Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: joe009 on December 30, 2013, 04:24:45 PM
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Problems after problems since updating to the new avast. Many web pages not working unless i disable avasts shields.
Im turning the shields off so much now theres no point having avast so I give up.
Going back to AVG after 5 years.
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Will you try attaching a OTL diagnostic log first?
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If the pages aren't loading...
Hallo, we have discovered an issue in new WebShield implementation. This is probably reason of your problems. We are preparing fix for that.
Meanwhile you can try to switch to old WebShield implementation. To do that, please
Go to C:\programdata\avast software\avast directory
Find the WebShield.ini, file and add following lines:
[General]
UseStreamFilter=0
Now restart „avast! Antivirus“ service, or reboot.
Please let us to know if the problem is gone.
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Problems after problems since updating to the new avast. Many web pages not working unless i disable avasts shields.
Im turning the shields off so much now theres no point having avast so I give up.
Going back to AVG after 5 years.
If you want to stay with Avast then go back to version 8. It works. If you really are finished with Avast I can't blame you. I have also been looking at other AV's. I have been a long time user of Avast and have recommended Avast to a countless amount of people . But I just can not recommend them anymore.
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Joe,
why not try to solve your problems?
Ever thought that avast is blocking those websites for a legitimate reason? (containing malware, malicious code etc)
What do you mean with "new avast"? What exact version?
What os/sp?
Ram,
stop giving people a useless advise please ask you have been asked several times now.
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If I go back to version 8;
How do you prevent it from updating to version 9 ?
I tried to do this a couple of weeks ago, unchecked auto update and it did not help.
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If the pages aren't loading...
Hallo, we have discovered an issue in new WebShield implementation. This is probably reason of your problems. We are preparing fix for that.
Meanwhile you can try to switch to old WebShield implementation. To do that, please
Go to C:\programdata\avast software\avast directory
Find the WebShield.ini, file and add following lines:
[General]
UseStreamFilter=0
Now restart „avast! Antivirus“ service, or reboot.
Please let us to know if the problem is gone.
Given the apparent recent spate of emupdates, does this hack still work as intended?
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If the pages aren't loading...
Hallo, we have discovered an issue in new WebShield implementation. This is probably reason of your problems. We are preparing fix for that.
Meanwhile you can try to switch to old WebShield implementation. To do that, please
Go to C:\programdata\avast software\avast directory
Find the WebShield.ini, file and add following lines:
[General]
UseStreamFilter=0
Now restart „avast! Antivirus“ service, or reboot.
Please let us to know if the problem is gone.
Given the apparent recent spate of emupdates, does this hack still work as intended?
It's not a hack.. it's a fix.
It still works as intended.
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It's not a hack.. it's a fix.
Alikhan, Thanks for that.
With respect, the procedure given requires a user to manually edit one of the .ini files.
The advice was given as a "you can try..." and "Please let us to know if the problem is gone". It also says "We are preparing fix for that", and does suggest the .ini edit would "switch to old WebShield implementation". In my book that is a "workaround" requiring a user modification to the content of a file to a form other than what had been officially released, so it's a "hack" not a "fix"
But that's just me being pedantic.
I don't know is whether the "fix" mentioned in the post was ever subsequently issued (maybe one of the emupdates that have occurred since) and if that were to be the case, whether the "fix" might have made the .ini change invalid. There is at least one report that indicates the code added into the .ini file had disappeared after one of the emupdates.
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It's not a hack.. it's a fix.
Alikhan, Thanks for that.
With respect, the procedure given requires a user to manually edit one of the .ini files.
The advice was given as a "you can try..." and "Please let us to know if the problem is gone". It also says "We are preparing fix for that", and does suggest the .ini edit would "switch to old WebShield implementation". In my book that is a "workaround" requiring a user modification to the content of a file to a form other than what had been officially released, so it's a "hack" not a "fix"
But that's just me being pedantic.
I don't know is whether the "fix" mentioned in the post was ever subsequently issued (maybe one of the emupdates that have occurred since) and if that were to be the case, whether the "fix" might have made the .ini change invalid. There is at least one report that indicates the code added into the .ini file had disappeared after one of the emupdates.
I'd agree that it's a workaround of an issue which has been address by the avast! emergency updater (Win 7 and Win 8). The patch isn't out for Windows Vista so it would be a fix for the issue there...
I'm not sure if the patch overwrites the .ini data, however, I'm certain that after the patch you can edit .ini to your likings and the changes should remain.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=143211.0
On the topic their, it's also labelled as a "fix".
