To change the AVG language, open AVG - menu Tools - Advanced settings. In the section "Appearance", please choose the language you wish to use. Then click OK to save the configuration and restart AVG (close the user interface and then run it again by double-click on the AVG icon on desktop, or in the system tray).

Note:

Only languages selected during installation will be available in AVG. Additional languages can be added by running the installation file and selecting the option "Add or remove components". There are also 3 different installation packages with selection of available translations - only English, 7 chosen languages and all languages. All these installation packages are available in the download section of our website.

In case that an AVG scan is running (scheduled or on-demand scan), two AVG icons are present in the system tray (at the bottom right corner next to the clock). The icon with Play symbol (a white arrow over the AVG logo) notifies you about the running AVG scan. The second icon indicates the status of the AVG program.

In case that more scans are running at the very same time, you are able to manage them via a context menu of this icon (right click on it). The following options are available:

• Scan name
  • Pause - pauses the chosen scan.
  • Stop - stops the chosen scan.
• Pause all scans - pauses all AVG scans, which are running currently.
• Stop all scans - stops all AVG scans, which are running currently.

The following return codes are available in AVG 8.0:

• RETURNCODE_OK = 0
• everything is OK
• RETURNCODE_USERSTOP = 1
• user canceled/interrupted scan
• RETURNCODE_ERROR = 2
• any error during the scan
• RETURNCODE_WARNINGS = 3
• any warning during the scan
• RETURNCODE_PUPDETECTED = 4
• Potentially Unwanted Program detected
• RETURNCODE_VIRUSDETECTED = 5
• virus detected
• RETURNCODE_PWDARCHIVE = 6
• password-protected archives

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.

It is possible to run AVG scan in a safe mode, however the functionality is limited to command line scan only. To run the scan, you can proceed as follows:

• restart the computer into Safe Mode, as described at:
  Win 2000:
  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/202485
  Win XP:
  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222
  Win Vista:
  http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/f9c50a72-04ec-4088-9fd4-a4f979eef5a71033.mspx
• in the Safe Mode, you can run AVG by double-clicking its icon on the desktop
• the Command Line Composer will be displayed and you can change the scan settings according to your individual needs
• all detected infections will be healed or moved to AVG Virus Vault automatically

If you look into the Windows Task Manager, tab Processes, you can see how much memory is used by each AVG process. This number can range from single to tens of megabytes, depending on the process (e.g. Resident Shield has loaded the whole virus base, plus the data it is currently scanning). However, it is not possible to simply add up the memory consumption of each AVG process to get the overall memory usage of AVG. Some of the allocated memory displayed for each AVG process is in fact shared between all processes. If for example 3 processes are using 10 MB of shared memory, they will be still displayed as 3 separate processes, consuming 30 MB combined, which is not true.

In case you are experiencing a major slowdown while AVG test is running, or, on the other hand, AVG is not scanning fast enough, please try to adjust the scan performance, which is displayed in the bottom part of the AVG User Interface - "Computer scanner" - currently running scan.

If you are using Windows Vista and your computer or Internet connection is working much slower than before installation of AVG, please try to install the Windows Update Windows update KB929547. 

If the AVG icon in system tray is grey (with red exclamation mark), it means that one or more AVG components are not fully functional. Please launch AVG (double-click the grey system icon with exclamation mark). Deactivated component will be marked with a red icon and description of their error state. To rectify this problem, please proceed as follows:

• Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware
  These components are in error state when the virus base (common for both components) is out of date. Please click Update now button in AVG to remove this warning. In case the update does not proceed, please refer to FAQ 923.
  
• Anti-Spam, Anti-Rootkit, System tools
  Incorrect state of one or more of these components indicates, that the AVG installation is damaged. This is not a common problem and repair installation is recommended.
• Firewall
  When Firewall becomes inactive, the reason and/or suggested solution are mentioned in the component details. In case the solution is not available or did not rectify the issue, please visit FAQ topic 1369.
• E-mail Scanner
  The E-mail Scanner component can report to be not fully functional when the scanning is disabled, and in some cases also when the configuration is not correct:
• To enable the scanning, please double-click on the E-mail Scanner in AVG and tick one or both of the options Scan incomming (outgoing) messages.
• To check the configuration, please open AVG -> menu Tools -> Advanced settings -> E-mail Scanner -> Servers -> POP3 -> AutoPOP3:10110, and enable the option Activate this server and use it for receiving e-mail.
• License
  This component informs you about the status of your license. An error state is usually related to approaching expiration date. For information related to your license please contact our Sales support.
• LinkScanner, Web Shield
  These components are closely related. An error state of each of them occurs in most cases due to disabled features of these components. To rectify this, please double-click on the component and enable their security features.
• Resident Shield
  Usually only disabling the Resident Shield can induce a security warning. To enable it again, please double-click it in AVG and tick option Resident Shield active.
• Update Manager
  The Update Manager component can either report pending restart after an update, or disabled update schedule.
• If a restart is required, please restart your computer as soon as possible to allow further updates.
• In case "Database update is disabled" message is displayed, please double-click on Update Manager in AVG and enable the option Start automatic updates.
  

