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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Asim Omer on December 30, 2013, 09:41:58 AM

Title: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on December 30, 2013, 09:41:58 AM
Hi,

I had avast 2014.9.0.2011 causing high CPU usage lately after a long working in Firefox.

The high CPU usage won't come down even if I turned off all the shields.

I have removed the program from control panel and then booted to safe mode and used the avast cleaner utility then installed the program again still the problem exists.

So I removed it and went back to the previous version 2014.9.0.2008 which till now there is no problem.

So what is problem exactly with the new version and how can I fix it?

Thanks.

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit (fully updated) - Firefox 26
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: jwoods301 on December 30, 2013, 09:47:19 AM
This issue has been reported in several different threads for 9.0.2011.

Considering the change log entries, there are several suspects (posted on Filehorse.com)...



What's new in this version:

- Finally fully rewritten the WebShield so that it now doesn't work as a "transparent proxy" anymore. I.e. no more routing of all HTTP traffic through the AvastSvc.exe process - which should hopefully result in no more conflicts with various firewalls (especially older firewalls that can't handle transparent proxies) and overall improvement in stability and performance. Besides that (and this is really exciting) it allows us to see and detect more threats (the original webshield had some limitations).

- The Firewall component (in IS and Premier) has also changed dramatically. Made it more compatible with other applications, such as Java and various VPN services.

- The installer/updater has been improved to allow more reliable installation in case of infected machines. The installer is now protected by the avast self-defense driver from the very beginning, making it harder for active malware to kill it (if you have problems starting the installer in the first place, it may be a good idea to try to rename the executable to a random name first)

- The changes in the File System Shield's driver should result in faster performance, especially in the copy files and install programs scenarios.

- We have also beefed up the Browser Cleanup tool to be able to rip off even the more stubborn toolbars and other "PUBEs" (Pontentially Unwanted Browser Extensions

- Also fixed a whole bunch of bugs reported in the last couple of months. Especially if you encountered a problem with R1, try this new version, chances are that the problem is resolved there.

Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on January 03, 2014, 03:45:59 PM
I don't why it worked for me but I decided to give the 9.0.2011 version a second chance so I removed the 9.0.2008 from the control panel, used the avast

cleaner, used the RejZoR's cleanup tool, did some registry cleaning with third party tools and installed the avast 9.0.2011 version.

And till now there is no high CPU usage whatsoever.

So it's better to close the thread for now.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: jwoods301 on January 03, 2014, 08:02:42 PM
You might consider putting SOLVED in your Subject line...
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: skinnypops on January 04, 2014, 12:09:41 PM
did all the same things yesterday. still having same problem. had over 200 megs built up before reinstall, so issue not solved.

skinnypops
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Udo Leverentz Mayer on January 06, 2014, 03:39:31 PM
Hi,

I'm having the same problem since updated to new version of Avast.

Windows 7 pro SP1 (DELL vostro 3500)
avast 2014.9.0.2011
chrome 31.0.1650.63 m

When I disable "Avast Internet Module", my notebook works fine.

Thanks
Title: NOT SOLVED FOR ME Re: (SOLVED) avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on January 18, 2014, 05:39:45 PM
I have tried all "fixes" in this thread but Avastsvc.exe is still using 90% cpu and generating GBs of temp files.  This problem can be found on seaches dating back to early December 2013 with thousands of reads.  It is an Avast problem that needs to be addressed, please!
Title: Re: (SOLVED) avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on January 18, 2014, 05:41:28 PM
Try the new beta: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=144768.0

Problem solved..??
Title: Asyn
Post by: REDACTED on January 18, 2014, 07:15:13 PM
Asyn, Thank you for the quick response.  I have downloaded and install the beta version you suggested.  I'll monitor for awhile and let you know if the problem is resolved.  Thanks again
Title: Re: (SOLVED) avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on January 18, 2014, 07:19:32 PM
You're welcome.
Title: Re: (SOLVED) avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on January 19, 2014, 06:16:55 PM
Asyn,
Have been running the beta version you recommended for over 24 hours now with heavy internet traffic.  Avastsvc.exe has not hung the computer one time.  It is back to  :)only consuming < 1% of cpu.  Thank you for solving this problem for me.
Jim  :)
Title: Re: (SOLVED) avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on January 19, 2014, 06:22:32 PM
Great. Thanks for the feedback Jim.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on January 21, 2014, 11:10:54 AM
OK I have to admit the problem has came back after two weeks so it's not resolved yet I will try the new beta and report back.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on January 21, 2014, 01:57:56 PM
OK I have to admit the problem has came back after two weeks so it's not resolved yet I will try the new beta and report back.

