trying to load AVAST free virus protection

[mario]

Yaaargh maties! Ok, I had AVAST free virus protection for quite a while (a few months) but suddenly it stopped working. Maybe the time subscription ran out on it. But anyway I tried to download it again. I go thru all the motions of registering and getting an email from them to confirm it and something does look like it downloaded because it takes about 20 minutes of this piece of paper flying thru the air which means I'm receiving a file or program. But when all is done and finished I keep getting this message that my computer is no longer protected by AVAST and to register etc. I have the avast icon on my desktop but when I open it I get that warning message. The avast icon down by my clock and internet symbols (bottom right of taskbar) has a red X on it. Sigh, it should be simple to do. Anybody know what I'm doing wrong?

[retired2]

You probably downloaded a program that has to be opened. Find where the program is thatt was downloaded and then double click on it to open. Might have to follow a few instructions. That will load the program on to your computer so it will work. Hope this helps

[mario]

Yeah it's there and when I double click it I get the same warning message and wants me to create an account which I already did and go thru the steps of downloading. I'm using the old internet explorer but maybe it needs to run on a different one like google chrome. I have that browser as well but it's not my default one and I get prompted sometimes to make it my default browser. Should I?

[retired2]

The broswer should make no difference. Leave IE as default. Many people have switched to Microsoft Security essentials, it is free and seems to do the job. I have been using it for some time and like it. Link is below for free download
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

[mario]

Thanks. Hey, how'd my picture get on your avatar? lol

[retired2]

And what have we managed to accomplish so far???

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