Firewall Settings for AVG Free Edition

Installation Guide

Document revision 71.4 (02/03/2006) Copyright (c) 1992-2006 GRISOFT, s.r.o. All rights reserved. This product uses RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm, Copyright (C) 1991-2, RSA Data Security, Inc. Created 1991. This product uses code from C-SaCzech library, Copyright (c) 1996-2001 Jaromir Dolecek <dolecek@ics.muni.cz> This product uses compression library zlib, Copyright (C) 1995-2002 Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Copyright (c) 1992-2006 GRISOFT, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
Content: 1. Introduction....3 2. Windows XP built-in firewall (Security Center)...4 a) Windows XP Firewall Settings... 4 b) Define Exceptions.... 4 c) Add a New Program.... 5 3. Kerio a) b) c) 4. Zone a) b) c) d) Personal Firewall....7 Run Kerio Personal Firewall... 7 Network Security... 7 System Security.... 7 Alarm Pro....9 Run Zone Alarm Pro.... 9 Program Control.... 9 Add a Program... 9 E-mail Protection....10

1. Introduction

In case you have installed AVG Free Edition on your computer, and you are running a firewall at the same time, you might be experiencing problems while sending/receiving email messages and/or downloading AVG Anti-Virus updates. This Installation Guide refers to the firewall settings required for proper functionality of AVG AntiVirus. This document covers the settings instructions and recommendations for the following firewalls: Windows XP built-in firewall (Security Center) Kerio Personal Firewall Zone Alarm Pro firewall
2. Windows XP built-in firewall (Security Center)
Typically, the Windows XP built-in firewall default settings correspond very well to the AVG Free Edition configuration. Most probably no problems will occur at all. However, should you run up against problems, please follow these steps:
a) Windows XP Firewall Settings
Open the Windows Firewall settings dialog window: Start / Settings / Control Panels / Window Firewall On the General tab make sure the Do not allow exceptions option is not selected.

b) Define Exceptions

Switch to the Exceptions tab with the list of applications that are blocked to access to the Internet. You need to allow access to Internet for all AVG Anti-Virus applications. To do so, mark each check box related to an AVG application in the list of programs and services (see the following screenshot). For AVG Free Edition the applications to be selected from the list and marked as allowed are: AVG Free Control Center (file avgcc.exe) AVG Free Edition for Windows (file avgw.exe) avginet.exe avgemc.exe
If these applications are not listed in the list of exceptions, you need to add them manually. This can be done using the Add Program button:

c) Add a New Program

A new dialog window opens providing a list of programs that can be added to the previously seen Windows Firewall list of exceptions. Select the AVG applications from the list, and confirm adding them to the Windows Firewall list of exceptions by pressing the OK button (see the following screenshot).
In case you are not able to see any AVG application in the program list, you have to add them manually. Click the Browse button, and find the above listed files (avgw.exe, avgcc.exe, avginet.exe, and avgemc.exe) in the AVG Free Edition program folder (by default C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free):

Confirm adding the selected files by pressing the OK button in the Add a Program dialog window.
3. Kerio Personal Firewall
With the Kerio Personal Firewall you will probably need to configure the settings so that it is allowed for the AVG Free Edition (and its applications) to connect to the Internet (send/receive data), and to launch other applications (to update). To configure the Kerio Personal Firewall settings, follow these steps:
a) Run Kerio Personal Firewall b) Network Security
In the Network Security item (left menu), Application tab (top menu) you are able to overview a list of programs with the information on whether these are allowed to connect to the Internet. In the list, verify that all AVG applications are labeled as permit. If not, you need to change the AVG applications status. To do so, right click on every item and select the Permit option from the context menu.

c) System Security

In the System Security item (left menu), Application tab (top menu) you are able to overview a list of programs with the information on whether these are allowed to launch other application. Again, you need to make sure all AVG applications listed are labeled as permit to launch other applications (e.g. updates). If not, you need to change the AVG applications status. To do so, right click on every item and select the Permit option from the context menu.
Confirm all changes by pressing the Apply button.

