AOL Discontinued Active Virus Shield, Offer McAfee VirusScan Plus

Filed in: Downloads, Security — August 19th, 2007

My friend asked me to suggest a free and good antivirus. I recommended her to download Active Virus Shield (AVS) but later discovered that AVS is no longer available. AOL discontinued it but offer a special edition of McAfee VirusScan Plus.

McAfee VirusScan Plus - Special edition from AOL
Image: McAfee VirusScan Plus – Special edition from AOL

The discontinued AVS was using Kaspersky antivirus engine. Kaspersky Antivirus is the CNET Editor’s Choice Antivirus. We are not sure why AOL dumps Kaspersky and switched to McAfee.

The special edition of McAfee VirusScan Plus is an all-in-one security package with antivirus, firewall, and anti-spyware. It is free of charge but required a valid AOL username. You can register an account for free.

My two cents

I tried to register an AOL account to download the McAfee VirusScan Plus but got an error “Sorry! We’re unable to complete your product registration at this time.”

If you are looking for free antivirus software, I would recommend AntiVir. Have you discover other free antivirus solutions?

Update: Google Pack includes FREE and Full Version of Norton Security Scan Antivirus.

antivirus, AOL, McAfee, VirusScan

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waifoong

Hi hackman, tq for your response.

I'm not sure what I found is wrong. My experience was, I signed up to get the activation key using machine1, then i used that key on machine2. at first during installation, it passed, but when I tried to update, it disable the avs.

I have encountered this a few times, that's why i always use the same machine to get the key and install using the key.

Hackman

Don't go f***ing with your host file (Vista users won't even be able to, it a protected system file). The above mentioned solution is better and much more to the point.

waifoong, didn't you save the activation email you got when subscribing?

LcF

@Dor: Nice tip! thanks!

Dor

Here is a great tip How To Hack Active Virus Shield Obtain Updates from Kaspersky servers instead of AOL

waifoong

tx a lot, Hackman

one question, since the avs require activation code, whereas can we obtain the code in case, say, we format the hard disk or install in another machine?

tq a lot

LcF

@Val Koralewski: do you know that you can get FREE and Full Version of Norton Antivirus in Google Pack? :)
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Val Koralewski

Help-I need someone's advice-I need a free virus/spam program that updates automatically like AOL used to do. I'm on a low income and can't afford to pay anybody to do it and don't have credit cards anymore. There's gotta be some site that does it for free. Pls advise-Thnx Val

kay

Don't use Antivir unless you like getting annoying ad popups (opens w/ IE btw) that hijacks your screen every time you try to update it. They don't let you disable it either.

LcF

thanks for the tip, Hackman.

kp

thanks hackman.
i did what u said n my AVS work again.

Serg

to Hackman
Thanks, it's really work.

AOL hater

Thanks HACKMAN. You are the man.

Weilian

Huh? AVS not updating anymore? I was surprised to read it and I immediately check my status. Stated there... "Last update September 3rd, 8.30 pm" (roughly an hour ago). I think it still updating.

Hackman

Just keep AVS, don't use McAfee, it's bloated and detects less.
All you have to do is delete the first 2 lines in "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AVP6\Data\aol-updcfg.xml" :

and update works again!
F*** AOL, f*** McAfee.

LcF

@Darren: since AOL discontinued AVS, I think it will not be updated anymore. Please switch to other antivirus if it does not update its virus patterns.

bhushan

hey avs is too goood

Darren

Also, in reply to Weilian #2:
Looks like AVS by kaspersky doesnt update anymore :'(

Darren

I heard that AntiVir (free edition) was supposed to have adverts opening up quite often in full screen!
So I went back to good old AVG.

scamboy

First of all, Thanks a lot Liew!!!!!

I got to download it. Currently the AOL McAfee special edition works with no problem!!!!

They also offer McAfee Internet security Suite for free!!!

Thanks Liew.....!!!

Torsten

I am using avast! antivirus which is free for private use and I am absolutely satisfied with it. http://www.avast.com

musica0911

i have been using AVG
but now...................
VIRUSLYZATION.....

JUZT VIRUS IT!!!....heheheee

Matteo

Hello Liewfc

It happened the same when i tried to register (i'm italian), i finally solved the registration including american data not italian data. My Opionion is that:

1) Registration Form is very buggy
2) They don't allow people outside Usa

I think the first is the best answer .. :)

P.S The New AntiVirus is recommended, is very light and you don't need a very new pc (processor), it includes a Firewall too