Member Avatar for janda5

I downloaded AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition on a computer that runs Windows 98 and uses a slow dial-up connection. When I went to install AVG an "Expired Download" box appeared, advising me to download the latest version. I ignored this and installed my AVG download 7.5.503. Everything went fine. But I noticed a red exclamation mark on the AVG screen and I ran a "Check For Updates." I thought it was nearly finished as it reached 100 percent but the Time Left line began counting upward. Confused by this, I cancelled the process. I wonder if I should try to Check For Updates again or uninstall AVG and install a later version. I need to keep AVG updated but wonder if the "Expired Download" means it is
unusable. What would you recommend, fellow computer users? Thank you.

janda

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  • 8 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by IntegratedTweak

Dani AI

Generated

Short answer: an “Expired Download” message on old AVG installers usually means the installer build is time‑limited (or no longer able to contact the current update infrastructure). That warning doesn’t always stop the program from installing, but it often prevents automatic updates from working reliably. The community and AVG support routinely recommend a clean uninstall and a fresh, official installer to restore update functionality; this is the safest route. AVG community thread.

Practical steps for a slow/dial‑up setup:

  • Remove the old traces first (use AVG’s removal/clear tool or the remover recommended by AVG support) so you don’t keep corrupted updater pieces. AVG community instructions.
  • On a faster machine, download the official offline installer (AVG historically hosted legacy offline installers) and transfer it to the 98 machine by CD/USB. A number of legacy‑OS installers are known to exist on AVG’s CDN archives; that’s the preferred official approach for dusty systems. MSFN discussion / offline installer reference.
  • If the OS is truly ancient (Windows 98), modern AVG builds may not be compatible — you may need an older AVG 7.x build or an AV with explicit 9x support, or else isolate the machine and avoid web browsing. Community reports note AVG 8+ dropped 98 support and users often switched to other legacy AVs. discussion about Win98 compatibility and alternatives.

Do not change the system clock to “beat” expiry. That workaround breaks certificate validation, update integrity and other services and can make problems worse. If you must run an old system, prefer a one‑time offline install from an official source, verify the installer (signed file / official hosting), and keep the machine isolated from the internet when practical. Why changing system time is harmful for updates/certificates.

Credits: good instincts from and for insisting on clean, official downloads; ignore quick hacks like clock changes suggested later in the thread — they create more risk than they solve.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for Suspishio

Always chose an option that gives you a clean download. I'd scrap it and start again - even though you're on dial-up. Then you can be sure.

Member Avatar for Serunson

I would download the latest one, even though you have dial up it would be a one off downloading it, and then future updates dont take that long as long as you do it often. It's here if you forgot where to find it.

Member Avatar for janda5

Thanks to Suspishio and Serunson for your advice. I had a gut feeling that the "expired" AVG Anti-Virus Free download was trouble waiting to happen so I uninstalled it and downloaded a "clean" version. It went beautifully and I could see a huge difference in how quickly I was able to Check For Updates. In the future I will err on the side of caution when downloading. Thanks again. Problem solved.

janda5

Member Avatar for Serunson

Another successful result for Daniweb :)

Member Avatar for Deepak_31

change system date to few months back thn restart machine and try..

commented: zombie master -3
Member Avatar for Assembly Guy

Honestly, Deepak_31? You think they're still after an answer eight years later, when the question has already been marked as solved? Please refrain from resurrecting such threads in future…

Edited by Assembly Guy
Member Avatar for IntegratedTweak

It is becoming that time in history when you need the latest machines. With AVG 2016 coming out I thin k there will be no compatibility for 98 anymore :(, but who knows and by the way what a lovely machine you have.

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