From that thread, could you check that (to ensure if you have had the fix applied):
To verify you have the patch applied, you may go to:
C:\Program Files\Avast Software\Avast\Setup\Inf\x86 or .\x64
You should see:
aswstm.sys - file version: 9.0.2011.265
aswstm.sys.sum - file size: 223 bytes
To be on the safe side on things, you could have the right file and the fix applied. ;)
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http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=143211.0
Thanks for the link, I was following that thread a while ago, but had not been back to read the more recent posts.
To verify you have the patch applied, you may go to:
C:\Program Files\Avast Software\Avast\Setup\Inf\x86 or .\x64
You should see:
aswstm.sys - file version: 9.0.2011.265
aswstm.sys.sum - file size: 223 bytes
It appears from http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=143211.msg1040384#msg1040384, and http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=143211.msg1040389#msg1040389 that is is also worth checking aswstm.sys file inside c:\Windows\system32\drivers to make sure it is also 9.0.2011.265
To be on the safe side on things, you could have the right file and the fix applied.
Yes, Lukor's post at http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=143211.msg1042670#msg1042670 does seem to confirm that one can apply the .ini edit after the aswstm.sys (9.0.2011.265) and aswstm.sys.sum update.
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Joe,
why not try to solve your problems?
Ever thought that avast is blocking those websites for a legitimate reason? (containing malware, malicious code etc)
What do you mean with "new avast"? What exact version?
What os/sp?
Ram,
stop giving people a useless advise please ask you have been asked several times now.
It's not useless info. There are numerous problems with 2014 that the common response is to disable this or that. I recommend that people go back to version 8 which is a working version of Avast. So no I will not stop telling people this info. You Eddy have been told this several times now.
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So sure are you that the current version with a few "Tools" deconfigured is not better than an older version?
-Noel
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ram,
there are also problems with version 8. Problem with the 2014.9.0.2011 version is often pebkac, but it is working fine.
Telling people to go back to version 8 is NOT a solution. It is like telling people to remove windows and install dos v1.
You are telling people you have a fix, but you don't give them the fix.
"I have to ask my teacher first".... :-(
No you don't.
If you have a fix, tell it to the person who has a problem and solve the problem.
That is what helping is about.
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Like others, I've been a loyal Avast user and advocate for many years, but feel I had no choice but to jump ship this morning. I updated to 2011 a week ago that essentially made browsing impossible as long as web shield was active. Everything worked normally when switched off, and System Restore was able to revert Avast to the previous version. Though probably of no help, I posted my experiences. I've since learned that even the previous "good" version was erroneously blocking some websites.
I made sure that Program Update was set to Manual to avoid a possible automatic update, but this morning the web shield was disabled. Hitting "REPAIR" installed 2011 all over again; and the problems previously encountered reappeared. Unfortunately, System Restore didn't this time, but the Avast removal tool finally got rid of the program in the Safe Mode.
I'd love to be able to help troubleshoot the problem, but if had been earning just minimum wage for the hours I've already spent troubleshooting and trying to restore the computer after the 2011 update episodes, I could have bought any of the full version antivirus programs out there! NOT everyone is a computer geek or has the knowledge, time, or inclination to dive into the inner workings of their machines … and that's even if there was a reliable repair. They simply expect their antivirus program to work or at least not screw things up.
Perhaps I'm mistaken and the Avast crew is really taking these problems seriously, but excusing the matter by saying that "most people don't have any issues" is condescending and likely without basis in fact. Most users don't have a clue what's wrong when their computer experiences any of the problems being enumerated in this forum. Most don't even know there is a forum! They're screwed without even knowing the cause!
I'll keep monitoring and hoping this issue will be resolved; possibly I'll return to Avast. I really liked it, not to mention the sexy definition update announcements! Now to take care of my other five computers that also have Avast, not to mention the several computers I routinely maintain for others. :(
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I took the matters in my hand and actually did something about the problem - helped avast! to fix it for quite a high % of people.
I encourage those who still have the problem contact Lukor. He's really nice person and the process of helping is fairly very simple (with instructions). It's basically all about updating the driver, then restarting PC, starting one small program and going to internet. After encountering problems, send in the logs. That is, when new driver doesn't help.
