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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: DaneBrooke on February 06, 2008, 12:17:16 AM

Title: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DaneBrooke on February 06, 2008, 12:17:16 AM
I have been running Avast! for a couple of weeks and usually task manager (Win 2000 Pro + SP4 + all security updates to date) just shows the standard processes. Today I noticed things a little slow and a process I never saw before (avast.setup) is running and using about 30% of the CPU.  Can anyone shed light on this for me?
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Tarq57 on February 06, 2008, 12:35:54 AM
Yep, I'd asked about this one, too. (The sys tray red and green arrows?) It slows mine right down for a minute or two while it's doing its thing. CPU fluctuates between ~ 20-32 during this time. It's normal.
I would like to know why some updates do it, and some don't.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DavidR on February 06, 2008, 03:11:47 PM
avast.setup is the auto update process downloading VPS updates, it is set to a lower than normal priority, so as not to be a system resources hog, if it is only taking 30% of CPU, what is using the rest. Unlike other AV updates, the avast VPS updates are incremental so should be smaller and take less time.

I do notice a little slowing when the update process is running, but the problem may be that it happens very close to your boot activity (once an Internet connection is detected), so that time could be quite busy for the system and to have 30% taken up would be noticeable.

I take it that this happens shortly after boot ?
If so I would suggest you delay the avast auto update check.
You could edit the avast4.ini file, [InetWD] section, add the following line if it isn't present (or edit if present), AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds=120 and AssumeAlwaysConnected=1 (for broadband connections) or RASWaitSeconds=120 and UseRAS=1 (for dial-up connections).

See example below, both these values wouldn't be present at the same time obviously. The figure is in seconds and you can set your own duration to wait before checking for updates. This allows time for a connection to be fully established.
Quote
[InetWD]
AssumeAlwaysConnected=1
AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds=120
OR
UseRAS=1
RASWaitSeconds=120
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DaneBrooke on March 13, 2008, 08:37:49 PM
Thank you for the info in your reply. VERY useful!  But not exactly the issue most updates *are* small and harmless, but once in a while my system starts acting like its running on mud instead of electricity; this can last up to 20 minutes. avast.setup is always an active process when this occurs, and when the system speeds back up to normal avast.setup is always gone from the process list.  So some updates are taking as long as 20 minutes... can I arrange for the updates to take place at night, for example?
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Lisandro on March 13, 2008, 08:53:55 PM
So some updates are taking as long as 20 minutes...
Even on dial-up it shouldn't take more than 1-2 minutes.
On permanent connections, some seconds.
Something is crashing your update process.
Please, post the last 200-250 lines of avast log: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\DATA\log\Setup.log

can I arrange for the updates to take place at night, for example?
Only in professional version.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DavidR on March 13, 2008, 09:00:43 PM
If the update is going on for 20 minutes then avast.setup has stalled or something is most certainly wrong, exactly what is the 64,000 dollar question.

Now if avast.setup were truly a system hog it would be happening every time and not 'once in a while,' does this happen to coincide with the window update Patch Tuesday ?

This has been known to happen (many instances in the forums) as windows update can get in the way of many auto updates as it would appear to have a higher priority. If this is the case then delaying the avast update may stop the two getting in each others way as they try to check for updates.

As far as the Home version is concerned there is no way to schedule updates, I don't know if there is an option to do this in the Pro version. Edit, Pro scheduled update option confirmed by Tech.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: alanrf on March 13, 2008, 09:32:39 PM
The comments about dial-up are really a red herring in this discussion. 

The avast update consists of two parts, the first is the download of the update file - this is usually a few kilobytes and rarely more than a few tens of kilobytes in size.  Dial up or broadband will have no problems with this.

The second and much more resource intensive phase is the integration of the update file into the main VPS file of avast.  It is this that is CPU intensive and can be very time consuming.  I notice on my old XP machine that I only turn on maybe one a week that the accumulated avast updates may only total say 50Kb but avast itself reports in the update summary that the download took 1 second and the total update time is often in excess of 5 minutes during which avast is consuming 30% of the CPU.

