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Avira AntiVir Personal Edition Update Hang and Timeout Problem

Posted By Raymond In Category: Computer

Nov
6
2009
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There has been quite a lot of complaints about Avira recent updating problem that hangs and counts time elapsed endlessly. Check Avira forums and you will see how many people are complaining over it. Honestly I do not use Avira even though I say that Avira is the best free antivirus because I have commercial license for Kaspersky and Norton. If compared between a paid and a free software, I prefer to use paid because I am eligible for prompt support. So I installed Avira on my test computer and researched for a few days on what’s happening to Avira’s update servers. I wasn‘t very sure at first but now I am confident to share with you on my findings and also the temporary fix until Avira fix the problem at their side.

One of the main difference between the personal and premium edition is the premium edition gets to update the latest virus definition using Avira’s Fast Premium update server. This is true because the Avira AntiVir personal edition gets the latest virus definition from personal.avira-updates.com and the premium gets it from premium.avira-updates.com. There are only 4 premium servers and as for the personal update servers, there are 24 of them. I am able to download the virus definition at full speed from any of the 4 premium servers but as for the 24 servers that are used for personal edition, I get timeout most of the time on 20 servers and only 4 ipv6 servers are working.


I get to compile a list of Avira update servers by multi pinging Avira’s personal update server personal.avira-update.com. Do take note that the IP address could change if Avira decides to do that.

Personal
80.190.143.227
80.190.143.228
80.190.143.229
80.190.143.230
80.190.143.231
80.190.143.232
80.190.143.233
80.190.143.234
80.190.143.235
80.190.143.236
80.190.143.237
80.190.143.239
62.146.66.178
62.146.66.179
62.146.66.181
62.146.66.182
62.146.66.183
62.146.66.184
62.146.66.189
62.146.66.190
2a01:138:a001:201::21 (works most of the time)
2a01:138:a001:201::22 (works most of the time)
2a01:138:a001:201::23 (works most of the time)
2a01:138:a001:201::24 (works most of the time)

Premium
62.146.87.171
62.146.87.172
80.190.154.74
80.190.154.73

As you can see from the multi ping test, Avira randomly assigns an update server for you to download the updated definition. From what I’ve noticed, most of the time Avira will try to assign one of the 4 of the ipv6 update servers to personal users. Only sometimes you will directly get the ipv4 update server. I believe the reason they are doing this is because all of the 20 ipv4 servers are overloaded. I’ve used DownTester to try to download a 5MB definition file from all 20 servers with a setting of 50 retries if failed and guess what, NONE of the servers allowed me to successfully complete downloading the 5MB file.
Avira broken update servers

It’s really a bad decision to use the ipv6 servers because by default Windows XP don’t have ipv6 installed and configured. Installing IPv6 in XP is easy but you still won’t be able to connect to the ipv6 servers as it doesn’t work right out of the box. Pardon me, I have no experience with configuring ipv6 nor could I get XP to connect the Avira ipv6 update servers. When Avira on XP tries to connect to the ipv6 servers, it hangs for a very long time until it times out and redirects you to one of the 20 ipv4 servers, and again, those are problematic slow servers. So, basically Avira users on Windows XP is pretty much screwed until Avira gets more servers or fix it. If you are using Windows Vista and 7, you shouldn’t have any problems because the operating system already supports ipv6.

If you are using Windows Vista or Seven and wants to manually select which Avira update server to use, then you can use your Windows HOSTS file to map personal.avira-update.com and personal.avira-update.net to any of the IP address. Unfortunately we CANNOT redirect and use the premium servers because the definition files being used are slightly different. When Avira couldn’t find the files that they are looking for, it will automatically redirect you back to any of the free servers.

Here is how to modify your Windows HOSTS file so that the Avira AntiVir Personal Edition can download the updates from working servers.

1. Simultaneously press Win+R on your keyboard and you should see a Run box.
Avira antivirus slow update fix
2. Type this in the box %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc and click OK.

