Avast Installation/Configuration Guide (Tested with Free version 18.8.2356):
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# Preperation:
1) Download the latest installer for 'Avast - Free Antivirus' here:
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe
2) DISCONNECT physically from the internet, and DON'T reconnect until this guide tells you to!
3) UNINSTALL old Avast version (from 'Control Panel' > 'Programs and Features').
If you experience difficulties uninstalling, then temporary reconnect to the internet and get Avast's Uninstall Utility here:
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
4) Reboot.
5) If they exist, delete the following folders (or their equivalents on older Windows versions):
* C:\Program Files\AVAST Software
* C:\Program Files\Common Files\AV\avast! Antivirus
* C:\Program Files\Common Files\AVAST Software
* C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software
* C:\Users\*****\AppData\Roaming\AVAST Software
* C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\Avast Software
6) If is exists, delete the following reg. string:
* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AVAST Software
7) DISABLE your software firewall.
Yes, the installation process has got such aggressive connection features, that depending on your configuration, a software firewall might seriously obstruct it!

# Installation:
1) Launch the installer.
2) Choose your desired language in the top right corner.
3) If you get a offer to install some kind of third party software (Google Chrome / Google Toolbar), then make sure that you UNCHECK it at the bottom left corner.
4) Click "Customize" (right below the big "Install" booby trap button).
5) UNCHECK all components, EXCEPT for the "File Shield", which is the only component that you really need!
6) Choose your desired program directory above, then click "Install", wait for the installation to finish and the Avast icon to appear in your system tray.
If the Avast icon doesn't appear in your system tray, then something probably went wrong..
If so, then use Avast's Uninstall Utility to clean things up and start all over again:
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
7) Reboot your computer (for all installed components to register properly).

# Configuration:
1) Click on the Avast icon that resides in the system tray (this will bring up Avast's main window).
2) Click on 'Menu' > 'Settings' (at the top).
3) Under 'General', UNCHECK the following options (which are enabled by default):
* "Enable reputation services"
* "Enable CyberCapture"
* "Enable Avast email signature"
4) Under 'General' > 'Special scans' > 'Explorer scan' > 'Settings' > 'Sensitivity' > 'PUP and suspicious files'; UNCHECK "Scan for potentially unwanted programs (PUPs)", then press "OK".
5) Under 'General' > 'Privacy'; UNCHECK both options!
6) Under 'Components' > 'File Shield' > 'Customize' > 'Actions' > 'PUP'; Select "No Action" in the first drop-down menu, then press "OK".
7) Under 'Update' > 'Virus Definitions > 'Settings'; UNCHECK "Enable streaming updates".
8) Under 'Update' > 'Program > 'Settings'; CHECK "Manual update".
9) When done, press "OK", then close Avast's main window.

# Restricting:
1) Open Windows' Task Scheduler ('Start' > 'Run' > 'taskschd.msc').
2) In the left pane, click on 'Task Scheduler Library'.
3) In the middle pane, right-click on 'Avast Emergency Update' and choose "DISABLE".
4) In the left pane, click on 'Task Scheduler Library' > 'Avast Software'.
5) In the middle pane, right-click on 'Overseer' and choose "DISABLE".
6) Close Windows' Task Scheduler.

# Blocking:
1) ENABLE your software firewall again.
2) Use your software firewall to BLOCK the following files:
* C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\AvastUI.exe
* C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\AvEmUpdate.exe
* C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\setup\overseer.exe
* C:\Program Files\Common Files\AVAST Software\Overseer\overseer.exe
3) Turn OFF your computer.
4) CONNECT physically to the internet again.
5) Turn ON your computer again.

# Fixing:
1) Open Avast's program directory (C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast).
2) Double-click on 'AvEmUpdate.exe' (to run 'Avast Emergency Update' once).
This should add the following registry key on your system:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\QualityCompat
..containing the following 'DWORD (32-bit) Value':
cadca5fe-87d3-4b96-b7fb-a231484277cc
..with the 'Value data' set to "0".
When done, check your registry to confirm that this data was added!
This is VERY important, if you want to continue receiving security updates from Microsoft, after December 2017.
More info here:
https://support.microsoft.com/help/4072699/january-3-2018-windows-security-updates-and-antivirus-software/

# Registration:
1) Make sure that the following file is NOT blocked by your software firewall:
* C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\AvastUI.exe
2) Click on the Avast icon that resides in the system tray (this will bring up Avast's main window).
3) Click on 'Menu' > 'My licenses' (at the top).
4) Under 'Licenses on this PC', it should now automatically show a one-year licence for 'Avast Free Antivirus'!
5) Close Avast's windows.
6) Make sure that the following file is blocked by your software firewall again:
* C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\AvastUI.exe

# Final Notes:
- If you get notified of a new program version, don't let Avast update itself automatically (click "Ignore" instead).
- Whenever you want to install a new program version, or you've reached the point when your free license key has expired, DO NOT auto-update the program or re-register it!
Instead, follow this 'Installation / Configuration Guide' from beginning to end all over again!

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Additional Tweaks/Notes:
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* If you don't want to see any pop-ups, go to 'Settings' > 'General' and check "Silent Mode".

* If you don't want to hear any sounds, go to 'Settings' > 'General' > 'Sounds' and uncheck "Enable Avast sounds".