On an old laptop I have running Windows Me and only brought up say once a month or less then the total time taken for the integration of the avast updates can easily be in excess of 20 minutes.

I believe avast uses an industry standard database management method for the database and this does appear more resource intensive in the database update, presumably giving greater returns in the efficiency of normal runtime use as avast is protecting our systems realtime.

 
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: kubecj on March 14, 2008, 12:55:17 PM
Nope, avast uses quite a low level routines for working with the diff updates.
But they're memory intensive (and if there is not enough memory, it swaps, which is slow) and cpu intensive - compression, md5 verification, digital signature verification.

In new 4.8 this should be somewhat lighter.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: epp on March 15, 2008, 01:47:37 AM
So some updates are taking as long as 20 minutes...
Even on dial-up it shouldn't take more than 1-2 minutes.
On permanent connections, some seconds.
Something is crashing your update process.
Please, post the last 200-250 lines of avast log: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\DATA\log\Setup.log

can I arrange for the updates to take place at night, for example?
Only in professional version.

SECONDS on a permanent connection?  You're joking, right?

How about HOURS!

I have a 6 Mb connection with the cable company.  After installing avast Home Edition a month ago, it ALWAYS took at least ONE HOUR to update itself each day.  It would download bits and pieces, do nothing for 5 minutes, download a little more, do nothing for 5 minutes and this repeats itself.

I decided to uninstall it and reinstall it to see if that would fix the problem.  It would NOT uninstall normally, I had to reboot into Safe Mode (Windows XP Home) in order to uninstall it.  It kept displaying some sort of face-something error.

I reinstalled it, only to see the same thing.  I reinstalled it ONE HOUR AGO, the screen shows 248,000 bytes out of 1 million bytes complete.

I realize that it is free software, but for this software to take one hour to update itself every day, is unacceptable. 

FWIW, the CPU is am AMD K6-2 at 500 MHz, system has 1/2 Gb of memory.

Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Tarq57 on March 15, 2008, 01:58:59 AM
Yep, epp, something is definitely wrong with your installation. I know not what, but mine typically takes 12-14 seconds to update.
At a guess I would say you've had another AV (Norton) installed in the past, and it needs a bit of cleaning. If that was the case, download the Norton Removal Tool http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039 (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039), disconnect, uninstall Avast (again) (avast has a uninstall tool available,too, if required), run the Norton removal tool, reboot as prompted, but at least once now, try re-installing Avast.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: epp on March 15, 2008, 02:09:20 AM
Quote
Information about current update:
Total time: 59:19

- Vps: Updated
  (previous version: 080214-0, updated version: 080314-0)

Server: (removed for posting purposes)
Downloaded files: 31 (1,042.23 KB)
Download time: 12:04

It's been a few years since I had Norton on it, you'd think uninstalling it would remove everything???   ::)
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Lisandro on March 15, 2008, 02:14:39 AM
It's been a few years since I had Norton on it, you'd think uninstalling it would remove everything???   ::)
Use the tool to get rid of the remains of Norton... files and registry left behind.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Tarq57 on March 15, 2008, 02:20:16 AM
You would think so, wouldn't you. But it doesn't. A lot of applications tend to leave stuff behind after uninstalling (they shouldn't, but do) it's just that what Norton leaves behind tends to be more disruptive.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: epp on March 15, 2008, 02:50:29 AM
Done all this, reinstalled avast and I am no better off.

I opened the simple user interface, selected to update database and program automatically, clicked Details, program hung, non-responsive.  Had to ALT-F4 to close it.

Also right-clicked the "a" globe in the systray, selected Updating/iAVS Update, it does nothing.  Been running 16 minutes now.

EDIT:  Opened the interface again, clicked "On" for updates, same screen as above, this time I clicked "Update now..."  What happened?  Nothing.  Program hangs again (ALT-F4).

The only way to be safe online is not to use Windows, period.



Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Tarq57 on March 15, 2008, 03:19:04 AM
Hmmm. Bit tricky.
Your cpu might not be up to the job, especially if you have a lot of programs running at start.
How many programs are set to run at startup under msconfig?
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: kubecj on March 15, 2008, 08:11:30 AM
epp: Something in your is seriously wrong. Downloads are in kilobytes, times in tenths of seconds. Anything beyond that is wrong.

