'The latest reviews on the updated version of Avast are not good! Is there a way she can download the older version? Or should she just go with a different antivirus?' I read the complete review, and I fail to see just what you mean. In fact, the new UI is mentioned as being easier to use than the old, and I have to agree with that. The final sentence goes on to say that Avast is the best free AV program available. Now, I do use Microsoft Security Essentials on my Windows 7 laptop, but I have Avast version 5 on my desktop, and I find both to be top-notch.

I am wondering if I might have the same problem. I attemped an update with restart yesterday. Later in the day my computer wouldn't open Windows correctly, almost had to do a restore point. It finally corrected itself but still said I needed to do an update. I did finally get it done but have problems ever since. Cannot open to my home page via IE. Can however access the internet with Chrome.

Owbist, than you for the valuable suggestions you have given me in the past. You wondered why I do manual updates rather than automatic. I remember only too well the "old days" when updates often caused problems after installation. I learned it was better to check here first before updating. Someone here usually knew about the problem (probably learned the hard way!) which gave me the chance to wait until the problem was solved. Since I turn the PC on only about once a week, manual updates work fine. Incidently, in case there are any more "Nervous Nellies" like me who are concerned about inadvertantly getting Avast's paid version, there is an option given about three steps into the update. And I kept my eyes open for that other stuff Avast wanted to install that you warned about. Thanks to all who offered suggestions. Cheers, J .

I agree, it's definitely not necessary to uninstall the old antivirus software before downloading a new one. But before installing the new one, for sure. fredda, at the risk of stating the obvious, Windows XP is no longer supported from a security standpoint and using it does entail some risk. So long as you are using this PC for general purposes only and not for essential uses with any Win-only software, I would seriously consider installing Linux (a different operating system that's available for no cost) to replace XP. Start a new thread on that topic if that may apply to you, there are other contributors here (not me) who can provide helpful guidance.