear in mind that the support for AVG 7.5 will be discontinued on December 31st 2008.

For steps on how to upgrade from AVG 7.5 to AVG 8.0 please visit this page.

Please note that it is not necessary to uninstall your current AVG product. 

To cross-upgrade your AVG product, simply:

• Download the latest AVG 8.0 installation file here (choose your edition and click on the link "Paid version").
• Run the downloaded file and choose the Add/remove components option.
• Then replace your currentAVG License Number with your newly purchased AVG License Number. 

We suggest copying your new AVG License Number from the e-mail received after your cross-upgrade was processed, and pasting it into the appropriate field during the installation. 

Note: The new product will expire at the same date as your original license.

After you install AVG, the First Run Wizard asks you (among others) how often you wish to update your AVG. The available options are Every 4 hours, or Every day. Keeping your AVG up-to-date is crucial to ensure that all newly discovered viruses will be detected as soon as possible.

Since AVG updates are not released according to any fixed schedule but rather in reaction to amount and severity of new threats, it is recommended to check for new updates at least once a day. Checking every 4 hours will guarantee that your AVG Virus base is kept up-to-date also during the day.

For more information on how to set the AVG update schedule, please see FAQ 1234.

 

After a recent major program update, you may encounter a repeated request for restart displayed by AVG. This situation occurs when some AVG files can not be updated correctly. The easiest solution in this case is running repair installation of your AVG:

• Open the Download section of our website and click on the name of the product you are using.
• Click on Download AVG now (paid version).
• Choose to download the file to your computer (i.e. do not run it immediatelly) and select a target location, e.g. your Desktop.
• After the file is downloaded, please locate it and double-click on it to start the installation process.
• Proceed with the installation. When prompted, select Repair installation.
• Finish the installation procedure and restart your computer.

In case of any further problems, please contact our Technical Support.

If you try to update AVG and the error Update failed. Connection with update server has failed. is displayed, it can be caused by one of the following reasons:

Connection to AVG update servers is blocked
In case you are using any Firewall or Content filtering applicaiton, please make sure that it is not preventing AVG from connecting to Internet. If you are using Windows Firewall, AVG will allow itself automatically during the instalaltion, however this is not possible for all other Firewall or Content filtering solutions. You can temporarily disable any such program to verify whether it is affecting AVG, or add AVG files and servers to its exceptions. The list of files used by AVG, and servers to which is AVG connecting are available in FAQ topic 1216.

Your Internet connection is not fully functional
Your Internet connection to AVG update servers may stop working in some cases, although standard Internet browsing works correctly. Proceed as follows to rectify such situation:

• Open menu Start -> (Settings) -> Control Panel.
• Double-click on Network connections.
• Right-click on Local area connection and select Repair.
• Try to update AVG.

Your Internet settings are not correct
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.

You are using dial-up connection
In case you are using dial-up connection, you should configure AVG to use this connection.

• Open AVG by double-click on AVG icon your Desktop, or in system tray.
• Open menu Tools -> Advanced settings -> Update -> Dial-up.
• Tick the option Use dial-up connections.
• Save the settings using OK button and try to update again.

If you are using proxy server for connection into the Internet, you need to modify configuration of AVG update process this way:

Launch AVG User Interface -> from top menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings" option -> in the left navigation tree select "Update" -> "Proxy"
From the combo box menu located on the right hand side of this dialog select whether you want to:

• Use proxy
• Try connection using proxy and if it fails, connect directly

The proxy server settings can be configured either manually or automatically.

Manual configuration:
If you select manual configuration (check the Manual option to activate the respective dialog section) you have to specify the following items:

• Server – specify the server’s IP address or the name of the server
• Port – specify the number of the port that enables Internet access (by default, this number is set to 3128 but can be set differently – if you are not sure, contact your network administrator)

The proxy server can also have configured specific rules for each user. If your proxy server is set up this way, check the Use PROXY authentication option to verify that your user name and password are valid for connecting to the Internet via the proxy server.

Automatic configuration:
If you select automatic configuration (mark the Auto option to activate the respective dialog section) then please select where the proxy configuration should be taken from:

• From browser - the configuration will be read from your default internet browser (supported browsers being Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla and Opera)
• From script - the configuration will be read from a downloaded script with the function returning the proxy address
• Autodetect - the configuration will be detected automatically directly from the proxy server

 

In case you have changed Dial-Up connection to Broadband, it is required to change also the AVG configuration to be able to update.