You can send us the file setup.log from avast4\setup directory for inspection. Use email setup-support at you know what dot com.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: epp on March 15, 2008, 02:40:42 PM
I've already uninstalled it permanently, so I have nothing to send.

For the benefit of Tarq57, not including any anti-virus software, 10 programs were checked to run at startup.

Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Tarq57 on March 15, 2008, 07:25:24 PM
Thanks for that. (10 programs.)
Rather a lot, if you don't need them. Those you don't actually need running in the background can be disabled from starting with Windows, either in the respective program options, or by using msconfig, an exercise that might be worthwhile to get the most out of your pc.
If Avast won't work OK on that machine, I guess you could try AVG or Avira. Don't know if it  will be any beter, though...I've tried all 3 and always found Avast to be the most trouble free, so sorry you're having probs with it.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Lisandro on March 15, 2008, 08:45:26 PM
If Avast won't work OK on that machine, I guess you could try AVG or Avira. Don't know if it  will be any beter, though...
We don't like to give up that quickly ;D
If you have to choose, Avira is better than AVG imho.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DaneBrooke on March 15, 2008, 08:56:06 PM
this is a reply to Tech, posted reply 4

Thanks. Here is the system.log extract (cut down from request due to message length limit):
15.03.2008   01:26:15.000   1205573175   package   FilterOutExistingFiles: 145 & 145 = 0
15.03.2008   01:26:15.000   1205573175   package   FilterOutExistingFiles: 145 & 145 = 0
15.03.2008   01:32:42.000   1205573562   package   IsFullOkay: vps-8031400.vpu - is okay
15.03.2008   01:32:42.000   1205573562   package   IsFullOkay: vpsm-8031400.vpu - is okay
15.03.2008   01:32:42.000   1205573562   package   ArePartsInstallable: 1
15.03.2008   06:15:48.000   1205590548   package   vps: updated [8031400]
15.03.2008   06:16:00.000   1205590560   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\*.*
15.03.2008   06:16:14.000   1205590574   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\images\*.*
15.03.2008   06:16:36.000   1205590596   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ENGLISH\*.*
15.03.2008   06:16:45.000   1205590605   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ENGLISH\HtmlData\*.*
15.03.2008   06:16:48.000   1205590608   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ENGLISH\HELP\*.*
15.03.2008   06:17:24.000   1205590644   package   Transferred files: 0
15.03.2008   06:17:24.000   1205590644   package   Transferred bytes: 0
15.03.2008   06:17:24.000   1205590644   package   Transfer time: 0 ms
15.03.2008   06:17:24.000   1205590644   package   Retries total: 0
15.03.2008   06:17:24.000   1205590644   package   Retried files: 0
15.03.2008   06:17:24.000   1205590644   package   Tried servers: 0
15.03.2008   06:17:24.000   1205590644   file   NeedReboot=false
15.03.2008   06:17:24.000   1205590644   general   Return code: 0x20000000 [Something done]
15.03.2008   06:17:28.000   1205590648   general   Stopped: 15.03.2008, 06:17:24


