Avast free anti-virus products are very popular among many thanks to the simple management and automation of most functions. But the main thing is that this software is completely free. But even in this situation, for the same Avast antivirus, the license file or a valid key must be used without fail. Otherwise, it will only lead to the fact that the anti-virus databases will not be updated.
How to use keys?
Let's start with the simplest. Actually, the keys for Avast themselves are combinations of letters and numbers (usually up to 26-27 characters). They serve to activate the program or extend the validity period of a free update of anti-virus databases.
By the way, many well-known antiviruses use the same technology for their free software products, when once in a certain period of time you need to enter a special code. The keys themselves for Avast can easily be found on the Internet.
In the process of installing the program on a computer, you will initially need to enter such a code in a special field, after which a message about successful activation will be issued. You can select offline registration, and then enter the key.
Avast: license file. How to use correctly?
There is another no less interesting activation method associated with the use of a license file. For Avast, the license file must first be downloaded from the Internet, and then a series of actions are required to activate. The proposed solution applies exclusively to Avast Internet Security, Premier, and Avast Pro Antivirus products. First, in the settings, you should find the troubleshooting section and disable the self-defense module.
In the Windows XP operating system, in the directory of all users you need to find the Application Data folder, navigate to the Alwil Software or Avast Software directories, depending on the version of the antivirus, and then place the file in the Avast directory (in some cases, a software modification may be specified, for example, Avast5 ), after which in the program specify the path to the file.
Similar actions are performed for Vista-10 systems, only program directories are located in the ProgramData directory on the system drive. At the end of the action, self-defense must be activated again.
Obtaining and renewing a license by registering
Now one more option for registering Avast. It is very simple to renew a license for free or to obtain it initially.
If the program is not registered, an inscription will be displayed at the top of the main window warning that the trial period is about to expire. Click on the green registration button, after which a window will appear asking you to select a product version.
Paid modification (comprehensive protection) is displayed on the right, free (basic) on the left. We select it, and then fill out the registration form of three fields or enter through the social network Facebook. When filling out the fields, it is important to pay attention to the fact that you can enter anything you want in the first and last names, but the email address must be valid. Then we press the registration button and again refuse the offer to install the paid version.
You can verify that the registration was successful immediately in the main program window (the registration button disappeared, and the upgrade button appeared instead). Information on registration data can be viewed in the settings section, where the corresponding tab in the menu on the left is selected.
Avast antivirus update
Finally, a few words on how to update Avast. In principle, you can simply download the new version of the antivirus and perform the above registration steps if the automatic update is not installed. However, there is the option of switching from a free antivirus (Free Antivirus) to Internet Security without reinstalling the antivirus.
In this case, for Avast, the license file (license.lic for Avast Internet Security) is simply downloaded and placed in the right place, as described above. In the program itself, specify the location of the new file, after which the application will automatically download and install the necessary files. A system reboot will follow, and upon restarting the user will receive a new software product.
Thus, there is nothing particularly difficult in registering, activating, renewing a license or updating this software. However, special attention should be paid specifically to the location of the license file, since the folders in which the program directories are located are hidden. In this case, first in the "Explorer" you will have to use the view menu, where you should specify the display of hidden objects (folders and files). After you can begin to perform the necessary actions.