OK, please do so.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on January 30, 2014, 08:58:53 PM
One week after installing the 9.0.2013 version the high CPU usage returned again and I couldn't access the Internet because of avast.

The strange thing is that with other third party anti-virus the same problem happened.

If anyone want the dump file I am ready to upload it.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: essexboy on January 30, 2014, 10:19:08 PM
Are you emptying your temporary internet files ?

Clear Cache/Temp Files
Download TFC by OldTimer (http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/TFC.exe) to your desktop
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on January 31, 2014, 10:22:01 AM
I tried that but it doesn't help.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on February 07, 2014, 03:00:30 PM
I switched to other antivirus product for the time being but I really want avast to work again.

Any help?
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on February 07, 2014, 03:31:33 PM
- Which avast!..?? (Free/Pro/IS/Premier)
- Which version..??
- OS..?? (32/64 Bit..? - which SP..?)
- Other security related software installed..??
- Which AV(s) did you use before avast!..??
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on February 07, 2014, 03:47:53 PM
Avast Free 9.0.2013.
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1.
No other security products installed before or with avast.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on February 07, 2014, 03:50:23 PM
1. Download avast! Free Antivirus: http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
2. Follow instructions: http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed avast! versions..!!)
3. Reinstall avast! with the downloaded installer from point 1.
4. Reboot.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on February 07, 2014, 04:28:23 PM
I have tried that several times with no luck.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on February 07, 2014, 06:43:36 PM
I really need to talk to avast developers.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on February 08, 2014, 05:36:38 AM
I have tried that several times with no luck.

Add the two lines in your WebShield.ini

[General]
UseStreamFilter=0
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asim Omer on February 10, 2014, 09:31:32 PM
And where can I find webshield.ini?
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on February 11, 2014, 07:28:05 AM
And where can I find webshield.ini?

C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\Avast\WebShield.ini
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on September 14, 2014, 03:59:22 PM
Hello everyone,

I just tried this solution and it worked for me.

I am running Windows XP and my webShield.ini is at:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AVAST Software\Avast

I disable Avast Until Reboot, edited the file, and restarted. Avast's CPU usage is at zero and it's still happy.

Thank you for the help!
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: bob3160 on September 14, 2014, 05:06:24 PM
Hello everyone,

I just tried this solution and it worked for me.

I am running Windows XP and my webShield.ini is at:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AVAST Software\Avast

I disable Avast Until Reboot, edited the file, and restarted. Avast's CPU usage is at zero and it's still happy.

Thank you for the help!
Edited what ??? What changes did you make???
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: CraigB on September 14, 2014, 05:12:02 PM
Edited what ??? What changes did you make???
See Asyn's post "23" for the changes Bob.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: bob3160 on September 14, 2014, 05:23:04 PM
Edited what ??? What changes did you make???
See Asyn's post "23" for the changes Bob.
Thanks, I missed that.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: CraigB on September 14, 2014, 05:47:14 PM
NP's :)
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on September 20, 2014, 05:14:36 PM
Hello everyone,

I just tried this solution and it worked for me.
[...]
Thank you for the help!
You're welcome.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on March 23, 2015, 02:56:41 AM
You guys rock. I know this is an old thread but, I had to say thank you.

Anyone knows if this edit will survive future updates? ...or will I have to edit the webshield.ini after each update?
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: DavidR on March 23, 2015, 03:31:01 PM
You guys rock. I know this is an old thread but, I had to say thank you.

Anyone knows if this edit will survive future updates? ...or will I have to edit the webshield.ini after each update?

It should survive the update, if it is an update in-place and the update done from the avastUI. It should also be OK if you do an install over the top of your existing avast version.