You can set this the following way:
- open AVG
- go to menu Tools - Advanced settings - Update - Dial-up

- disable the option "Use dial-up connections"
- confirm settings with OK 

You should be able to perform an update using your new Internet connection now.

 

Note:
In case the new (broadband) connection is done using DSL modem, which is connected via USB interface directly to your computer, it is needed to keep the original dial-up settings.

Please try to update your AVG system and run the whole computer scan again. When the file is not detected and you are still in doubt, put the file into password protected archive (WinZip, WinRar, PowerArchiver etc.), attach this archive to an e-mail and send it to virus@avg.com. Describe why you send the file and write password for the archive into e-mail. And send the e-mail.

Most of today's viruses (Trojan horses, I-Worms, Worms, etc) create their own files which contain nothing but a body of the virus. In such cases the only way to remove the infection is to delete the infected file. When you moved the file to the AVG Virus Vault it was deleted from its original location, coded, and then saved in a non-executable file in a hidden folder. Your PC is no longer infected then.

If you are not missing any data file and your applications are running, then you can delete these vaulted files from the AVG Virus Vault program.

You can do it selectively from AVG Virus Vault program -> select files -> delete. Or you can delete all AVG Virus Vault contents in one go:

•  Double-click the AVG icon on your desktop -> choose the "History" menu and select the "Virus Vault" option -> click on the "Empty Vault" button.

VCLEANER.EXE can be used to remove some specific viruses and variants. Please visit the web page mentioned below for more details.

 

Use:

Download the vcleaner.exe and run it on the infected computer.

Note: Some viruses can stop the action during the removing process. In this case rename the vcleaner.exe to some different exe file (e.g. something.exe). Restart your computer in Safe mode (recommended) and run the remover on the infected computer.

Also other removal tools are available on the mentioned web page.

• Please check the Virus Encyclopedia web page and search for the exact name of virus mentioned in the test result.
• If you are not successful, please contact the technical support and attach an export of the latest test result:
  

Please run AVG program (basic or advanced interface) and choose Test results from History menu. Now you can see the list of finished tests, double click the latest one (by date) and you will get the full list of detected viruses (if there were any), including the path, the name and status of infected object. When it is opened please click the "Export overview to file..." option. Please send us this file for further analysis.

The AVG test may report a warning - potentially dangerous object on some files, which may be infected or pose a potentional threat. Typical examples of such detection are hidden files, cookies, suspicious registry keys, password protected documents or archives, etc.

Warning does refer to a file that cannot be scanned (password-protected archive), or to potentially suspicious files (hidden files, cookies, etc.). Such files do not present any direct threat to your computer or security. Information about these files is generally useful in case there is an adware or spyware detected on your computer. If there are only Warnings detected by an AVG test, no action is necessary.

This is a brief description of the most common examples of such objects:

• Hidden files
  The hidden files are by default not visible in Windows, and some viruses or other threats may try to avoid their detection by storing their files with this attribute. If your AVG reports a hidden file which you suspect to be malicious, you can move it to your AVG Virus Vault and send it to us for analysis.
• Cookies
  Cookies are plain-text files which are used by websites to store user-specific information, which is later used for loading custom website layout, pre-filling user name, etc. More information is available in the FAQ dedicated to this detection.
• Suspicious registry keys
  Some malware stores its information into Windows registry, to ensure it is loaded on startup or to extend its effect on the operating system.
  
• Password protected documents or archives
  Password protected files can not be scanned by AVG (or an Anti-Malware program in general), as explained in this FAQ topic.

If you wish, you can adjust the AVG test settings in such way, that only the warnings you are interested in are reported:

• open AVG User Interface
• click on Computer scanner
• click "Change scan settings"
• alternativelly, you can change these settings in menu Tools - Advanced settings

More information about the files detected by AVG is available in the FAQ section covering viruses.

Firewall Configuration Wizard launches automatically right after the AVG 8.0 Anti-Virus plus Firewall or AVG 8.0 Internet Security installation. Though you can configure the component’s parameters later on, it is recommended that you take the wizard’s tour to ensure the Firewall works properly.

