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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: REDACTED on May 07, 2015, 01:45:27 AM

Title: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 07, 2015, 01:45:27 AM
Hi,
the latest update to the Avast program slows down file-handling on my PC. Every file open, every file save (both SSD and HDD) take cca 30+ times (used stopwatch to approximate it) longer.
Anybody else too, pls?
Any advice perhaps?
Many thx in advance!
Best,
PT
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: Endt on May 07, 2015, 03:17:41 PM
Hi again p.t,

Can you please send us a support package? (quick how to and download link for generating the support package, https://www.avast.com/en-us/faq.php?article=AVKB33). Please make sure that "Automatically send to Avast" option is ticked, and don't forget to post here the Package ID.

Thanks,
B.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: okapal on May 07, 2015, 05:17:48 PM
Hello,
since few days ago (my current version of the program is 2015.10.2.2218) I have been having issue with my PC performance. I tried to tweak the Avast settings and figured out that the File system shield is the problem. When it's turned on, the computer is completely slowed down, every program takes ages to start, browsers are loading blank pages and it takes long time to to appear it's content (using Opera, tried on IE too). When I turn it off, the computer works like a charm, no slowness at all...

I tried to look trough the forum and internet but found no solution.

I made a package as stated in the previous post, I hope I made it as needed.

The Package ID is: Y0VX3

I hope to see this problem solved, I like Avast more than the others, but if the problem prevails I will be forced to use another program. I don't know what could have changed, it started to be happening actually two days ago, before that I had no problems at all...

Thank you for your help
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 08, 2015, 07:35:24 AM
I'm having exactly same issue as okapal. It all started 2 days ago and I even made clean windows 7 install since I couldn't figure out what was cousing these slow down issues and once I installed avast on this clean installation it started again. Disabling shields solved the issue but without shields, what is the point of using avast ? Also I can't even register this new avast installation, it says there are some connection issues and to check my internet connection (which is perfectly fine of course).

Any help appreciated. If it keeps like this I will have to use another antivirus since avast is totally unusable right now.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 08, 2015, 11:19:06 AM
I have the same experience. On machine with Windows 8.1, SSD drive, Intel Core i7 processor, 16 MB of RAM one of Avast latest updates significantly slowed down every action where files are in touch - opening new program, opening new data file, Windows startup itself and after startup initialization, opening new web page in my browser (latest Maxthon)...

After Avast unistalllation problems disappeared completely.

P.S. After new Avast installation problem is here again. Terrible performance impact. :-(

P.P.S. Support package ID: 9QD4P
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 08, 2015, 01:45:12 PM
Hi there,
just the same with me. It slowed down completely. Just starting video or anything else is taking ages. Before it just pop up and run. Turned off avast and it ran like before, so the problem is clearly in avast.
Please, is there anyone who knows solution to this?

Thanks in advance

p.s
othervise will let avast go away
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 08, 2015, 02:54:04 PM
Exactly same issue here..  :-\
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 08, 2015, 03:00:05 PM
What is also strange about this issue is that I can't even log in into my avast account (in avast program) and can't register my instalation so I have 29 days left before it expires. Never experienced this issue before. If I click on that "Shop" icon (I'm using czech version so not sure how it's called in english version) it just keeps loading but nothing ever appears and I'm stuck on that. Clicking on register button just tells me that online content is not available. Also I have not seen any pop-up window since I installed it which is strange, I'm always getting at least one pop-up window every day when avast updates.

Reinstall also does not help since I reinstalled whole system. So far the only working solution is to disable file system shield and everything works fine. It almost feels like there is some kind of "lag" or connection issue with the avast servers that completely slows down any action that avast do, including online avast services that does not work at all for me.

To those that are experiencing this issue, what localization of avast are you using ? I have suspicion if it's not only problem with czech version of avast. I have been googling for few hours but I can't find any info about this on the internet and I think this rather big issue.