You can use AVG scanner within the 3rd party program scanning options. There is a difference based on your system architecture - x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit). 

1. x86 architecture
Use the AVGSCANX.EXE program with /scan=%file% /clean /arc parameters: AVGSCANX.EXE /scan=%file% /clean /arc
"C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\AVGSCANX.EXE" /scan=%file% /clean /arc
You can find the AVGSCANX.EXE program in the AVG program folder on your hard drive – typically C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8.

2. x64 architecture
Use the AVGSCANA.EXE program with /scan=%file% /clean /arc parameters: AVGSCANA.EXE /scan=%file% /clean /arc
"C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG8\AVGSCANA.EXE" /scan=%file% /clean /arc
You can find the AVGSCANA.EXE program in the AVG program folder on your hard drive – typically C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8. 

These are examples of the AVG scanner configuration in some popular applications:

• WinRAR
  Tools -> Scan archive for viruses
  Virus scanner name:
  C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgscan?.exe (replace '?' with 'x' or 'a')
  Virus scanner parameters:
  /scan=%f ext=* /arc /clean
• Miranda IM
  Options -> Events -> File Transfer
  Command line:
  "C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgscan?.exe" /scan=%f /ext=* /arc /clean (replace '?' with 'x' or 'a')
  

If you need to know more parameters please use the "avgscanx /?" command in command line if you have a x86 system, or "avgscana /?" for x64 system. Please bear in mind that the specific parameters depend on the given application. In this case you should ask the provider of that software for needed information.

If you need to exclude a certain "Potentially unwanted program" from any detection by AVG (for example if you are using an Ad-sponsored program or utility, which could be dangerous, but could also be used with your knowledge), you can exclude it from AVG Resident Shield and AVG tests detection this way:

 

• Please open the AVG program -> "Tools" menu -> "Advanced settings" -> "PUP exceptions" -> push the "Add exception" button to add a new exception.
• Now find the file you want to except from AVG detection. If you are not sure that the file location is static, enable "Any location - do not use full path" function.
• Save the setting using the "Add" button.

 

These exceptions can be used for "Potentially unwanted programs" only. If you set the exception for a viral file (Trojan horse, I-Worm, Worm, W32...), this file will be still detected by AVG tests and the AVG Resident Shield.

These exceptions are not used for the AVG Email Scanner.

Note: These exceptions can be created for files only, not for folders.

"Potentially Unwanted Program" files are not detected as a virus or adware/spyware, even though they sometimes act very similarly. The reason is that the Potentially Unwanted Programs are usually installed legitimately as a part of another program (often designated as an "AD-Supported program" – in which the End User License Agreement typically prompts the user to accept that, in addition to the desired program, an additional program (Potentially Unwanted Program) will also be installed).

AVG is able to detect some Potentially Unwanted Programs and remove the detected files.

NOTE: Removal of the Potentially Unwanted Programs can result in damage to the AD-Supported program which was installed with them.

It is also possible to create exception for files detected as Potentially unwanted. Such files included in exceptions will be not detected as threats any more.

Procedure how to add file to PUP exceptions is described here.

It is possible that after installation of AVG, your firewall (typically Sygate Personal Firewall, Kerio Personal Firewall, etc.) will inform you that some data has been sent from your computer during the AVG update process or any other AVG action. This usually happens when one application launches another and then the second one connects to the Internet.

If you see any AVG application that is launched from the folder where AVG is installed (Program Files\AVG\AVG8 by default) mentioned in this message, you do not have to be worried about this. You can safely click on the YES button and allow this communication. For a scheduled AVG update we also recommend you to enable the "Remember my answer, and do not ask me again for this application." option.