Isn't it an awesome feeling after helping avast! to fix the problem for other users? I think so at least :)
Avast! is community driven in my opinion and we all can help them make avast! better! 8)
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Hi Turtledriver,
Loads of people are enthusiastic about what webshield protection provided. I see some complaints on the forums that it hinders certain users going to certain locations. Would unblocking those not be dangerous? Did you establish beyond a shred of a doubt that these websites were free of malcode,(spyware, clickfraud), not on an IP that launches additional malcode via other domains? Did you report in the virus and worms section to get an exclusion for a specific domain you cannot visit because of shield blocking from an avast staff member?
Why you want to throw the child our with the bathwater? Often found that an av solution that interferes too much with bad Internet (security )habits is being disqualified as "bad", "bloatware", "too strict too handle", some users here react like "spoilt teens" when told what is better for them no to,
polonus
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Lord Ami: Good comments, and when I can, I'll get back to troubleshooting using one of my other computers; I just don't have time at the moment and can't afford to tie up my main machine. But again, how do you measure the percentage of those being helped vs. those who don't have a clue what's wrong and don't post here?
Polonus: Yes, without a doubt, it was the 2011 update from Avast – not the websites or malware.
UPDATE: Perhaps I misspoke when I mentioned Web Shield - it was the Antivirus program itself!
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I think the intent behind telling people it CAN work might be to give them hope that there may be something specific that can be done to make it work for them. And I do think virtually everyone would notice if their Internet access just stopped working. 'Course it might be a bit harder for them to come here to complain about it, at least right away... :D
-Noel
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Just to clarify, I could still get on the Net with the 2011 version. However, some pages loaded normally, others would load verrrrrry slowly, others wouldn't load at all, and a few "clean" sites were blocked altogether! Most people I know wouldn't even suspect their antivirus program and getting onto this forum would never cross their minds. They'd just think something was wrong with their computer or Internet connection!
UPDATE: Now that I'm using a different AV program, I can't help noticing how many of the sites I frequent are loading at least twice as fast!
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I also have given up on Avast 9.0.2011 till the high memory use is solved , i find the help you get on this Avast forum very bad at this moment and nobody from Avast does reply!!! Maybe i go back when they have solved eveything.
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Are you sure there's a "high memory use" problem?
I've been, at the moment, running on my present bootup for 3-1/2 days, and I've looked occasionally at the memory usage by AvastSvc. It's gone up and down, and at the moment is using 74 MB of RAM. I don't consider that a problem. Many programs use that much. I have a pretty big system, and I realize that some may not have RAM to burn.
Are you saying that an antivirus program that uses this much RAM to do its normal work is using "too much"? If so, how much would be acceptable to you?
-Noel
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Right now Avast is using only 67 MB of Ram.
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I think that this topic is no longer serving its purpose or perhaps it has.
The OP has lit the blue touch paper and retired (single post and no response to anyone), clearly they aren't seeking help and hasn't been back on-line since his post.
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Right now Avast is using only 67 MB of Ram.
I don't think the amount of RAM used is the issue. It's the jump from v9.0.2009 which averaged around 5-10mb RAM to around (in some systems) adove 150mb RAM idle.
It could be down to the Web Shield/File Shield new system aka no transparent proxy and the speed of the file shield but that should't affect the PC while idle.
It's been claimed by some users that during VPS updates, the RAM is getting lower... So it is possible, perhaps fixes are coming in via VPS (which is possible)
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As a software engineer, I've certainly made choices in my own software to use more RAM to speed things up. Certainly, the use of system resources by tools should always be done with a mind that the user actually wants/needs those resources for the things he wants to do, but (putting myself in the shoes of an Avast engineer) I wouldn't think twice about using 100 MB of RAM if it meant that it would bring a faster/smoother experience to the user - who has installed Avast on purpose.
Early on there were reports that there may be a memory "leak", but I didn't see it then and I don't see it now. Maybe others are misinterpreting what they're seeing, or maybe they're actually seeing it go up and up because of a choice of different options than I'm using, I don't know. But details matter, and there's a shortage of them with regard to this "problem".
-Noel
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Only avast! can answer the "memory leak" question... they've received dozens of process dumps.
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In the greater scheme of things (after all it is a security application) memory is there to be used, especially if on windows default settings performance is king, so memory will be used where possible/available to help with performance.
Looking at the task manager on my XP Pro system, avast doesn't use much on my system and compared to others is frugal. Just look at another security application example, MBAM, not only is the mbamservice.exe much higher than avastsvc.exe, it also has two other services mbamscheduler and mbamgiu which add another 12mb to the RAM use.