Would be really nice if we could get some info about this issue and if it has been at least recognized and if you are working on some solution. I really don't want to be forced to use my computer with shields disabled any longer.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: Asyn on May 08, 2015, 03:40:13 PM
Hi guys, I suggest to follow Endt's advice (Reply #2) and provide your support packages.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 08, 2015, 04:44:23 PM
Hi guys, I suggest to follow Endt's advice (Reply #2) and provide your support packages.
By the way, that diagnostic tool did not find anything wrong with my avast and everything was green, no issues detected.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: okapal on May 08, 2015, 04:47:53 PM
The same here. I assume that the package is sent to avast team and then, after they see this forum, will take a look at the problem with the support of these packages with some sort of informations about system etc.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: Asyn on May 08, 2015, 05:05:37 PM
I assume that the package is sent to avast team and then, after they see this forum, will take a look at the problem with the support of these packages with some sort of informations about system etc.
Exactly.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 09, 2015, 08:51:17 PM
Same issue, and sometimes I have to restart computer, because explorer.exe doesn't want to start.
My ID ticket of this problem: ZYID9
File: 20150509_1846_ZYID9_2648967703.zip
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 10, 2015, 10:26:29 AM
Been looking around and you may try this:
Go to options -  active protection.
Than go to options of the file shield. On the first card is "test on boot" or boottest (I'm not so sure with the translation), there uncheck all the three fields.
It helped to me, so it might be useful for someone else too.

 :)
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 10, 2015, 10:45:23 AM
Been looking around and you may try this:
Go to options -  active protection.
Than go to options of the file shield. On the first card is "test on boot" or boottest (I'm not so sure with the translation), there uncheck all the three fields.
It helped to me, so it might be useful for someone else too.
Thanks a lot for this! Worked like a charm.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 10, 2015, 11:32:49 AM
I think there‘s problem with DNS service try change DNS to 8.8.8.8 and it’s OK
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: Asyn on May 10, 2015, 12:47:54 PM
Been looking around and you may try this:
Go to options -  active protection.
Than go to options of the file shield. On the first card is "test on boot" or boottest (I'm not so sure with the translation), there uncheck all the three fields.
It helped to me, so it might be useful for someone else too.
Thanks a lot for this! Worked like a charm.
Note: You just disabled a part of the resident protection.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 10, 2015, 01:03:35 PM
Been looking around and you may try this:
Go to options -  active protection.
Than go to options of the file shield. On the first card is "test on boot" or boottest (I'm not so sure with the translation), there uncheck all the three fields.
It helped to me, so it might be useful for someone else too.
Thanks a lot for this! Worked like a charm.
Note: You just disabled a part of the resident protection.
Well I had to turn off that shield completely for past couple of days because with that shield on, avast was unusable and whole computer slowed down significantly so it's the best soluton I have seen so far. If it's intentional for avast to slow down whole computer and to wait 10-15sec for every application to open then I would rather use something diferent or turn off those parts that causes these performance issues.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: pk on May 10, 2015, 08:18:22 PM
We're still investigating this issue... those who observes slowdown, can you please:
1) Tell me when it happens? Is it during application starting process? Or during regular open file-system activities? Or sometime else?
2) Does it help when you disable "Settings / Enable reputation services" ?
3) You can also try to enable File system logging (OK items) and see if it doesn't scan any files... "Settings / Active protection / File system shield / Report file / OK items"
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: okapal on May 10, 2015, 09:35:43 PM
Hello pk,
I am glad you are looking into the problem.

1] It happens everytime I want to start an application, run the application or close the application... What I mean, after the system is fully loaded on and I want to use web browser, the actual start of the browser is slow as hell. Then, when it starts, every move in the browser is affected as well (i.e. loading pages, using shortcuts and even when I close the browser it takes around 15-20 second before it is shut down). Happens to most of the programs (skype, games, media players - music&video). But it doesn't seem to happen when I open some regular file, like on a desktop or in My Computer.

2] That actually seems to be helping. I will test it more to see if the difference prevails or not and let you know by the end of the day

3] How do I see that it scans those files or not?

EDIT: Disabling the reputation services partly helped, it's better then with this option enabled, but the system isn't still as fast as with the shield turned off completely.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 10, 2015, 10:20:44 PM
Hello pk,

basically what okapal said.
1. happens when opening application. It takes around 10-15 sec to open. I noticed that immediately when I open some application it appears in task manager with only 100kB usage and without any activity and after 10-15 sec the application finally open. Same thing happens when opening any video files or when I want to shut down or restart computer it takes around the same time (10-15sec) before it starts shutting down/restarting.

2. didn't notice any significant diference. What helped was what vavra wrote in this topic about unchecking all 3 boxes in file shield settings on the first card or completely turning off file shield - the result is same and all applications and file operation works like they should. But there is still some lag when I browse the internet. Every site first loads blank page, then avast probably test the files and after that the site loads. Again, this takes around 10 sec to load every page. Turning web shield off would probably solved that but I don't want to turn off web shield so I did not test this.