Note: Firewall Configuration Wizard can also be called directly from the Firewall interface by pressing the Configuration wizard button.

Step 1)
In first dialog, the Firewall Configuration Wizard asks how your computer is connected to the Internet. For instance, your notebook, that connects to the Internet from many different locations (airports, hotel rooms, etc.) requires security rules that are stricter than those of a computer in a domain (company network, etc.). Based on the selected connection type the Firewall default rules will be defined with a different security level.

You have four options to select from:

• Standalone computer
• Computer in domain (company network)
• Computer on the move (typically a notebook)
• Small home or office network

In this dialog please choose the connection type(s), that suit your normal computer usage. You can tick more than one choice that corresponds to your current usage.
Confirm your selection by pressing the Next button and proceed to the next dialog.

Step 2)
To set the initial Firewall configuration it is necessary to scan your computer and define all applications and system services that need to communicate over the network. Initial Firewall rules should be created for all those applications and services.

Note: The wizard detects all generally known applications communicating over the network, and defines rules for these applications. However, it will not detect all such applications.

Within the Scan for Internet applications dialog you have to decide whether you want to run:

• Quick search - text this option is only active if you have configured the Firewall previously, and only applications that are currently saved within the existing Firewall configuration will be searched for.
• Complete scan - scan all local hard drives of your computer
• Common directories - (by default) scan program and Windows directories only, scanning time is significantly shorter
• Selected areas scan - specify selected hard drives to be scanned

Step 3)
The Select current profile dialog informs you about the Firewall configuration set up in the previous dialogs.
Before closing the Firewall Configuration Wizard it is necessary that you select a profile you want to use on your computer. You can choose from up to four options (standalone computer, computer in domain, computer on the move and small home or office network) based on the connection parameters you have specified in the first dialog (Network Connection Options) of this wizard. You can then later on switch between the pre-defined Firewall profiles according to the current state of your computer.

Step 4)
The Configuration Review dialog closes the Firewall Configuration Wizard. Press the Finish button to finalize the Firewall's initial settings. If you would like to see a review of set up parameters, or to continue with the detailed configuration of the Firewall component press the Open review button to switch to the Firewall Settings editing interface. (recommanded only for experienced users)

The AVG Firewall confirmation dialog is displayed when you need to decide whether you wish to allow or block network communication for certain application. The dialog is displayed because this application does not have defined rule that would specify an appropriate action.

The dialog has the following options:

• Allow for all - the communication for this application will be allowed for all networks (the whole Internet)
• Allow for safe - the communication will be allowed only for networks and/or adapters, which are marked as safe (Tools -> Firewall configuration -> profile name -> Defined adapters (networks)
• Block - the communication is blocked, which may restrict the application's functionality, or disable it altogether
• Save my answer as a permanent rule, and do not ask me next time - AVG Firewall saves the selected action for the application into its configuration
• Show details - displays information about the communication that induced the Firewall dialog
  

Since AVG Firewall can become inactive due to several reasons, we recommend to proceed as follows to address the most common causes and fix the problem:

1. Run AVG Firewall configuration wizard
   
   • Open AVG by double-click on its icon on Desktop or in system tray -> double-click on Firewall -> click button Configuration wizard.
   • Follow the wizard to create new configuration of AVG Firewall.
   • If the problem persists, please go to the next step.
2. Re-initialize AVG Firewall component in Windows
   
   • Open menu Start -> (Settings) -> Control Panel.
   • Double-click on Network connections.
   • Right-click on Local area connections -> select Properties.
   • Under This connection uses the following items un-tick AVG network filter driver.
   • Click OK to store the changes.
   • Once more right-click on Local are connections -> select Properties.
   • Tick the AVG network filter driver and click OK.
   • Restart your computer.
   • If the problem persists, please go to the next step.
3. Repair AVG instalaltion
   
   • Download the latest AVG installation package.
   • Run the file and select Repair installation.
   • More complete steps are available in FAQ topic 948.

You need to enable Microsoft file sharing and printing in the system services. Please proceed as follows: 

• Open AVG User Interface.
• Choose the Firewall settings option from the Tools menu.
• Select Profiles -> your default profile (e.g. Standalone computer) -> System services.
• Choose the Microsoft file sharing and printing service.
• Switch the System rule details from Block to Allow for all.
• Confirm changes by clicking on the OK button.

