There is a new FREE version of AVG by Grisoft available - Version 7. This thread is a guide to installation, use and setup of this new version. Although AVG now updates itself manually much better than it did before, manual instructions are included here.

Note: Some of these settings may be different on your version of AVG 7. This article was created from the first released version and it has since been updated.

Advantages of the New Version

* It will check for updates at least once daily by default.
* If you are not connected to the Internet, AVG will check for updates as soon as you connect.
* Simple Interface
* Shields are activated by default (e.g. Email Scanning)
* Automated Task Scheduler (for setting scans and update times)

Uninstalling the Previous Version (Recommended)

1. Go to Control Panel
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs
3. Select AVG 6 (or earlier) and remove it.

Downloading the New Version 7

1. Click here to download the free version: DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK Note: You can download the 30-day trial and Professional versions from CastleCops Downloads.
2. The installation file will be downloaded to the desktop.
3. Double-click the installation file.
4. You will be prompted to register (Recommended) to be able to use the AVG help forum.
5. Select Standard Setup unless you are using Eudora/The Bat for email.
6. Once installed, you will have a little icon by the clock in your Taskbar.

How to Display the Control Center

1. Double Click the AVG icon by the clock
2. You will see the following screen:



Checking Manually for Updates

Note: the scheduler will do this once a day by default.
Ensure you have configured it properly (see end of this post).

1. Display the Control Center
2. Click Check for Updates button on the left.
3. Click the Internet button.

Manually Running a Scan

1. Display the Control Center
2. Click Test Center button on the left.
3. Click the Scan Computer button.

Additional Setup Options (Recommended)

1. Display the Control Center.
2. Click the AVG Resident Shield box.
3. Click the Properties button bottom right.
4. Ensure the first 5 items are ticked. Click OK.
5. Click the Email Scanner box and click the Properties button.
6. Click the Configure button.
7. Tick Use Heuristic Email Filter and click OK twice.
8. Click Shell Extension Box and click Settings button (beside properties).
9. Tick Automatically Heal Infected File, Scan System Areas and Integrity Check, (3 items). Click OK.


Update or Adjust the Scheduler Settings (Recommended)

1. Display the Control Center.
2. Click the Scheduler box.
3. Click Scheduled Tasks button at the bottom.
4. Double-Click Update Plan in Basic Mode
5. Select a convenient time for AVG to check for updates in the drop down box.
6. Tick If Internet Connection is not available.... Click OK.
7. Double-Click Test Plan in Basic Mode.
8. Adjust the Scheduled Virus Scan test settings if desired.
9. Click OK and Close.

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Microsoft MVP Consumer Security 2006, 2007 & 2008