The doubt would be if you did a clean reinstall, if the webshield.ini was replaced.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on March 30, 2015, 04:23:20 PM
Hey guys, I've been trying to update the WebShield by adding "[General] UseStreamFilter=0". I disable avast for 10 minutes, add the 2 lines to the webshield, save the document, an avast popup asks if I want to make the change, I click yes, I (try) to save the document,  then I get another popup that says "access denied". I'm logged in as admin, running windows 8 on a Surface Pro 3. Any ideas?
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: DavidR on March 30, 2015, 04:34:40 PM
Hey guys, I've been trying to update the WebShield by adding "[General] UseStreamFilter=0". I disable avast for 10 minutes, add the 2 lines to the webshield, save the document, an avast popup asks if I want to make the change, I click yes, I (try) to save the document,  then I get another popup that says "access denied". I'm logged in as admin, running windows 8 on a Surface Pro 3. Any ideas?

Disabling avast for 10 minutes won't cut it as that is disabling only the scanning protection, but it won't stop the avast Self Defence module from protecting avast itself.

AvastUI > Settings > Troubleshooting and disable the avast Self Defence module. Now you can run notepad as admin, open the avast WebShield.ini file and do the edit.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on April 02, 2015, 08:55:34 PM
That worked! Thanks!
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: DavidR on April 02, 2015, 10:00:24 PM
That worked! Thanks!

You're welcome.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Alpha-UMi on April 03, 2015, 12:26:16 AM
Just for curiosity, what exactly does the option "UseStreamFilter=0" do? I suppose it disables the Stream Filter, but what is this Stream Filter and how does it affect the web navigation?

I have the same CPU problem while watching online videos. After adding this option, the CPU is always at 100%, but the videos seem less laggy.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: DavidR on April 03, 2015, 01:32:23 AM
Just for curiosity, what exactly does the option "UseStreamFilter=0" do? I suppose it disables the Stream Filter, but what is this Stream Filter and how does it affect the web navigation?

It reverts to the old method of streaming the data being scanned as it is downloaded. I don't believe it makes any difference to actual web navigation.

I have the same CPU problem while watching online videos. After adding this option, the CPU is always at 100%, but the videos seem less laggy.

Two things which you don't mention: ?
1. your OS as the "UseStreamFilter=0" isn't supported on XP or Vista as you would still be using the old method.
2. what version of avast 2015.10.2.2215 being the latest.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Alpha-UMi on April 03, 2015, 10:28:40 AM
Thank you for the info about the Stream Filter, DavidR!

About your questions:
1. XP SP3 - So for me that option doesn't make any difference!
2. Latest version, 2015.10.2.2215

I've disabled all the protection for a test, and my CPU still goes to maximum almost instantly when flash player is involved in some way. So, I believe avast! is not the problem here. Thank you anyway!
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: bob3160 on April 03, 2015, 02:05:33 PM
Thank you for the info about the Stream Filter, DavidR!

About your questions:
1. XP SP3 - So for me that option doesn't make any difference!
2. Latest version, 2015.10.2.2215

I've disabled all the protection for a test, and my CPU still goes to maximum almost instantly when flash player is involved in some way. So, I believe avast! is not the problem here. Thank you anyway!
Don't know if this applies to your situation but, you may want to try the following:
https://youtu.be/IToxyxi7tRQ (https://youtu.be/IToxyxi7tRQ)
Let us know if that helps. :)
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: DavidR on April 03, 2015, 03:38:30 PM
Thank you for the info about the Stream Filter, DavidR!

About your questions:
1. XP SP3 - So for me that option doesn't make any difference!
2. Latest version, 2015.10.2.2215

I've disabled all the protection for a test, and my CPU still goes to maximum almost instantly when flash player is involved in some way. So, I believe avast! is not the problem here. Thank you anyway!

You're welcome.

With XP - some of the new features wont work because XP doesn't have the interface to handle them, so avast uses the existing (old) methods. Interestingly enough it is these new methods that have cause some slowdown issues, which shouldn't be the issue here.

Hopefully Bobs youtube clip will resolve your problem.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Michael574 on July 07, 2015, 06:57:55 PM
Hi, I've got this same problem now and it's really Peeing me off.

I'm running windows 8. I've tried looking for that "webshield.ini" file bu can't seem to find it.

I'm not very computer savvy, so any step by step instructions on how to fix this problem will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on August 08, 2015, 06:21:11 PM
Michael, you should find the answer you're looking for in this thread on page 2.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on August 08, 2015, 07:09:56 PM
Just by the way, I applied Bob's fix too, which is what brought me to this thread. It worked!