3. Open the hosts file with a text editor such as Notepad.

4. Copy the 2 lines below and paste it to the last line at the hosts file. Save the file.

2a01:138:a001:201::21 personal.avira-update.com
2a01:138:a001:201::21 personal.avira-update.net

It should look like the screenshot below.
fix avira update slow or hang problem

One of the user from Avira forum suggested that Windows XP users can add this 2 lines to hosts file. I’ve tested it and ended up waiting for more than 20 minutes to download the updates but still stuck with the message “Files are being downloaded” with no progress at all.

::1 personal.avira-update.com
::1 personal.avira-update.net

5. Save the hosts file either by going to File > Save or just simultaneously press Ctrl+S. Now try to update Avira and it should work now.

Just for your knowledge, the HOSTS file can only map host names to IP addresses. If you haven’t noticed, all four ipv6 address are nearly the same except for the last character which is 21, 22, 23 and 24. You can try any of the four servers by changing the hosts file to find which Avira personal update server works best for you. Remember, the IPv6 servers can only work in Vista and 7. It doesn’t work on XP unless you’ve managed to install and configure IPv6 properly. I wonder if this is one of the Avira’s dirty tactic to make everyone pay and upgrade to Premium edition? They better fix it fast or else many people will start switching to Avast! or Microsoft Security Essentials.


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    • Boni

      Amazing !!!

    • Heince

      Thanks Ray!

    • ceyfer

      - Slow update servers

      That’s the main reason why people are now switching to other free alternative solutions.

      Avast 5 looks promising though still in beta stage, and MSE is also doing a new build which is currently undergoing internal beta testing to fix some current bug issues and product enhancement.

    • Gaurav

      i have avira premium..using window XP

    • Ryan

      What about AVG ??
      Why no one is talking about AVG ?
      ;)

    • Sandeep Gupte

      Thanks Raymond for this fix. Have you, by any chance tested MSE? I have read that it has got a very good detection rate, but do you know how good is its cleaning rate? Would really appreciate if you could take some time out for reviewing MSE some time…

    • http://adamasalahbarunakcari.blogspot.com/ TMUkmkd

      so.. change~

    • Sutanuka Basu Ray

      Superb..!!
      Thanks.

    • http://Avira Kaka

      Avira never felt “safe” anyway
      Go go avast!

    • bivas brahma

      yah this is right,but according to the latest av test people should move away from avira to avast home edition as it is better than any other free av. for superior protection{also less false positive} avast home edition is doing a superb job

    • Candy

      Thanks for info! I still use Avira premium products for free with promo keys, given by the different magazines,etc. Avira is the best choice for me, because I tested many other AV product from different vendors, but this program is much better than others, PC is clean, no additional AV or Antispyware program is needed.

    • shubh

      excellent news . i have also notice that update problem but i cant understand and i complained but did not get satisfy answer now i m satisfy urs .
      excellent and amazing .
      thanks for thsi.

    • CH

      Thanks for the tip Ray.
      Unfortunately, I was still not able to get an update.

      I may end up having to take Norton 2010 back from my wife… :(

    • Ahmad

      Thanks Ray, I face that problem several times……

    • http://www.rxpg.com Binoj Mathew

      I downloaded ad installed Avira as per ur recommendation and i was never able to get an update from their site. I waited for a three days even then there was no respone from their update server. So i removed it and switched to Avast. So finally Avira too is planning to desert its free users. I could have bought Avira’s premium license but now it seems it won’t be a good choice. Thanks to Avast or AVG who still care about their free users. And thank you Raymond for your nice articles.

    • http://www.rxpg.com Binoj Mathew

      correction: *and* & *I waited for three days* – sorry for the typos.

    • rahaswrup

      awesome trick.itz works for me.

    • XYZ

      I am also using MSE and I like i because it is really fast compared to other AV I’ve been using. A friend told me that he installed MSE in a computer that had Avira at first and it was able to detect additional viruses. So, I also would be glad to see how this AV formally compares with others.