If you want to disable notification windows about AVG activities that appears from the system tray, you can do it this way:

• Launch AVG User Interface.
• From top menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings" option.
• Select the "Appearance" option from the left navigation tree.
• Now in the right hand part of this dialog there is "Balloon tray notifications" section available.

Here you can disable/enable displaying of all system tray notifications or just select some of them according your needs.

AVG 7.5 will be supported until December 31, 2008. The support includes:

• releases of new Virus Base updates, ensuring identical signature-based detection with AVG 8.0
• releases of new program updates, fixing known or newly found problems in the program
• technical and sales support for AVG 7.5

Please note that if you wish to keep using AVG 7.5 after release of AVG 8.0, you need to use the correct License Number for this version. This number was provided to you upon purchase or registration of AVG and starts with '70' or '75'. In case you purchased or renewed AVG 7.5 license after the release of AVG 8.0 and you received License Number for AVG 8.0, you may need to contact our sales support to receive a License Number for AVG 7.5.

The latest installation files of AVG 7.5 are available at our website.

The AVG software protects your computer on multiple levels. In case you need to disable AVG, please consider which part of the protection you need to switch off. The AVG parts and their purpose are:

• AVG Resident Shield
  The Resident Shield is the main component protecting you from viruses. It scans accessed files and if a virus is found, the access to the file is blocked. This applies to executing infected programs, as well as to opening of infected documents or any other files.
  Disabling of the Resident Shield is sometimes recommended before installation of a new software or drivers, since it can prevent conflicts that would otherwise occur during their installation. This however applies only to limited number of specific programs and drivers, and there is no general reason why AVG Resident Shield should interfere with an installation of any application.
  To disable the Resident Shield, please:
  • open AVG User Interface
  • double-click on the Resident Shield
  • un-tick the option "Resident Shield active"
  • save the changes
  Please do not forget to activate the Resident Shield again once you performed the tasks requiring its deactivation.
  
• AVG Firewall
  The Firewall component is designed to control and filter network traffic based on a set of rules. You might need to disable the Firewall while troubleshooting connection problems, or to install some network-related application. Please bear in mind that installation of some applications with function similar to that of AVG Firewall may result in conflict and malfunction of one or both programs/components.
  To disable the AVG Firewall, please:
  
  • open AVG User Interface
  • double-click on the Firewall
  • select "Firewall disabled"
  • save the changes
  Please remember to enable the Firewall again once the reason for its disabling is over.
  
• AVG E-mail Scanner
  The AVG E-mail Scanner may affect your sending/receiving of e-mails, since it is designed to scan the messages and needs to access them in some way. The way of accessing the messages depends on your e-mail client, but only the Personal E-mail Scanner plugin can interfere with the communication between your computer and the e-mail server.
  To disable the Personal E-mail Scanner (if it is installed), please:
  
  • open AVG User Interface
  • in menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings"
  • go to E-mail Scanner - Servers - POP3, and click on the POP3 server (usually AutoPOP3:10110)
  • un-tick the option "Activate this server and use it for receiving e-mails"
  • repeat the same for SMTP server
  Please enable the servers that were enabled originally again when possible.
• AVG Web Shield
  The AVG Web Shield component checks HTTP and PROXY communication, and scans files that are downloaded to the computer through the related ports/sockets. Additionally, it is able to scan files downloaded using ICQ and MSN instant messengers.
  To disable the Web Shield, please:
  
  • open AVG User Interface
  • double-click on Web Shield
  • un-tick option "Web protection"
  • switch to tab "Instant messaging" and un-tick "Instant Messaging protection"
  The component should be enabled the same way when possible.

If you require any assistance on this or any other subject, please feel free to contact our Technical Support.

This is a list of applications that are known to be in conflict with one or more components in AVG 8.0:

ThreatFire AntiVirus
Problem:
Computer freezes or crashes repeatedly.
Solution:
The problem occured after a recent update of the ThreatFire AntiVirus. Possible solution is available in the manufacturers knowledge base, search for 'AVG'. In case the provided solution does not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to uninstall the program.

Webroot Spysweeper
Problem:
Tracking Cookies are not correctly removed.
Solution:
Unfortunately, AVG 8.0 is not able to work with this application. Therefore it is necessary to uninstall Webroot Spysweeper application.

Agnitum Outpost Pro firewall
Problem:
BSOD (blue screen of death) during the AVG 8.0 installation.
Solution:
With new version of Agnitum Outpost Pro firewall 2008 this issue is solved. So please update your version of Agnitum Outpost Pro firewall to this new version.