 

If the PC is connected directly to the Internet, please restrict this rule to only safe networks. Such network should be created this way:

• Open AVG User Interface.
• Choose the Firewall settings option from the Tools menu.
• Select Profiles -> your default profile (e.g. Standalone computer) -> Defined networks.
• Click on the Add network button.
• Type a brief name of your new network (e.g. Local network).
• Tick in the Network is safe option.
• Click on the Add IP button.
• Please specify the network range and click on the OK button.
• Open the Microsoft file sharing and printing service again and switch the System rule details to Allow for safe.

 

Note: By default Microsoft file sharing and printing service is enabled only for safe networks in the Small home or office networks profile. When using this profile please create a new safe network using the steps above.

 

If you encounter any further issues with enabling of Microsoft file sharing and printing service, please contact our AVG Technical support team.

The Profiles, Area Detection and Automatic Profile Switch are closely related features of AVG Firewall. This FAQ topic describes what they are and how they work, allowing you to configure AVG Firewall exactly according to your needs.

1. What is the Profile?

Profile in AVG Firewall is a complete set of Firewall configuration. If you have multiple profiles in your AVG Firewall, then each profile contains its own configuration of:

• adapters
• networks
• safe networks/adapters
  
• application rules
• system rules
• services
• logging options

The result of this is the possibility to set up multiple different AVG Firewall configurations and use them in the networks you are connecting to, based on your security requirements.

2. What is the Area Detection?

Area Detection is an ability of AVG Firewall to distinguish to which network is the computer currently connected. The detection is independent on the used adapter, network configuration and network type. If you connect a laptop with installed AVG Firewall to one Wi-Fi network, you will receive an Area Detection dialogue where you can assign which profile you wish to use. Upon connection to another Wi-Fi network, the Area Detection dialogue will be displayed again, even if the network configuration is exactly the same and the only difference is in the Wi-Fi router/hotspot.

This function allows you to achieve custom configuration for every single network you are connecting to.

3. What is the Automatic Profile Switch?

By combining the Profiles with the Area Detection, we are able to automatically assign any profile to any network. Each profile contains its own configuration, each network is recognized as a new area.

Example:

When you connect your computer/laptop to company network, the Area Detection dialogue is displayed. You decide to use profile "Computer in domain", since the network is protected by gateway and other internal security measures. Then you decide to connect to the company network using Wi-Fi. Again, Area Detection is displayed and "Computer in domain" is the best choice.

Then you take your laptop and go to a coffee place with public Wi-Fi hotspot. New area is detected again, and you select profile "Computer on the move" to block all unwanted traffic (e.g. file sharing). This area is recognized, even though you are using the same Wi-Fi adapter, and the network configuration (IP, Gateway, etc.) is identical to that at work.

Finally, you connect at home using cable. Once again is the area detected, and you select profile "Standalone computer".

Once you connect to these networks for the second time, the desired profile will be selected automatically based on your previous choice.

Each of the profiles used in this example has different settings for applications (e.g. Skype, FTP Server, ICQ, Internet browser), system rules (file sharing, RDP, RPC, etc.) and all other options, so for every single network you connect to, required security level is always maintained.

If you want to protect your home or small office, select one of these AVG 8.0 products: 

AVG Internet Security - this product includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, anti-rootkit, firewall, LinkScanner & Web Shield protection protection

AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall- this product includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, anti-rootkit, LinkScanner & Web Shield protection.

AVG Anti-Virus  - this product includes antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-rootkit, LinkScanner & Web Shield protection.

AVG Anti-Virus for Linux/FreeBSD - protection against viruses, worms and trojans for Linux and FreeBSD workstations. 

All of these products are available in 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 license packs.

To protect workstations and file server(s) with maximum virus protection and product customization, select one of the network editions. We can offer you the following AVG 8.0 products:

AVG Internet Security Network Edition which includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, anti-rootkit, anti-spam, Web Shield & Link Scanner protection.
AVG Anti-Virus Network Edition which includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, anti-rootkit, Web Shield & Link Scanner protection

If you also need email server protection, please select one of the SBS editions.

