Tag Archives: avg anti-malware

avg anti-malware will not update (update file is damaged)

Computer Aid Posted on by

This is the ongoing saga of protecting a PC against malware (despite antimalware software refusing to update)

A quick summary: windows defender would not update, after many attempts to fix it, I ditch it, and went for avg anti-malware.

So, I download avg anti-malware, pay for a 2 year subscription, activate it, and then do an update…

And the update fails! “update file is damaged, please use another update file”.

I also got 5 warnings during the install process (something about locked registry entries)… that makes me worry a bit.

I take a look at some of the keys, and sure enough, I cant do anything with them.

Ok, another trawl around the net show a few possible solutions:

but none work.

I even try installing avira antivir (and it works perfectly)… but we have already paid for AVG, so I’m now committed to avg…

As a last resort (I’ve never had to do this before), I decide to alter the registry permissions (R-Click on HKLM -> permissions… -> add the local user and give him full control (!)

But it doesn’t help.

I’m running out of options (and have spent a lot of time trying to fix this!).

All I can do now is an xp repair install… so I take the PC back to the office, do a repair install, install SP2, autopatcher, then the last few months of updates.

Out of curiosity, I install defender, and it finally updates correctly.

I remove defender, install avgAM, and the updates work (at last).

I now have a slight problem with the video driver and usb… so the saga continues.

Important Update (7/7/2008 ): Due to problems that AVG is causing in the internet community, I strongly suggest that everyone remove AVG, and instead install either avira antivir, or avast. For more information go to: http://www.computer-aid.com.au/blog/2008/07/05/stay-away-from-avg