ICQ toolbar
Problem:
Internet Explorer 7 does not work when ICQ Toolbar and AVG Toolbar are installed together.
Solution:
Unfortunately, the AVG Toolbar is not able to work with ICQ Toolbar in Internet Explorer 7. Therefore it is necessary to uninstall ICQ Toolbar application.

Session Manager 0.6.1.13 add-on
Problem:
Error message displayed during closing of Mozilla Firefox browser.
Solution:
Unfortunately, AVG Toolbar is not able to work with Session Manager 0.6.1.13 add-on. Therefore it is necessary to uninstall this add-on application.

Content Watch (Vista OS)
Problem:
Blocking of internet connection, crashes of  avgnsx.exe process.
Solution:
Unfortunately, the AVG WebShield is not able to work with this application. Therefore it is necessary to uninstall Content Watch application or install AVG without WebShield component.

SlipStream Internet Accelerator
OnSpeed
Dodo Speed Accelerator
FamilyFellowship.com Filtering Console
Problem:
AVG WebShield component is not able to initialize itself.
Solution:
Please see FAQ 1442 for a possible solution. If the problem persists, please contact the vendor of the application. This issue is caused by a common part of these applications which is in conflict with AVG Web Shield.

Google Desktop Search
Problem:
AVG WebShield component is not able to initialize itself.
Solution:
Please see FAQ 1442 for a possible solution. If the problem persists, please contact the vendor of the application. This issue is caused by a conflict between this application and AVG Web Shield.

StumbleUpon Toolbar
Problem:
Slow start of Internet Explorer and slow opening of websites when AVG Toolbar is also installed.
Solution:
Please uninstall StumbleUpon Toolbar or AVG Toolbar to ensure correct function of Internet Explorer.

NetNanny Content Watch
Problem:
Connection to Internet is blocked or very slow when AVG WebShield is installed. A crash of AVG may occur.
Solution:
It is not possible to run AVG with Web Shield, and NetNanny at the same time. The NetNanny software is injecting AVG files, which causes the crashes.

System Protect
Problem:
AVG Tray icon is not shown, and AVG Tray cannot be run from Start menu.
Solution:
This program does prevent some AVG actions and does not allow the user to create an exception. It is therefore recommended to uninstall System Protect to ensure full AVG functionality.

Safe Eyes Content Filter
Problem:
AVG Web Shield is repeatedly crashing when this software is installed.
Solution:
Since one part of Safe Eyes is being injected into Web Shield component, and then causes the crash, the only solution is to uninstall the Safe Eyes application.

In case you are using some third party firewall or software that is checking network traffic, you need to allow communication of lower mentioned processes to ensure correct AVG functionality:

• avgam.exe
• avgcmgr.exe
• avgdiag.exe
• avgemc.exe
• avgfws8.exe
• avgiproxy.exe
• avgnsx.exe
• avgtray.exe
• avgui.exe
• avgupd.exe
• avgwdsvc.exe

For correct AVG update functionality is necessary also allow following URLs:

• update.avg.com
• update.grisoft.com
• backup.avg.cz
• backup.grisoft.cz
• files2.grisoft.cz
• files2.avg.cz
• download.grisoft.cz
• download.avg.cz
• akamai.grisoft.cz
• akamai.grisoft.cz.edgesuite.net
• akamai.avg.cz
• akamai.avg.cz.edgesuite.net
• akamai.grisoft.com
• akamai.avg.com
• akamai.grisoft.com.edgesuite.net
• akamai.avg.com.edgesuite.net
• *.akamai.net (there can be almost anything instead of "*", e.g. a962.g.akamai.net)

AVG Internet Security and to some extent also the AVG Anti-Virus provide among others a protection against phishing (what is phishing?). The protection is provided on two levels, ensuring that you are informed about a phishing attempt in each of its forms:

• Phishing e-mail
  AVG Internet Security contains an Anti-Spam component, which is designed to recognize spam and fraudulent e-mails. This includes also detection of phishing e-mails. More information about the AVG Anti-Spam is available in a separate FAQ topic.
• Phishing website
  All comercial AVG editions contain the Web Shield and LinkScanner components. These components are checking the addresses and contents of visited websites. When you try to visit a malicious website, you are informed about it and the access to the website is blocked. This detection includes also phishing websites. If you wish to learn more about this protection, please visit the FAQ topics related to the Web Shield and LinkScanner.