Thanks.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: bob3160 on August 08, 2015, 07:17:51 PM
My pleasure. Glad I was able to help. :)




Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on October 23, 2015, 12:09:14 AM
Are you emptying your temporary internet files ?

Clear Cache/Temp Files
Download TFC by OldTimer (http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/TFC.exe) to your desktop
  • Please double-click TFC.exe to run it. (Note: If you are running on Vista, right-click on the file and choose Run As Administrator).
  • It will close all programs when run, so make sure you have saved all your work before you begin.
  • Click the Start button to begin the process. Depending on how often you clean temp files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two.  Let it run uninterrupted to completion.
  • Once it's finished it should reboot your machine. If it does not, please manually reboot the machine yourself to ensure a complete clean.

Thanks for this great utility, it helped me clear a little over four gigabytes of temp files that were cluttering up my system, but this, nor did a fresh re-install of Avast bring me joy.

I have tried that several times with no luck.

Add the two lines in your WebShield.ini

[General]
UseStreamFilter=0

Asyn, thank you so much for posting this edit.  I've an older desktop that's running Windows XP with Service Pack 3 installed, and I was experiencing a high (100%) CPU usage for nearly a week, and could not pinpoint what was causing Avast to hog up my machine's entire CPU and resources, despite completely removing, and re-installing Avast.

Since my resources and CPU were being tied down, while AvastSvc.exe was running in the background, I wasn't able to edit WebShield.ini in Windows normally, and applied the changes, while running Windows in Safe Mode.  So far, my machine seems to be running without any issues.  I will monitor it, and report with any updates.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on October 23, 2015, 06:22:15 AM
After monitoring my desktop for a few hours, the modifications to WebShield.ini did not remedy my problem.

AvastSvc.exe has crippled my system, and even affected Skype, causing it to have critical errors, and disallowing it to run properly.

I've uninstalled Avast through Revo Uninstaller Pro, then removed the remainder through Avastclear to ensure that it was completely removed.

I've even experienced this issue with the 2016 Beta.  Upon installing it, my machine froze.  After rebooting my machine, I was back to a crawl, thanks to AvastSvc.exe bogging down my system's entire resources.

Unfortunately, I've uninstalled Avast (yet again) and switched over to AVG until this matter gets resolved.

For those curious, I was running Avast 2015 on a custom-built desktop computer, running Windows XP, with Service Pack 3 installed.

My machine has a Maxtor hard drive, two gigabytes of RAM, an AMD Athlon (XP 2600) Processor at 2.08 GHz, and an American Megatrends Motherboard.

I realize that Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows XP, but my desktop is mainly used for audio production, and I've used Avast for ten years.

As I've said in my previous post, this problem began, late last Friday (October 16, 2015) so I'm assuming I've run into a bad update, or some kind of conflict in my machine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Dr. Kosher
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: MíraS on October 27, 2015, 07:22:50 PM
My noun in Avast version 10.4.2233 instaled on W-XP/SP3 (two different PC) and slow CPU (about 1GHz).
If user have system setting without password and starting automaticaly to desktop (without login screen) AvastSvc and Csrss is locking together, but if usualy change setting windows to use Login screen and wait about 1 minute before loging - everithing is OK.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on November 11, 2015, 10:43:41 PM

Add the two lines in your WebShield.ini

[General]
UseStreamFilter=0
Just did it but no success. After a few minutes, the high cpu usage by AvastSvc.exe returns. Any other ideas?

Avast free 11.1.2241
Windows 7 64 bit fully updated
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on November 12, 2015, 11:51:54 AM
Please note: Avast has changed in many ways/aspects since I posted (check the date!!) this.
If you've similar problems with the newer versions I strongly suggest to start a new topic.
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: REDACTED on March 23, 2016, 09:32:33 AM
I am also having this problem after last update. Windows XP with Lenovo T61 (Core Duo T7500)
Title: Re: avastsvc.exe high CPU usage
Post by: Asyn on March 23, 2016, 09:41:15 AM
I am also having this problem after last update. Windows XP with Lenovo T61 (Core Duo T7500)
Start a new topic: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?action=post;board=2