    • Yes Man

      Hello guys,
      There is an easier way to update in real time.
      Follow this link it will download a zip of the latest updates and open antivir, updated manual and point to the zip, and voila!

      Excuse the English is a google translation from French!

      antivir link: http://dl.antivir.de/down/vdf/ivdf_fusebundle_nt_en.zip

    • Dick White

      I said goodbye to Avira Free on one machine and Avira Premium on another because of this issue (any company that has this problem and refuses to fix it is a company that does not deserve ANYBODY’s business).

      This is a nice solution for those not so indignant and I’m sure that many will benefit. Kudos.

      By the way, thanks also for the A-Squared feebie tip that I now use as an alternative…it’s a REALLY nice AV and they’re repeating the offer on 11/11 for those who missed it.

    • nerd

      In the forum of Avira the Moderator says that the problem will be solved asap

      http://forum.avira.com/wbb/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=101223

    • corno

      “I wonder if this is one of the Avira’s dirty tactics”

      Words, Raymond.

    • Gaurav

      “yes Man” u r funny…Ray method much better.. no body want to download whole vdf definition again and again for updating on hour bases

    • corno

      update:
      What do people expect? Get Premium Gold service for free? Avira free may have its drawbacks, but I think we should be grateful for such excellent antivirus program.

    • GottaBigOne

      Morning Everyone from New York USA!

      I gave a glowing review on Avira about a week ago or so.
      Shortly thereafter, I too had downloading problems with Avira’s personal edition.

      I was disappointed that Avira did not deliver an immediate fix. The anti-virus product I feel is an excellent one (overall) but if one cannot download updates (and in a consistent no-hassle manner) then what good is having a malware detection and removal program.

      All I can say is that I have already returned to AVAST!
      (Downloads are automatic and updated at least once a day. You can also update manually)
      I believe now that I am all set in terms of having a pretty good security system for my computer. Along with Avast! I also have the B-E-S-T firewall system going, tallemu.com’s Online Armor and from malwarebyte.com’s malwarebyte, One of the best, anti-malware detection and removal programs around.
      This security system I have in place is at No Charge, free!

      Raymond! Again, thanks a Million!
      How can we send a Donation in appreciation for all you continue to do for our Cyber-Space community?

      You are indeed a very special person and I know your wife is very Fortunate to have you and vice-versa.

      Cheers!

      GBO

    • noaccount

      Not very helpful but interesting nevertheless. Thx.

      I’m using Avira Personal for years, when i have trouble, no matter if it’s XP or Vista, what i do is to find a different schedule. That works for me. But yeah, i’m also curious what will they do after MSE.

      @Yes Man

      Well yes, everybody knows that, that’s ~40 MB file.

    • Rash

      Avast FTW!!!

    • noaccount

      Ray, what timeout where you using?

      120 seconds that’s what they recommend in support forum, DownTester default is 20 seconds…

      What i dont get from your article is how will you install those updates once downloaded? Manual update AFAIK will install ivdf_fusebundle_nt_en.zip only…

    • norman

      I’m also avira users right now since I’m always having troubles with keygens.Right now, the this anti-virus really works well for my new PC. It even detects almost all malwares that was not detected by the previous software that I installed before. So please ray, how can I help you?

      Best regards on your blogs and family…..whoooo

      norman

    • http://acarossa.web.id Quro@75

      I know this issue since I moved to Avira for about one year ago. But then I know that there was a time when I can update my Avira automatically. I change Avira update’s schedule into my local time (GMT+7, Jakarta) at 10AM. It always work for me (well..almost).
      p.s. Run on WinXP SP2.

    • ahmed

      thanks for this info..

