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When updating AVG today, I received the error "Invalid Update Control CTF File". After searching the AVG support forum, I found a couple of easy solutions which can resolve the error.
Note: (Nov 03, 2009): AVG Team is working on this issue and should fix this update issue soon. No user action is needed. The following methods worked for some users, though.
Method 1
1. Double-click the AVG icon in the Notification area.
2. Click the Tools menu and click Advanced Settings…
3. Navigate to the Manage option in the Update branch.
(The Manage option is included in AVG version 8.0.233 and higher.)
4. Click the Delete temporary update files button.
5. Click Yes to confirm removal.
See if you’re now able to update AVG.
Note: The above button deletes all the temporary files, downloaded .BIN and .CTF files which were created by AVG. Whereas the Vbscript file included under "Method 2" deletes only the .CTF files.
Method 2
From AVG forum:
You need to rename/remove the CTF temp files in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avg8\update\download…. Dont delete all the .bin files in there unless you want to re-run all updates since your original installation (reinstallation seems to cause a problem in IEs Link Scanner which causes IE to Crash). Only rename/remove the avginfo files that end with .ctf.
There were two .CTF files (avginfoavi.ctf and avginfowin.ctf) in that folder, and deleting them fixed the problem indeed.
Note: The Application Data folder is hidden by default. You need to enable Windows Explorer to show hidden files in order to view the Application Data folder. Alternately, type the above folder path in the Start, Run dialog and press {ENTER} to launch the folder.
Windows Vista users: Delete the .CTF files from the following folder:
Script to automate the task
I’ve scripted the above so that it can help if you want to run the task in multiple PCs. Download del_avg_ctf.zip and save to Desktop. Unzip the file and run the script del_avg_ctf.vbs. The AVG Update .CTF files should be deleted automatically. The script runs fine in Windows XP and Windows Vista systems.
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Thank you Kindly…I have Vista 64 bit and found this solution by searching on google…Thank you bunches….it now updates wonderfully….downloaded the script to make sure that I have an easy 1-click solution next time I need to update…..
Thanks for perfect solution.
It is working and now i am updating AVG 8.0 on my PC successfully.
Thanks again.
Finally a solution that works:
http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1567#faq_1567
Please kindly follow these steps to delete mentioned control files:
* Run the AVG Free user interface (double-click the AVG Free icon on your desktop).
* Open the Tools -> Advanced Settings… menu.
* Navigate to the Manage option in the Update branch.
* Press the Delete temporary update files button.
* Try to update AVG Free.
On a brand new computer with WindowsXP, a clean install of AVG 8.5 (4/28/2009) I get the “Invalid CTF file” message. I tried reinstalling, didn’t work. There are no .ctf or .bin files in the download folder of application data…
I downloaded today’s AVG definitions (a .bin file) and manually installed them successfully. This put a .ctf file in that download folder, but still when I ask it to update I get the same error message. Scanning with AVG and Malewarbytes did not turn up any infections…
What the heck do I do???
You are a genius! Thank you so much!
I tried once again the same procedure . now two cft files got deteled but. the problem persisits
Hi Mine is Windows Vista Home Basic and i did wat is the procedure given above . i was not able to see any cft files in the folder . and when i down loaded and run the script given by you .. it was showing no changes done. can any one please help me . the problem persisits
I found the two CTF files mentioned above, deleted them, and was able to successfully update with no problem. Worked like a charm. I’ve got AVG running under XP on an hp pavilion zd7000 archaic piece of iron. Thanks for the information.
i too tried the above procedure,and was successful .if AVG knows the problem then why is file required.i request AVG ,if this is the case not to get it in the installationfile itself.
thank u..
but it really worked..
Hello.
I did the above procedure, first manually and the problem persisted, then using the script file (which reported it had deteled the .ctf file successfully) but still, the update fails and it says that the update control file is missing.
Can anyone help?
Thanks
Agus
Windows Vista Home Premium, AVG Free v8.0.237