4. Zone Alarm Pro

With the Zone Alarm Pro you will probably need to configure the settings so that it is allowed for the AVG Free Edition (and its applications) to connect to the Internet (send/receive data), and to launch other applications (to update). To configure the Zone Alarm Pro settings, follow these steps:
a) Run Zone Alarm Pro b) Program Control
In the Program Control item (left menu), Programs tab (top menu) you are able to overview a list of programs with the information on whether these are allowed to connect to the Internet. In the list, verify that all AVG applications are labeled as allowed (green confirmation mark). If not, you need to change the AVG applications status. To do so, right click on every item and select the confirmation mark from the context menu.

c) Add a Program

For AVG Free Edition the listed applications marked as allowed are: AVG E-Mail Scanner (avgemc.exe) AVG Update downloader (file avginet.exe)
If these applications are not listed, you need to add them manually. Use the Add button to open a new dialog window where you can specify the files on your local disk. By default, the files are located in the AVG Free Edition program folder (C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free).

d) E-mail Protection

In the E-mail Protection item (left menu), Main tab (top menu) you need to disable the built-in inbound/outbound email protection provided by the Zone Alarm Pro. By switching the Zone Alarm Pro implemented email verification off you will enable the more comprehensive AVG Free Edition email control.
5. Agnitum Outpost Firewall
You may be asked to allow network connection for some applications during their start up after installation of the product. This is related to products of AVG Anti-Virus System as well. You can set up the firewall so that it will permanently allow network communication for all AVG AntiVirus System applications. Doing this you will definitely not decrease the level of protection of your system. On the contrary, AVG Anti-Virus System will be enabled to fully employ all of its functions then, bringing the reliability of your anti-virus protection to maximum.
a) Allowing Activities for an Application
The firewall will react whenever an unknown application is trying to make a network connection. This holds even for AVG Anti-Virus applications before setting them up manually. The following window is displayed (for AVG Control Center in this example):
Choose the Allow all activities for this application option and press the OK button. Perform the same action whenever a similar window related to an AVG Anti-Virus application appears.
b) Configuring the Firewall at Once
However, you should allow the AVG Anti-Virus applications to access the network even before they try to open a connection. If you want to allow the network communication for AVG Anti-Virus applications (recommended!) at once, open the Agnitum Outpost Firewall main window:

Add the allowed applications by right-clicking on the Plugins item in the main navigation tree. Choose the Options menu item then. A new window will open then. Go to the Applications tab in the window:
Add all AVG Anti-Virus System applications currently installed on your computer using the Add button. Here is the list of all AVG Free edition applications that must always be allowed to connect to the Internet: avginet.exe application for performing online Internet updates of AVG Anti-Virus System (located in the Program Files/Grisoft/Avg7 directory by default)
avgemc.exe AVG E-mail Scanner for anti-virus scanning of e-mail (located in the Program Files/Grisoft/Avg7 directory by default)
Commit your selection by pressing the OK button. All AVG Anti-Virus System applications requiring the network communication should be fully operational then.
6. Sygate Personal Firewall
You may be asked to allow network connection for some applications during their start up also after installation of the Sygate Personal Firewall product. This is related to products of AVG Anti-Virus System as well. You can set up the firewall so that it will permanently allow network communication for all AVG AntiVirus System applications. Doing this you will definitely not decrease the level of protection of your system. On the contrary, AVG Anti-Virus System will be enabled to fully employ all of its functions then, bringing the reliability of your anti-virus protection to maximum.
The firewall will react whenever an unknown application is trying to make a network connection. This holds even for AVG Anti-Virus applications. The following window is displayed (for AVG Control Center in this example):
Check the Remember my answer field and press the Yes button. Repeat the action for any AVG Anti-Virus application that tries to connect the network.
If you want to allow the network communication for AVG Anti-Virus applications at once (recommended!), open the Sygate Personal Firewall main window:
Select the Advanced Rules menu item in the Tools folder of the main application menu. A new window will open then:
You can create a new rule for the AVG Anti-Virus System applications using the Add button in the Advanced Rules Settings window. Go to the Applications tab first:

Add all AVG Anti-Virus System applications currently installed on your system using the Browse button. Here is the list of all AVG Free edition applications that must always be allowed to connect to the Internet: avginet.exe application for performing online Internet updates of AVG Anti-Virus System (located in the Program Files/Grisoft/Avg7 directory by default) avgemc.exe AVG E-mail Scanner for anti-virus scanning of e-mail (located in the Program Files/Grisoft/Avg7 directory by default)
Go to the General tab then:
You have to allow any network communication for the selected AVG Anti-Virus System applications by selecting the Allow this traffic option. Commit the rule creation by pressing the OK button. All AVG Anti-Virus System applications requiring the network communication should be fully operational then.

