I adore Macs for their simplicity and cool applications, but I’m forced to use a PC for business. We PC users encounter many more virus attacks and problems with anti-virus software.

Last night I noticed the dreaded big fat exclamation point on my AVG icon. It said I was unprotected! Yikes! Being too tired to deal with it, I turned off my computer and set to resolved the problem this morning.

I use the AVG anti-virus program. Speaking with a friend today, I understand that McAffee is having a similiar problem. Here’s the scoop and the fix for AVG users:

Check your anti-virus icon. If it shows a warning, this post is for you!
(If not, check out my previous post on Damon’s Twitter DM Whacker - very useful tool!)

AVG users will see something like “Could Not Update Control CTF Files!” Don’t Panic! Your anti-virus, anti-spyware, etc. segments are most likely still functioning. But it is important for you to fix this so you can get updates.

For Window Explorer users:
1) Click “Start” then “Search” then “All files and folders”
2) Under “A word or phrase in the file” type “*.ctf” then click on “More advanced options.”
3) Check box “Search hidden files and folders” and click “Search”
4) Let it run. In a bit you will see 2 files listed “avginfoavi.ctf” and “avginfowin.ctf”
5) Click “Stop” once they appear. Highlight ONLY those two files.
6) Right click on the 2 highlighted files, click “delete,” and confirm
7) Reboot your computer and your AVG anti-virus should be update happy!

For Vista Users:
1) Go to C:\ProgramData\avg8\update\download and delete the .ctf files
2) DO NOT delete any files other than those ending in “.ctf”
3) Reboot and you should be fine!

If problems persist your control files are most likely corrupt. Go here to Delete AVG Utility Updates.

If the problem still persists you will have to unstall AVG, download a clean new version, and reinstall.

If you are having the problem with McAfee, my friend said just go to their site and there is a simple update fix.

Happy Puting! Tweet me if this helps @AlohaArleen !
Aloha,
Arleen Anderson