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Uploading files to the Avast FTP server

 

You may need to upload files to the Avast FTP server for either of the following reasons:

  • An Avast Support agent has requested that you upload specific files from your PC for further analysis.
  • You need to submit files to Avast Threat Labs for whitelisting.

Select the relevant tab below for instructions according to your issue type.

You cannot see any content on the Avast FTP server, even the files you upload.
 

Prepare files for upload

Before uploading files to the Avast FTP server, compress the files to a ZIP archive by following these steps:

  1. Download and run the 7-Zip installer from www.7-zip.org to install this free file archiver on your PC.
  2. Select and right-click all requested files, then select 7-Zip ▸ Add to archive... from the context menu.
  3. Under the heading Archive, enter a name to identify the archive file on our FTP server (for example, your email address).
  4. Next to the heading Archive format, use the drop-down menu to select zip.
  5. Under the heading Encryption, tick the box next to Show Password, then provide the password: virus.
  6. Click OK to create the compressed archive.

The newly compressed archive is saved in the same folder as the original files.

If you are unable to compress a file that is flagged as suspicious by Avast Antivirus, temporarily disable Avast active protection by right-clicking the Avast icon in your system tray and selecting Avast shields control ▸ Disable for 10 minutes.

Upload to the Avast FTP server

Only upload files that have been requested by Avast Support representatives.

After compressing the requested files to a password protected archive, upload the archive to the Avast FTP server using any FTP client software and with the following parameters:

  • File protocol: FTP
  • Encryption: No encryption
  • Host name: ftp.avast.com
  • Port number: 21
  • User name: anonymous
  • Password: anonymous
  • Directory: /incoming
 

If you do not have FTP client software, follow the instructions below:

  1. Download and run the WinSCP installer from www.winscp.net to install this free FTP client software on your PC (run setup according to default settings).
  2. Double-click the WinSCP icon on your desktop to run the FTP client.
  3. On the WinSCP Login screen, provide the parameters listed above (except for directory), then click Login to connect to the Avast FTP server.
  4. When a connection to the Avast FTP server is established, double-click the incoming folder on the right side of the WinSCP screen.
  5. On the left side of the WinSCP screen, locate the archive with the requested files and right-click it, then select Upload... from the context menu.
  6. Click OK to upload the archive to the incoming folder on the Avast FTP server.

When the upload is complete, follow the instructions below to notify Avast Support.

Notify Avast Support

After uploading an archive to the Avast FTP server, ensure that you notify Avast Support of the filename and password for the archive. Without this notification, we may not be able to locate your archive on our FTP server and analyze your files.

If you are not already in contact with us, submit a ticket to Avast Support. Include the following details in your message:

Before submitting files to Avast Threat Labs for whitelisting, you need to fill out the Whitelisting Program Application form to join our Whitelisting program. After you receive your credentials, upload your files by following the steps below.

Prepare files for upload

Before uploading files to the Avast FTP server, compress the files to a ZIP archive by following these steps:

  1. Download and run the 7-Zip installer from www.7-zip.org to install this free file archiver on your PC.
  2. Select and right-click all requested files, then select 7-Zip ▸ Add to archive... from the context menu.
  3. Under the heading Archive, enter a name to identify the archive file on our FTP server (for example, your email address).
  4. Next to the heading Archive format, use the drop-down menu to select zip.
  5. Under the heading Encryption, do not enter a password.
  6. Click OK to create the compressed archive.

The newly compressed archive is saved in the same folder as the original files.

If you are unable to compress a file that is flagged as suspicious by Avast Antivirus, temporarily disable Avast active protection by right-clicking the Avast icon in your system tray and selecting Avast shields control ▸ Disable for 10 minutes.

Upload to the Avast FTP server

Only upload files to the Avast FTP server that should be whitelisted.

After compressing the requested files to an archive, upload the archive to the Avast FTP server using any FTP client software and with the following parameters:

  • File protocol: FTP
  • Encryption: No encryption
  • Host name: whitelisting.avast.com
  • Port number: 21
  • Username/Password: Your account credentials (received after joining the Whitelisting Program)
 

If you do not have FTP client software, follow the instructions below:

  1. Download and run the WinSCP installer from www.winscp.net to install this free FTP client software on your PC (run setup according to default settings).
  2. Double-click the WinSCP icon on your Windows desktop to run the FTP client.
  3. On the WinSCP Login screen, provide the parameters listed above, then click Login to connect to the Avast FTP server.
  4. On the left side of the WinSCP screen, locate the archive with the files to be whitelisted and right-click it, then select Upload... from the context menu.
  5. Click OK to upload the archive on the Avast FTP server.

Avast Threat Labs are notified automatically after you upload your file. Uploaded files are processed within 24 hours.

You are not notified about the whitelisting process, however you can update virus definitions and scan the submitted file to verify that it has been added.
  • All available Avast software products
  • All supported operating systems

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