AVG Free Edition

Firewall Settings for AVG Free Edition

Installation Guide

Document revision 70.4 (11/15/2004) Copyright (c) 1992-2004 GRISOFT, s.r.o. All rights reserved. This product uses RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm, Copyright (C) 1991-2, RSA Data Security, Inc. Created 1991. This product uses code from C-SaCzech library, Copyright (c) 1996-2001 Jaromir Dolecek <dolecek@ics.muni.cz> This product uses compression library zlib, Copyright (C) 1995-2002 Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Content: 1. Introduction....3 2. Windows XP built-in firewall (Security Center)...4 a) Windows XP Firewall Settings... 4 b) Define Exceptions.... 4 c) Add a New Program.... 5 3. Kerio a) b) c) 4. Zone a) b) c) d) Personal Firewall....7 Run Kerio Personal Firewall... 7 Network Security... 7 System Security.... 7 Alarm Pro....9 Run Zone Alarm Pro.... 9 Program Control.... 9 Add a Program... 9 E-mail Protection....10

1. Introduction

In case you have installed AVG Free Edition on your computer, and you are running a firewall at the same time, you might be experiencing problems while sending/receiving email messages and/or downloading AVG Anti-Virus updates. This Installation Guide refers to the firewall settings required for proper functionality of AVG AntiVirus. This document covers the settings instructions and recommendations for the following firewalls: Windows XP built-in firewall (Security Center) Kerio Personal Firewall Zone Alarm Pro firewall
Copyright (c) 1992-2004 GRISOFT, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
2. Windows XP built-in firewall (Security Center)
Typically, the Windows XP built-in firewall default settings correspond very well to the AVG Free Edition configuration. Most probably no problems will occur at all. However, should you run up against problems, please follow these steps:
a) Windows XP Firewall Settings
Open the Windows Firewall settings dialog window: Start / Settings / Control Panels / Window Firewall On the General tab make sure the Do not allow exceptions option is not selected.

b) Define Exceptions

Switch to the Exceptions tab with the list of applications that are blocked to access to the Internet. You need to allow access to Internet for all AVG Anti-Virus applications. To do so, mark each check box related to an AVG application in the list of programs and services (see the following screenshot). For AVG Free Edition the applications to be selected from the list and marked as allowed are: AVG Free Control Center (file avgcc.exe) AVG Free Edition for Windows (file avgw.exe) avginet.exe avgemc.exe
If these applications are not listed in the list of exceptions, you need to add them manually. This can be done using the Add Program button:

c) Add a New Program

A new dialog window opens providing a list of programs that can be added to the previously seen Windows Firewall list of exceptions. Select the AVG applications from the list, and confirm adding them to the Windows Firewall list of exceptions by pressing the OK button (see the following screenshot).
In case you are not able to see any AVG application in the program list, you have to add them manually. Click the Browse button, and find the above listed files (avgw.exe, avgcc.exe, avginet.exe, and avgemc.exe) in the AVG Free Edition program folder (by default C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free):
Confirm adding the selected files by pressing the OK button in the Add a Program dialog window.
3. Kerio Personal Firewall
With the Kerio Personal Firewall you will probably need to configure the settings so that it is allowed for the AVG Free Edition (and its applications) to connect to the Internet (send/receive data), and to launch other applications (to update). To configure the Kerio Personal Firewall settings, follow these steps:
a) Run Kerio Personal Firewall b) Network Security
In the Network Security item (left menu), Application tab (top menu) you are able to overview a list of programs with the information on whether these are allowed to connect to the Internet. In the list, verify that all AVG applications are labeled as permit. If not, you need to change the AVG applications status. To do so, right click on every item and select the Permit option from the context menu.

c) System Security

In the System Security item (left menu), Application tab (top menu) you are able to overview a list of programs with the information on whether these are allowed to launch other application. Again, you need to make sure all AVG applications listed are labeled as permit to launch other applications (e.g. updates). If not, you need to change the AVG applications status. To do so, right click on every item and select the Permit option from the context menu.

Confirm all changes by pressing the Apply button.

4. Zone Alarm Pro

With the Zone Alarm Pro you will probably need to configure the settings so that it is allowed for the AVG Free Edition (and its applications) to connect to the Internet (send/receive data), and to launch other applications (to update). To configure the Zone Alarm Pro settings, follow these steps:
a) Run Zone Alarm Pro b) Program Control
In the Program Control item (left menu), Programs tab (top menu) you are able to overview a list of programs with the information on whether these are allowed to connect to the Internet. In the list, verify that all AVG applications are labeled as allowed (green confirmation mark). If not, you need to change the AVG applications status. To do so, right click on every item and select the confirmation mark from the context menu.

c) Add a Program

For AVG Free Edition the listed applications marked as allowed are: AVG E-Mail Scanner (avgemc.exe) AVG Update downloader (file avginet.exe)
If these applications are not listed, you need to add them manually. Use the Add button to open a new dialog window where you can specify the files on your local disk. By default, the files are located in the AVG Free Edition program folder (C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free).

d) E-mail Protection

In the E-mail Protection item (left menu), Main tab (top menu) you need to disable the built-in inbound/outbound email protection provided by the Zone Alarm Pro. By switching the Zone Alarm Pro implemented email verification off you will enable the more comprehensive AVG Free Edition email control.