    • ahmed

      thanks for this info. raymond

    • Ron15

      Thanks Ray, very useful guide for those having update issues with the free version of Avira.
      I personally never had problems updating this Personal version, nevertheless I simply did decide to purchase the Premium package one year ago as a show of support for this AWESOME company :)

    • John

      I tried your fix this morning, rebooted and it didn’t work. Had to go and run some errands. When I returned about 5 hours later, it updated first try. So, I’m thinking maybe they fixed or at least improved the situation or I just had good timing. This has happened to me before, that is to say I tried and failed and they several hours later I tried and success. Go figure!!

      Love your posts Raymond. You are a Godsend to us.

    • nivek_hcerg

      ::1 is the loopback ipv6 ?

    • Titotinton

      time this command on command prompt:

      c:\ netsh interface ipv6 install
      c:\ netsh interface ipv6 set privacy disabled persistent

      this will enable ipv6 and xp will connect perfectly with avira ipv6 servers.

      It works for me

      Raymond you rockxxx

    • Titotinton

      If you dont have success with the above commands, run this ones and reboot after those:

      netsh interface ipv6 install
      netsh interface ipv6 set teredo client

      Hope it helps.

      Ths gives me the ability to update with the ipv6 servers without a single problem.

      Regards, everybody

    • Nick

      Hi!I need a KIS 2010 license(half year,full year is better).Can somebody help me?

    • John C

      I’ve been an Avira Free user for a long time, and always considered it to be about the best free AV around (having had mixed experiences with many other free AND paid AVs in the past). However I’ve now lost all patience with Avira and the inability to perform automatic updates. I removed Avira and installed Microsoft’s free Security Essentials (which, at least for now) appears to be at least as good as Avira.

      I had only one hiccup with Security Essentials – when trying to download via the Microsoft Security Essentials download page I was informed that it was not available in my area (Portugal). A quick google search rapidly brought up links to the Microsoft site with a different region (e.g. Great Britain) allowing S.E. to be downloaded and installed without problem. Go figure :-)

    • http://www.avira.com AVIRA FANBOY

      To disable ipv6 protocol

      1. click on Start button> right click on Network> select Properties> then click on “Manager network connections” > Tasks pane ( go to Network Connections folder)

      2. You can see network connections like LAN, Bluetooth , high speed Internet available on the Vista computer with the network adapter description. Right click on the network connection and select “Properties”.
      Click “Continue” on User Access Control permission request prompt.

      3. Clear the check box next to the Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6) component in the list under “This connection uses the following items” box.

      4. Click OK when done.

    • http://www.avira.com/en/support/vdf_update.html Manas Srivastava

      I think all of you must go to this link and download the AntiVir incremental VDF update (IVDF). Download this file and go to the manual update option. I hope it works….

    • http://novablog.co.cc Nova

      I’ve been using Free Avira anti-virus for several months, never faced any problem yet. however, thank you for sharing.

    • http://aadi Adeel

      having prob while making additions to “hosts” file though iam using administrator account and its windows 7 still it does not save the file again and asks for administrative privilages…need help

    • Daniel

      You can also go to
      http://forum.avira.com/wbb/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=101834 and get the lastest updates manually works fine too

    • http://aadi Adeel

      hey there every one got a solution…. the servers have less burden around 5:00am to 8:00 am GMT …..i tried updating between this time and it worked perfectly giving me regular download speed,check this out and let me know. i would like to mention again that im talking about morning hours of GMT as i did it at 11 am in pakistan which makes +5 GMT….i hope it helps
      peace to all :D

    • Artem S. Taskinov

      ::1 personal.avira-update.com
      ::1 personal.avira-update.net

      hack indeed works. Avira updates almost instantly.

    • mss

      “hack indeed works. Avira updates almost instantly”

      well, all that two lines do is skipping updates check by ipv6 – redirecting personal.avira-update.com & net to localhost

    • http://www.avira.com/en/company_news/nvdf_update.html AVIRAFANBOY

      Problem solved!!!!