If you receive some phishing attempt which is not detected by AVG, please feel free to contact us. We will analyze the provided information (address and contents of the website, contents of the e-mail, etc.), and add them to AVG detection if necessary.

If you are interested in AVG Free Edition 8.0 or you are seeking answers to questions related to AVG Free Edition, please visit the AVG Free website:

http://free.avg.com

This website contains answers to frequently asked questions, free forum and other information about this AVG edition.

Please note that direct technical support is not provided to the users of AVG Free Edition.

This option enables you to set AVG to ignore warning or error Security Status of the selected components, if the warning/error is caused by something you have set intentionally.

If you want to ignore faulty state of some component (e.g. you need to disable some component, but you want to avoid the indicating of this faulty state in AVG system tray icon - it is grayed) follow the steps mentioned below:

• Launch AVG program
• From top menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings..." option
• Select "Ignore faulty conditions" branch in left navigation tree
• Now in right hand part of the dialog mark selected component

Faulty condition of components with a checkmark will be ignored, that is, AVG will show the yellow "warning" icon in the component overview, and the colorful "ok" icon in the system tray.

Warning: Use this feature sparingly, and only if necessary. Long-term ignoring of a serious problem, e.g. non-functional update, puts your computer at great and unnecessary risk!

 

AVG 8.0 creates system restore points to prevent malfunctions of your operating system (e.g. computer does not want to boot up, BSOD, etc.). In order to create such system restore point, the following conditions must be realized:

• Operating system supports creation of the system restore point (Win XP, Vista, 2003 Server, 2008 Server).
• This feature is enabled in your operating system.

In case that your operating system supports such function and it is enabled, system restore point will be created each time when some AVG files are changed. It applies for the following situations:

• AVG installation
• AVG program update

If you wish to disable this funtion for the AVG program update, please proceed as follows:

• Run AVG User Interface.
• Choose the Advanced settings option from the Tools menu.
• Select the Update option from the left tree menu.
• Untick the Build new system restore point after each program update item.
• Confirm changes by clicking OK.

In order to restore the operating system to a previous state please refer to Microsoft's knowledge base at:

• Windows XP
  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084
• Windows Vista
  http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/517d3b8e-3379-46c1-b479-05b30d6fb3f01033.mspx

 

Within the new program version of the AVG program, the following fixes and improvements have been added:

• Remake of internal communication to eliminate undesired program status appearance (hibernation, sleep mode, cold restart, etc.). 
• Display of the system tray icon representing running scan. From now on, the running scan can be paused or stopped from the context menu. 
• Added option to ignore the status of a component: the system tray icon then reports OK status even if a component is in an error state. 
• New tab added for the rootkit findings in the scan results overview. 
• System restore point is created before launching a program update. 
• Added new option verifying the Admin Server connection in the Advanced settings. 
• Improved EML file processing including scanning of user mailboxes. 
• RAM requirements optimization. 
• Improved statistics of detected objects in Email Scanner and Resident Shield. 
• New design of the system tray pop-up window, and more information provided. 
• To eliminate AVG collisions with operating systems, only minimum drivers are installed in safe mode. Then it is possible to launch on-demand scanning from the command line. Also a new GUI dialog has been added to ease the scan configuration. 
• Added option of restoring files from the Virus Vault to the original folder even if the folder has been removed. 
• Added option of deleting the Resident Shield and Email Scanner history. 
• Improved stability and design of GUI. 
• Improved GUI accessibility (using keyboard). 
• Fixed problem of GUI compatibility with some screenreaders, e.g. JAWS.

If you received the following error message after installation of AVG and the program does not start, it is usually caused by corrupted or missing Microsoft redistributable files, that are necessary for correct AVG function:
This application failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling the application may fix the problem.

To resolve this situation, please take the following steps:

1. Open menu Start -> (Settings) -> Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs.
2. In the list of installed programs, please find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 and uninstall it using the button Remove.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Download and install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 from the following website:
   http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=200b2fd9-ae1a-4a14-984d-389c36f85647
   
5. Run AVG.
   

Note:
In case the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 can not be installed, the issue can be caused by corrupted Windows Installer. This can be fixed by downloading and installing the Windows Installer package:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=889482fc-5f56-4a38-b838-de776fd4138c

If it is still not possible to install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2005, please refer to the troubleshooting of Microsoft Installer issues at:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555175

Once the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2005 is installed correctly, it will be possible to run AVG.