Not only that mbam is also a bit of a CPU hog at times, as seen in this screenshot and all I was doing was browsing/compiling this and capturing the screenshot.
There are many other application that aren't security related and these can be RAM hogs, well in excess of avasts resource use.
Some time ago the avastUI was using more memory than it is now on 9.0.2011, now I don't know if that is/was a memory leak, if so it would appear something has been done in regard of the avastui.exe memory use.
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My memory use goes up too 200MB and when thee is a vsp update of Avast it is at 20MB but then it is growing again too 200MB , i have a topic about it but there is nobody from avast who helps , i also have send a ticket too them with a dumpfile of avast but also with that i don't get a anwser back >:( :(
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Not going to write something new again, simply quoting myself from another topic:
In my opinion, no AV should ever need to exclude whole folders or even have to be turned (temporarily) off. I don't know how tolerant others are, but if you're unsatisfied with a specific program don't hesitate and search for other options. There's no better way to tell the developers you don't agree with their direction of the program than to stop using it.
However, if the majority can deal with it and the forumers will stay as some kind of cult as "Evangelists" (yes, I'm aware it's just a title reaching for a lot of postings, but that doesn't make it look less stupid in my eyes) preaching how good Avast is or how well they're managing with it, then nothing will change.
It's up to the individual whether you want to give a clear sign to have the developers change their program to your liking or to adapt to every change they make and to deal with it, regardless of how bad you think it has become.
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I've gone to a different AV after trying different options in an attempt to get avast working. I tried the fix by Zdenek and it didn't work on my windows xp computer. I've done several clean installs and numerous websites will not load including this one. If someone knows of a fix for Windows xp, I would love to hear it. I have used Avast for several years, but I need access to the internet and the AV I'm now using allows me to access the sites I use.
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I've have gone too a other AV now , i find it strange at this moment that Biitdefender Internet Security 2014 is lighter than Avast Internet Security 2014 but is is true at this moment because i am running Bitdefender now.
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Bye guys. It's clear you cared about this decision, or you wouldn't be here still. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
-Noel
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Bye guys. It's clear you cared about this decision, or you wouldn't be here still. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
-Noel
I was a Avast user for the last 5 years at a row si i am a realy Avast user but the product need too be changed that it is working as it suposed too do.
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the product need too be changed that it is working as it suposed too do.
You write as though it's not working as it's supposed to work for everyone. That's a bit of an overgeneralization.
I only mention that, not because I want to minimize your experience but because others might read this forum and think everyone's unable to make it work, which is not the case.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a bit of recent trouble with it myself (for the first time in years), but it appears to have been because of a corrupted update - and after having uninstalled and reinstalled it (choosing the options I want) now it's working perfectly. I wish my experience could apply to everyone.
-Noel
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I've have gone too a other AV now , i find it strange at this moment that Biitdefender Internet Security 2014 is lighter than Avast Internet Security 2014 but is is true at this moment because i am running Bitdefender now.
FYI, I would be careful with Bitdefender...
I understand it has deleted files that were quarantined, rather than giving the user the option.
http://forum.bitdefender.com/index.php?showtopic=47724 (http://forum.bitdefender.com/index.php?showtopic=47724)
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I've have gone too a other AV now , i find it strange at this moment that Biitdefender Internet Security 2014 is lighter than Avast Internet Security 2014 but is is true at this moment because i am running Bitdefender now.
I used Bitdefender Total security for a while, I found it more resource heavy than Avast Premier. It worked well with very few problems and little interference (I still have a license for it). I just prefer Avast! :)
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No issues on my system of xp fully patched works ok. If any spyware is on your computer or traces of macafees or nortons & Avg. etc. Avast will not work correctly. They have uninstaller programes.
You can get older versions of avast from filehippo.com. I am using version 8 on my main computer
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Bye guys. It's clear you cared about this decision, or you wouldn't be here still. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
-Noel
I'm primarily just for my amusement here. :D However, that might die soon enough, but I can't guarantee it.
And nothing's wrong with giving hints to devs why one has (temporarily) turned his/her back on Avast, although I would at least refrain from mentioning other AV solutions.
On a side note: actually, I still do care a little bit about the development of Avast since I continue to use it on a laptop, because I'm too lazy to uninstall it and to install another AV.
Besides, since I don't use it much and especially not as a working station and because there aren't any critical bugs, I simply don't bother with changing AV as long as the system is running fine and dandy.
-Randissimo