Troubleshooting AVG LinkScanner: Common Issues and FixesAVG LinkScanner (sometimes bundled as part of AVG Internet Security or AVG Ultimate) scans web pages and search results in real time to block malicious links before you click them. Despite its protective role, users can encounter problems that reduce effectiveness or cause system issues. This guide walks through common problems, diagnostics, and practical fixes so you can restore LinkScanner to reliable operation.
How LinkScanner works (brief)
LinkScanner inspects links on web pages and in search-results pages, and checks the destination quickly for known threats. It integrates with your browser and with AVG’s core services to deliver protection in near-real-time. Problems usually arise from integration points: browser extensions, network interactions, conflicting security software, or corrupted AVG components.
Before you start: basic checks
- Confirm AVG edition: Ensure LinkScanner is included in your installed AVG product (it’s not part of some free or limited tiers).
- Update AVG and OS: Install the latest AVG updates and your operating system patches; many issues stem from outdated definitions or compatibility fixes.
- Restart the system: A simple reboot often resolves transient conflicts or pending installs.
- Check internet connection: LinkScanner needs network access; make sure your connection is working without VPN/proxy interference.
Problem 1 — LinkScanner not showing results or not scanning search results
Symptoms: No “safe/unsafe” indicators next to search results; pages aren’t scanned.
Possible causes:
- Browser extension disabled or blocked.
- AVG components out of sync.
- Corrupted LinkScanner module.
Fixes:
- Open AVG > Menu > Settings > Components and ensure the web protection / LinkScanner component is enabled.
- In your browser, check extensions/add-ons and confirm the AVG browser extension is enabled and updated. Disable and re-enable it to force reinitialization.
- Update AVG: open the AVG interface → Menu → Update → Program and Virus Definitions. Restart after update.
- Repair AVG installation: Control Panel (Windows) → Programs → AVG → Repair (or use AVG’s installer to perform a repair).
- If the problem persists, fully uninstall AVG (use AVG Clear/Remover tool in Safe Mode if necessary), reboot, then reinstall the latest version from AVG’s site.
Problem 2 — LinkScanner slows browser or pages load slowly
Symptoms: Pages take longer to load; browser CPU/network spike when loading search pages.
Possible causes:
- Deep scanning of many links on content-heavy pages.
- Conflicts with other web security/browser extensions.
- Outdated browser or AVG definitions causing inefficient checks.
Fixes:
- Temporarily disable other browser security/privacy extensions (ad-blockers, privacy shields, other antivirus web shields) and test load times. Re-enable one-by-one to find conflicts.
- Limit simultaneous heavy tasks or switch to a lighter browser profile.
- Make sure AVG and browser are up to date.
- Exclude trusted internal sites from LinkScanner scanning (use with caution): AVG settings → Exceptions/Exclusions → add site URL to skip scanning. Only add sites you fully trust.
- If CPU usage is abnormal, check Task Manager to confirm which process (AVG’s service vs. browser) is spiking; report to AVG support if an AVG process shows persistent, excessive CPU.
Problem 3 — False positives (legitimate sites blocked)
Symptoms: Legitimate websites flagged as unsafe or blocked.
Possible causes:
- Heuristic or reputation-based false positive.
- Site previously hosted malicious content or on a flagged IP range.
- Misconfigured local network or DNS spoofing.
Fixes:
- Double-check the site with multiple scanners (use reputable online URL-check services) to see if others flag it.
- If site appears safe, temporarily disable LinkScanner/web shield to access the site, then re-enable it. Don’t leave shields off permanently.
- Submit the URL to AVG for review: AVG’s support/false-positive submission page (search AVG support for “submit a false positive URL”). Include details and screenshot. AVG usually reviews and whitelists safe sites.
- Clear browser cache and DNS cache: in Windows, run
ipconfig /flushdns. This can help if DNS records were previously poisoned. - If network uses a proxy or ISP-level filtering, test via an alternate network (mobile hotspot) to rule out third-party blocks.
Problem 4 — Browser crashes or compatibility issues
Symptoms: Browser freezes, crashes, or displays errors after installing AVG browser extension.
Possible causes:
- Extension incompatibility with specific browser versions.
- Corrupted extension files.
- Conflicts with other extensions.
Fixes:
- Update the browser to the latest stable release.
- Disable other extensions and test. If disabling resolves crashes, re-enable selectively to isolate the conflict.
- Remove and reinstall the AVG browser extension from the browser’s extension store or from AVG’s interface.
- If crashes continue, create a fresh browser profile (or use a different browser) to confirm whether the issue is profile-specific.
- Report browser crash logs to AVG support with exact browser version and crash details.
Problem 5 — LinkScanner not updating definitions or “Update failed”
Symptoms: AVG reports update failures, preventing LinkScanner from using current threat data.
Possible causes:
- Network connection or proxy blocking AVG update servers.
- Corrupted update cache or permission issues.
- Interference by other security software.
Fixes:
- Check system date/time — incorrect clock can break certificate validation for updates.
- Ensure firewall or router isn’t blocking AVG’s update servers; temporarily disable firewall to test.
- Run AVG’s built-in repair/update tool: AVG → Menu → Support → Troubleshooting or Update.
- Delete the update cache (AVG support instructions vary by product/version) or run AVG Clear/Remover and reinstall.
- If using a corporate network, consult IT; some environments require proxy credentials or have restricted outbound ports.
Problem 6 — Multiple antivirus products conflict with LinkScanner
Symptoms: Unexpected behavior, intermittent blocking, system instability.
Possible causes:
- Two web-shield components both trying to intercept browser traffic.
- Driver or low-level network filter conflicts.
Fixes:
- Microsoft and security vendors recommend running only one real-time web shield. Uninstall or disable the web-protection component of other AV products.
- If you must keep multiple products, disable overlapping components (e.g., browser/web shields) in all but one product.
- Use Windows Security Center to confirm which product registers as the primary real-time protector.
- If issues persist, uninstall secondary AV product(s) and test.
Diagnostic steps and tools
- Check AVG logs: AVG interface → Menu → Support → Logs or Troubleshooting. Look for LinkScanner-specific errors.
- Use Event Viewer (Windows) to inspect Application/System logs for AVG-related errors.
- Test with a different browser or in incognito/private mode (extensions usually disabled there) to isolate extension-related issues.
- Network capture: advanced users can use Wireshark to inspect blocked requests if comfortable analyzing HTTP/TLS flows.
- Safe Mode with Networking: booting into Safe Mode can help when a problematic driver or service interferes.
When to contact AVG support
Contact AVG support if:
- Reinstallation/repair doesn’t fix the issue.
- You have crash dumps, error logs, or persistent high CPU/network usage from AVG processes.
- You experience repeated false positives after submitting a URL for review.
- You’re on a managed/corporate network and need configuration guidance for proxies/firewalls.
Provide these details to speed resolution:
- AVG product name and exact version.
- Operating system and version (including recent updates).
- Browser name and version.
- Steps that reproduce the issue and exact error messages.
- Relevant log excerpts or screenshots.
Safety and best practices
- Don’t permanently disable web protection; use temporary disabling only for troubleshooting.
- Be cautious adding exclusions — only exclude highly trusted internal sites.
- Keep backups and system restore enabled before making significant changes like uninstalling security software.
If you want, I can:
- Provide step-by-step screenshots for any specific fix (which browser and OS are you using?), or
- Draft the exact support message with logs and system info formatted for AVG support.
Leave a Reply