      Free version: Avira optimizes update system

      Painstaking updates will soon be a thing of the past with the free anti-virus solution

      Tettnang, 17 November 2009 – Even more performance for free: Avira continues to invest in its internationally popular free version and is now improving its update system. Until recently, users of the free Avira AntiVir Personal virus protection program were occasionally faced with delays when performing updates. Everything is set to change from Thursday onwards, after which date users of the free security software will be able to perform updates conveniently and without disruption, even during peak times.

      The rapid increase in malware in recent years has been reflected in an equally rapid growth in the virus definition files used in the security solutions from Avira. This is one of the reasons why users of the free Avira AntiVir Personal basic protection program have occasionally had to wait some time before receiving their updates. Avira has responded to the feedback from its users with a much-improved update process: Instead of the current four files, in future the virus database will consist of 32 files. This will reduce the size of the individual updatable files, so that in future less data will be delivered in each update. Avira also uses a Content Delivery Network (CDN), which uses numerous servers distributed throughout the Internet to deliver the data more quickly.

      The new system requires a one-off update measuring about 25 MB. Users of free Avira AntiVir Personal may once again experience delays as a consequence, after all Avira will need to supply over 100 million users with the update. This means that data measuring over 2.5 Petabytes will be delivered all over the world in the shortest possible time. Users of the commercial antivirus solutions from Avira are not affected by this – they are always serviced by means of a reserved bandwidth and thus receive all updates at any time without hindrance.

    • Orla

      I am quite sure from experience (I am an Avira Antivirus user) that the problem with the update in the recent Avira 10. something lies in Norton Antivirus and other tools not having been completely rmoved. To do so just download Free Norton Removal Tool by Googling it. Then run it and be patient. It takes a long time. Then, exit from the web browser and the Internet, and save any programs that were opened, then restart the computer. It will fix it.
      Since I did it, I can update it anytime I want. Beside it fixed other update troubleshooting in other softwares.

      Regards,
      Orla.

    • http://Updatesstillnotworking Frank

      I am a user of the latest free Avira free version and it is still not updating. I’ve uninstalled and downloaded the latest version 10 and a few days later continue to get the message that my Avira is out of date. However, each update attempt fails with the message “An error occurred during file download.” The report shows the following lines (at the end of the report, the last few lines are below – others in the report are similar but I suspect these are a result of trying different servers):
      1:02:02 [UPDLIB] [ERROR] Download manager: The function WinINet::HttpSendRequest() ‘http://80.190.143.237/update/idx/master.idx‘ failed. Error: A connection with the server could not be established
      11:02:02 [UPD] [INFO] Select update server ‘http://80.190.143.240/update'.
      11:02:02 [UPD] [INFO] Downloading of ‘http://80.190.143.240/update/idx/master.idx‘ to ‘C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx’.
      11:02:03 [UPDLIB] [ERROR] Download manager: The function WinINet::HttpSendRequest() ‘http://80.190.143.240/update/idx/master.idx‘ failed. Error: A connection with the server could not be established
      11:02:03 [UPD] [INFO] Select update server ‘http://perspeak.avira-update.com/update'.
      11:02:03 [UPD] [INFO] Downloading of ‘http://perspeak.avira-update.com/update/idx/master.idx‘ to ‘C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx’.
      11:02:04 [UPDLIB] [ERROR] Download manager: The function WinINet::HttpSendRequest() ‘http://perspeak.avira-update.com/update/idx/master.idx‘ failed. Error: A connection with the server could not be established
      11:02:04 [UPDLIB] [ERROR] No additional servers found, the update will be canceled.
      11:02:04 [UPD] [ERROR] Generation of update structure failed. UpdateLib delivers error 537.

      I have Windows XP and tried several of the suggestions in the blog such as the the netsh interface commands (blog post 36 and 37 from Nov 2009 from Titotinton) but I still get the errors when attempting to update. The other suggestions seem to be related to Windows Vista and Windows 7 users so I have not done those. I am a bit frustrated and may try some other free av products mentioned in majorgeeks web forums if I can’t get this corrected. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

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