Avira Free Security - issues and questions

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Phillip McKenzie

• 4. August 2023 20:17
• Bearbeitet

About 6 months ago I installed Avira Free Security (now running V1.1.92.6) on a Windows 7 (64-bit) PC as a prelude to possibly upgrading to Prime, once I got a chance to see how well the software worked on what is now a near-end-of-life OS.

3 weeks after installing AFS the software suddenly stopped working and the taskbar icon just vanished. Attempts to repair AFS from the control panel failed and I was forced to fully uninstall / reinstall. This happened again and again - each time AFS would function correctly for between 2-3 weeks and then fail again with the same issue. 

After installation, I download the latest update, run a full virus-scan and "background scan". I repeat this every day or two and all seems fine...and then without warning the software stops functioning again. 

What I'd like from Avira is the answer to a single question:- 

Is the "Avira Free Security" some sort of "Trial" package instead of a fully-fledged software package? 

If the answer is "yes" then I believe this should be indicated when downloading/installing the product and likewise, should generate a message indicating that the trial period is coming to an end, prior to ceasing functionality. 

Frankly, based on the issues to date, I have no faith that paying for a subscription (e.g. Prime) would not have the same issue. 

Has anyone in the community experienced similar issues?  I tried several searches in the community forum but couldn't find anything that seems to fit the bill. 

Thanks and regards  

 

Ja 0 Nein

• 

  pascha45

  • 5. August 2023 09:31
  • Bearbeitet

  Hello Phil,

  You are asking for a Windows OS (Windows 7) that has not been updated for a long time.
  Your: "I tried several searches in the community forum but couldn't find anything that seems to fit the bill."
  It has been pointed out several times the difficulties of the current software with an outdated and no longer current OS. (Windows 7)

  Please update your operating system to a current version, as your Windows 7 is not edited or updated for a long time. The current version is WINDOWS 11.

  Microsoft Notice:
  Because security vulnerabilities in the Windows 7 operating system will not be closed by Microsoft in the future and antivirus programs have no way to close gaps at the operating system level, we recommend that you upgrade your operating system to a current version of Windows as soon as possible.

  With the search engine of your choice, you will find detailed information about the end of Windows 7, also from Microsoft about the technical difficulties of outdated software: Windows 7 - End of support.

  We have been informed that you have already contacted support as well.
  Premium customers with a valid license, correct registration and Avira contract reference number can contact the support team directly from the customer account under "SUPPORT": via email, chat and (partly) phone

  Your question: "Is "Avira Free Security" a kind of "test package" and not a full-fledged software package?"  Definitely NO!   Once more: What will happen to my Avira product once Windows 7 support ends? – Official Avira Support | Knowledgebase & Customer Support | Avira
   
  It would make sense to test the Avira software on a current operating system!

  Many greetings and have a nice weekend

  Ja 0 Nein
• 

  Phillip McKenzie

  • 5. August 2023 17:22

  Thanks for your reply and link to the article.

  The systems in question are running legacy applications which are not compatible with later versions of windows, so at present upgrading the OS is not an option.

  May I suggest that if the current version of the Avira software can (for understandable reasons) no longer reliably function under windows 7 then perhaps the install process should a) indicate this in the download page and b) test the target OS version at the commencement of the installation process and inform the user that the software is no longer compatible with the current OS and exit. 

  I have already sourced an alternative until such times as an upgrade is possible.  At least I have saved the cost of an annual subscription renewal.

  Thanks and Regards

  Ja 0 Nein

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