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.

MSN connection issue while the AVG IM protection is active

Please let us inform you that this situation is caused by change in the MSN authentication on Microsoft Servers. This change prevents you from login to MSN servers if AVG Online protection is active.

The issue was fixed in the  AVG 8.0.156  program update, that was released 2008/07/25.

Update onto this new program version can be performed directly from the AVG -> Tools -> Update.

Updating your AVG 8 to the latest program version

When updating your AVG to the latest program version, the update process may need to be started twice and the update may ask you to restart your computer. The full update procedure is the following:

After the restart, AVG will be fully functional and updated to the latest available program version. Please refer to FAQ 1432 for the list of changes in the latest AVG program update.

AVG Toolbar may not be compatible with Mozilla Firefox 3.0.1

The AVG Toolbar may report to be incompatible with the recently released Mozilla Firefox version 3.0.1. A fix for this issue is currently being prepared and will be part of the upcoming program update.

Please note that the absence of AVG Toolbar does not affect your level of security. All malicious websites are scanned by AVG LinkScanner technology. For more information about the AVG Toolbar, please refer to FAQ 1188.

How to install AVG 8.0 over AVG 7.x or AVG Free

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)

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.

Upgrade from AVG 7.5 to 8.0 on MS Exchange e-mail server

When upgrading AVG on the MS Exchange e-mail server, the e-mail server plugin has to be reinstalled as well.
The correct procedure is:

1. Uninstall AVG 7.x plugin for the MS Exchange e-mail server
Start -> (Settings) -> Control Panel -> Add/remove programs

2. Download the latest AVG 8.0 installation file here:

http://www.avg.com/download?prd=msw
(AVG Email Server Edition 8.0)

3. 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
  

4. Reboot your computer

5. 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
• Enter your AVG license number for e-mail server 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)

6. Install AVG 8.0 plugin for the e-mail server
Plugin for MS Exchange e-mail server is available for download on following web page:

http://www.avg.com/download?prd=msw
(AVG Email Server Edition 8.0)

• Click on "AVG 8.0 for MS Exchange 2000/2003" link to download the installation file
• Launch the downloaded installation file to install plugin for MS Exchange e-mail server

7. Reboot your computer

If there is some issue while installing AVG 8.0 onto the MS Exchange server, please contact our technical support.

1233:

What to do when the AVG installation fails

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:

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"

956:

I think I have a virus on my computer. What steps should I follow to install AVG?

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:

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.

1190:

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):

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.

957:

Is it necessary to re-install the AVG Trial Edition if I bought the AVG Commercial Edition?

How often should I update AVG?

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.

Repeated restart after AVG update

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:

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

The connection with update server has failed.

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:

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.

How to set-up update download proxy settings

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:

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

How to change Dial-Up settings in AVG (update)

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.

What to do when I suspect any file it is infected?

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.

I have some files in the AVG Virus Vault. What next?

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:

VCLEANER.EXE - virus removal tool

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.

What to do, when there is a virus detected by the AVG test?

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.

Warning in a test result

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:

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

Firewall Configuration Wizard

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:

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)

AVG Firewall confirmation dialog

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:

Firewall is inactive or not working

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:

I cannot access files on the PC, where the AVG Firewall is installed, from another PC in my local network

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

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.