All these editions include remote administration of all features. To learn more about AVG central management (AVG Admin), click here.

The price of the network editions is determined by the total number of workstations and server(s) combined. Configurations from 2  to 200 licenses are available for purchase online.

Your AVG Backup CD would have been produced and mailed within 24 hours after payment was received. Shipment by mail can take 5 to 10 business days within the EU and the USA, and 10 to 25 business days to other countries/regions.
If you did not receive your AVG Backup CD within the above mentioned delivery time, please note that the delay could be caused by an incorrect shipping address or another issue that can be easily addressed.

To solve your problem as quickly as possible, we recommend that you contact Digital River GmbH (Element5) - our e-commerce provider directly:

Email address: support-eng@element5.com

•  Customer Service USA
(Language: English)
Phone:      +1 952 646-5022  (for calls from outside the U.S.)
or       +1 800 406 4966  (for calls from inside the U.S.)

•  Customer Service Germany
(Languages: German/English/French/Italian/Spanish/Portuguese)
Phone:     +49 221 31088-30

The Digital River GmbH (Element5) customer support staff will be pleased to help you. With them, you will be able to check the shipping address as well as other details of your order.

If you experience any problem, do not hesitate to contact AVG Customer Services.

See our list of operating systems and programs that AVG products are compatible with.

Note that AVG 8.0 is not compatible with the following operating systems:

• MS Windows 98 / ME / NT / NT Server 4.0

these platforms will be supported by AVG 7.5 only till the end of the year 2008 but AVG Technologies reserves the right to discontinue the support provided that AVG Technologies informs thereof 15 days prior to the effective date on its website.

All AVG commercial editions have many user benefits in comparison to the AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. 

• 1 or 2-YEAR license includes free program upgrades and definition database updates for the full license duration.
• Free support and service around the clock and across the globe.  
• HTTP Scanner, AVG Active Surf Shield, Instant Messaging Protection and anti-rootkit feature.  
• Top-quality protection without slowing your system down.
• Real-time security while you surf and chat online.  
• Auto-scheduled updating and scanning (many more configuration options can be adjusted according to user needs and preferences).
• Multiple language support - English, Brazilian Portuguese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Serbian, Slovakian, Spanish, are supported at the moment; additional languages are under development.

Please note that the AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition has the following limitations:

• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition has no technical support.
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition does not include a firewall, anti-spam and anti-rootkit feature.
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition does not include HTTP Scanner, AVG Active Surf Shield, and Instant Messaging Protection.
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition cannot be installed on server operating systems (such as Windows Server 2003).
• According to AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition License Policy, it is prohibited to install and use AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition in a commercial or network environment.
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition does not have guaranteed access to high-speed servers for downloading updates and program upgrades.  
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition does not offer advanced testing options, such as password-protected archives reporting, adjustment of scan process priority and many others. 
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is available in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian and Japanese language only.

This video tutorial will show you, how to download proper AVG 8.0 installation package from our web pages.

The installation package is necessary in case you want to install AVG 8.0 on your computer for the first time or in case you want to add or remove some components from already installed AVG. The installation package is also necessary in case some part of installed AVG is corrupted and you need to perform the repair installation to fix this issue.

Play video tutorial

This video tutorial will show you how to install AVG onto your computer for the first time, using a previously-downloaded AVG 8.0 installation package.

All you need to have is the installation package of AVG 8.0. How to download the installation package is demonstrated here.

Play video tutorial

This video tutorial will show you how to install the new AVG 8.0 version over the installed AVG 7.5 version in a few easy steps.

All you need to have is the latest available installation file for AVG 8.0. How to download this file is described in the FAQ #1379 step 1. Downloading the AVG installation file

Play video tutorial

This video tutorial will show you how to install the new AVG 8.0 commercial version over the installed AVG 7.5 Free version.

All you need to have is the latest available installation file for AVG 8.0. How to download this file is described in the FAQ #1379 step 1. Downloading the AVG installation file

Play video tutorial

This video tutorial will show you how to install the new AVG 8.0 commercial version over the installed AVG 8.0 Free version.

All you need to have is the latest available installation file for AVG 8.0. How to download this file is described in the FAQ #1379 step 1. Downloading the AVG installation file

Play video tutorial