Free AV updating problems

[bjquinn]

I've noticed several problems with the updating process for the free AV.

- First of all, it always pops up and shows me its progress. I'd really rather it not do that.

- Secondly, it doesn't ever seem to download much. Seems like McAfee and others download multiple megabytes of updates daily, and PCTAV only ever a few KB. Is it actually protecting from anything?

- Lastly (and perhaps most importantly), Windows Security Center regularly pops up and warns me that PCTAV is out of date. In fact the Security Center warning often coincides with the Smart Update.

Are there any solutions to these issues? I'm using 5.0.0.22.

Thanks

[AChen]

Hi bjquinn,

Thanks for you're feedback.
PCTAV will protect your system.
Regarding Windows Security Center, I have been unable to recreate the problem. Could you try uninstalling PCTAV and then reinstalling following the instructions below to see if this helps:


1) Download the latest build version from our web site:
http://www.pctools.com/anti-virus/download/

- Save to your disk or to download folder

2) Uninstall the currently installed PC Tools Antivirus.

To uninstall click START > Programs or All Programs > PC Tools Antivirus > Uninstall

3) Restart your PC [Must restart]

4) Navigate to C:\Program Files\ folder and locate & delete the "PC Tools Antivirus" folder [Very important !!! - must be deleted]

* Then delete any folder called [PC Tools Antivirus] if exist under :-

C:\Documents and Settings\[your user name]\Application Data\
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\PC Tools\

Note: Application Data folder is hidden folder - You DO NOT delete Application Data folder ! Only remove [PC Tools Antivirus] folder !!!

* To view hidden folder
- Click 'Tools' from top menu
- Select Folder Options and then click View tab
- Tick the box 'Show hidden files & folders'
- Click Apply & OK

5) Re-install the PC Tools Antivirus from the downloaded file.

Just after the install, PC Tools Antivirus will attempt to launch it self, during this moment your Firewall protection will kick in to alert you (if your Firewall was turned on), please allow it or permit all.

6) Restart PC.

7) Open PC Tools Antivirus after the reboot (No need to register)

And make sure there are no other Antivirus program installed, we advise to only run 1 AntiVirus program at any one time.

After the installation, you will start receiving alerts from your Firewall, please permit or allow every thing that refers to PC Tools Antivirus files PCTAVsvc.exe, PCTAV.exe and Update.exe.

[bjquinn]

Thank you for your help. I have tried your suggestion and will see if it works.

I was still wondering about my first question, however - the smart update pops up and shows progress to the user while updating. Can I prevent that? Also, occasionally it seems to want to ask the user to proceed with the update rather than going ahead and finishing the process automatically. What can I do to fix that?

Also, I'm using PCTAV Free, if that matters.

Thanks!

[AChen]

Give it a try and see how you go.

For the first question, did you want PCTAV to have an option to run an update silently in the background? And when PCTAV starts up, you want to be able to disable the Smart Update notification? If yes, I have already added these as feature requests for future versions :)

[bjquinn]

Basically, yes this is what I'm asking for. Do you have any idea if these requests have been accepted or are being worked on?

Thanks for your help!