I think the reason for these slow downs is apparent. It's taking avast too much time to test every application/file/whatever I want to open which causes those "lags".
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 10, 2015, 10:54:15 PM
For me, the first start of my laptop after an updgrade was very slow. Then every app start was slow. I restarted a few times. Now it takes Winamp to start, but when I open song in Windows explorer everything is fine. Problem is a video file. I use PotPlayer and it takes about 20sec to open from Windows Explorer, when I open it in PotPlayer or drag and move it from Windows Explorer it starts to play immediately.

Also yesterday I had to restart my laptop a few times because explorer.exe (desktop, all windows) did not start :( .
Avast starts every time very slow after reboot.


2) this thing is causing the problem! I'm turning it off and try it.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: Baz8755 on May 11, 2015, 01:41:27 PM
+1

During 1st file open dialog after boot in any application
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 11, 2015, 06:35:28 PM
Hi, got the same problem, starting any program took about 15 seconds, disabling reputation services worked perfectly for me... Thanx  :)
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: igor on May 12, 2015, 09:04:18 AM
Anybody affected... can you please guess when the problem started? I mean, was it right after updating the Avast program to a new version, or has the new version already been installed for a while at the moment (or someone may still be running the previous version)? If it wasn't connected to a program update, could it be a virus definition update that started it (I know it may be hard to say, just trying), or did it simply start without any specific event you know of, out of the blue?
Thanks.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: Baz8755 on May 12, 2015, 10:01:14 AM
Only noticed in the past week and happened to spot this thread and put 2 and 2 together.

Running up to date Program and Definitions on 8.1 pro
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 12, 2015, 02:16:01 PM
It started after the upgrade. The version is from 20th something April, my Avast was updated last week (6th or 7th May)
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: okapal on May 12, 2015, 04:57:30 PM
Started exactly on 5th of May... The newest version was already installed I think, but I am not sure about it. I only dont recall installing new version during that period of time
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 12, 2015, 05:18:52 PM
Disabling reputation services fixes the issue completely for me.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: bob3160 on May 12, 2015, 05:22:30 PM
Disabling reputation services fixes the issue completely for me.

Reputation service (Avast Online Security) is only used when on-line???
How can that effect or, solve the problem being discussed in this topic ???
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 12, 2015, 06:22:49 PM
this problem appeared 3 or 4 days after the last update...
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: abruptum on May 12, 2015, 06:25:11 PM
Disabling reputation services fixes the issue completely for me.

Reputation service (Avast Online Security) is only used when on-line???
How can that effect or, solve the problem being discussed in this topic ???
I believe they are talking about this :

http://imgur.com/D02WFGd
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: bob3160 on May 12, 2015, 06:38:28 PM
Still waiting for someone with the problem to submit a support package as requested here:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=170732.msg1212315#msg1212315 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=170732.msg1212315#msg1212315)
Complaining isn't going to solve the problem. The support package probably will. :)
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 13, 2015, 08:49:55 AM
This problem appeared for me 6.5.2015 and I already had the newest version of avast installed so it was caused by some virus definition update for sure. But I also noticed that for past 2 days, this issue is almost gone even with all shields activated and reputation services enabled. I still think that it slightly slows down some applications when I open them for the first time after reboot but it's maybe 2sec delay with shields on compared to instant opening with shields off. It was way worse before.
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: Baz8755 on May 13, 2015, 09:11:57 AM
I agree, I tried again last night and on my SSD based system the delay on the open file dialog was only a second or 2 whereas previously it's been 5 seconds or more. Something has improved but not entirely fixed the situation.
Title: workaround
Post by: REDACTED on May 13, 2015, 08:54:40 PM
Hi,
I can confirm a workaround posted in this thread before, which works for me too:
Settings -> General -> Enable reputation services = OFF (uncheck)

BTW In case you opt out of "Participate in the Avast community" which is located in the same window, Avast program update tends to turn it nicely ON :-/ How trustworthy, sigh.

Best,
PT
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: REDACTED on May 14, 2015, 07:36:20 PM
Still waiting for someone with the problem to submit a support package as requested here:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=170732.msg1212315#msg1212315 (https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=170732.msg1212315#msg1212315)
Complaining isn't going to solve the problem. The support package probably will. :)
I sent it: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=170732.msg1213101#msg1213101
at least I hope. If not I'm not going to bother about that, because now updates is not working even though avast showed ad banner!!
Title: Re: Latest program update slows down file handling
Post by: Baz8755 on May 14, 2015, 10:10:10 PM
Sorry to report 'Open File' dialogue very slow again today