15.03.2008   06:21:16.000   1205590876   general   Started: 15.03.2008, 06:21:16
15.03.2008   06:21:16.000   1205590876   general   Running setup_av_pro-44a (1098)
15.03.2008   06:21:16.000   1205590876   system   Operating system: Windows2000 ver 5.0, build 2195, sp 4.0 [Service Pack 4]
15.03.2008   06:21:16.000   1205590876   system   Memory: 73% load. Phys:33644/126452K free, Page:207720/503680K free, Virt:2074228/2097024K free
15.03.2008   06:21:16.000   1205590876   system   Computer WinName: PLAYBOX
15.03.2008   06:21:20.000   1205590880   system   Windows Net User: SYSTEM
15.03.2008   06:21:24.000   1205590884   general   Cmdline: /verysilent /noreboot  /stopstat "C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\aswUpdSum.ini"  
15.03.2008   06:21:24.000   1205590884   general   Operation set to INST_OP_[16]
15.03.2008   06:21:24.000   1205590884   general   Old version: 44a (1098)
15.03.2008   06:21:36.000   1205590896   system   Using temp: C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\_av_proI.tm~a00844 (5915M free)
15.03.2008   06:22:00.000   1205590920   general   SGW32P::CheckIfInstalled set m_bAlreadyInstalled to 1
15.03.2008   06:22:00.000   1205590920   system   Installed in: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4 (5915M free)
15.03.2008   06:22:27.000   1205590947   internet   SYNCER: Type: use IE settings
15.03.2008   06:22:27.000   1205590947   internet   SYNCER: Auth: another authentication, use WinInet
15.03.2008   06:22:39.000   1205590959   package   Part prg_av_pro-44a is installed
15.03.2008   06:22:39.000   1205590959   package   Part vps-8031400 is installed
15.03.2008   06:22:39.000   1205590959   package   Part news-4b is installed
15.03.2008   06:22:43.000   1205590963   package   Part setup_av_pro-44a is installed
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   package   Part jrog-2a is installed
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   general   Old version: 44a (1098)
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   package   Transferred files: 0
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   package   Transferred bytes: 0
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   package   Transfer time: 0 ms
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   package   Retries total: 0
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   package   Retried files: 0
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   package   Tried servers: 0
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   file   NeedReboot=false
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   general   Return code: 0x20000001 [Nothing done]
15.03.2008   06:22:47.000   1205590967   general   Stopped: 15.03.2008, 06:22:47


15.03.2008   06:54:23.000   1205592863   general   Started: 15.03.2008, 06:54:23
15.03.2008   06:54:23.000   1205592863   general   Running setup_av_pro-44a (1098)
15.03.2008   06:54:23.000   1205592863   system   Operating system: Windows2000 ver 5.0, build 2195, sp 4.0 [Service Pack 4]
15.03.2008   06:54:23.000   1205592863   system   Memory: 80% load. Phys:24932/126452K free, Page:207540/503680K free, Virt:2074228/2097024K free
15.03.2008   06:54:23.000   1205592863   system   Computer WinName: PLAYBOX
15.03.2008   06:54:31.000   1205592871   system   Windows Net User: SYSTEM
15.03.2008   06:54:36.000   1205592876   general   Cmdline: /verysilent /noreboot  /stopstat "C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\aswUpdSum.ini"  
15.03.2008   06:54:36.000   1205592876   general   Operation set to INST_OP_[16]
15.03.2008   06:54:36.000   1205592876   general   Old version: 44a (1098)
15.03.2008   06:54:40.000   1205592880   system   Using temp: C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\_av_proI.tm~a00844 (5915M free)
15.03.2008   06:54:55.000   1205592895   general   SGW32P::CheckIfInstalled set m_bAlreadyInstalled to 1
15.03.2008   06:54:55.000   1205592895   system   Installed in: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4 (5915M free)
15.03.2008   06:55:11.000   1205592911   internet   SYNCER: Type: use IE settings
15.03.2008   06:55:11.000   1205592911   internet   SYNCER: Auth: another authentication, use WinInet
15.03.2008   06:55:16.000   1205592916   package   Part prg_av_pro-44a is installed
15.03.2008   06:55:19.000   1205592919   package   Part vps-8031400 is installed
15.03.2008   06:55:20.000   1205592920   package   Part news-4b is installed
15.03.2008   06:55:24.000   1205592924   package   Part setup_av_pro-44a is installed
15.03.2008   06:55:24.000   1205592924   package   Part jrog-2a is installed
15.03.2008   06:55:24.000   1205592924   general   Old version: 44a (1098)
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   package   Transferred files: 0
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   package   Transferred bytes: 0
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   package   Transfer time: 0 ms
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   package   Retries total: 0
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   package   Retried files: 0
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   package   Tried servers: 0
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   file   NeedReboot=false
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   general   Return code: 0x20000001 [Nothing done]
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   general   Stopped: 15.03.2008, 06:55:28


Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DaneBrooke on March 15, 2008, 08:57:45 PM
reply to DavidR (reply 5)

I'm not running Automatic Update.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Tarq57 on March 15, 2008, 09:58:17 PM
Quote
We don't like to give up that quickly Grin
Yeah, we don't,either. ;D
It did seem as though epp's mind was made up.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: Lisandro on March 15, 2008, 09:58:55 PM
15.03.2008   06:55:28.000   1205592928   general   Return code: 0x20000001 [Nothing done]
Your log is clean. Nothing seems to be wrong ???
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: psw on March 15, 2008, 10:22:36 PM
But what is the total physical memory amount for this PC? Really 128 M? Probably heavy swapping expected.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DavidR on March 15, 2008, 10:35:44 PM
reply to DavidR (reply 5)

I'm not running Automatic Update.

I assume you mean the windows updates, even if they don't auto check and download but ask/notify, it can still hog things. Personally I have windows update disabled and I do all my updates manually.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: cw64 on April 28, 2008, 12:35:49 AM
I'm seeing problems with avast.setup as well. It seems that despite the below normal thread priority it will push itself infront and cause a system slowdown when the CPU is under heavy load.
I'm regularly getting decreased performance when playing eve-online, which will continue to get worse and worse untill I exit eve and let avast.setup finish.

22:59:24.000   1209333564   system   Memory: 26% load. Phys:1531088/2096624K free, Page:2360124/2991524K free, Virt:2069400/2097024K free
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   system   Computer WinName: (Removed)
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   system   Windows Net User: SYSTEM
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   general   Cmdline: /refresh /noreboot /updatevps /verysilent  /limitcpu  
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   general   Operation set to INST_OP_UPDATE_INSTALL_PACKAGES
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   general   Old version: 491 (1169)
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   system   Using temp: C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\_av_proI.tm~a03616 (4698M free)
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   general   SGW32P::CheckIfInstalled set m_bAlreadyInstalled to 1
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   system   Installed in: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4 (4698M free)
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   internet   SYNCER: Type: use IE settings
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   internet   SYNCER: Auth: another authentication, use WinInet
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   package   Part prg_av_pro-491 is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   package   Part vps-8042701 is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   package   Part news-4b is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   package   Part setup_av_pro-491 is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   package   Part jrog-38 is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:24.000   1209333564   general   Old version: 491 (1169)
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   file   SetExistingFilesBitmap: 1054->154->154
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   general   GUID: b7c8d475-6735-4c8c-bd2d-707cfb81cda3
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   general   Entering:UpdateInstallPackages
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadProductVpu: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\prod-av_pro.vpu
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartInfo: jrog = jrog-38 returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartInfo: news = news-4b returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartInfo: program = prg_av_pro-491 returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartInfo: setup = setup_av_pro-491 returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartInfo: vps = vps-8042701 returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadProductVpu: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\prod-av_pro.vpu ended with 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartVpu: Loading 'part-prg_av_pro-491.vpu' returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartVpu: Loading 'part-vps-8042701.vpu' returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartVpu: Loading 'part-news-4b.vpu' returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartVpu: Loading 'part-setup_av_pro-491.vpu' returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   WARN:LoadPartVpu ended on no pInfo
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   LoadPartVpu: Loading 'part-jrog-38.vpu' returned 00000000
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   FilterOutExistingFiles: 154 & 154 = 0
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   FilterOutExistingFiles: 154 & 154 = 0
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   IsFullOkay: vps-8042700.vpu - is okay
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   IsFullOkay: vpsm-8042701.vpu - is okay
27.04.2008   22:59:25.000   1209333565   package   ArePartsInstallable: 1
27.04.2008   22:59:46.000   1209333586   package   vps: updated [8042701]
27.04.2008   22:59:46.000   1209333586   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\*.*
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ENGLISH\*.*
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ENGLISH\HELP\*.*
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ENGLISH\HtmlData\*.*
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   file   Fix security on: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\images\*.*
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   package   Transferred: files 0, bytes 0, time 0 ms
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   package   Retries: total 0, files 0, servers 0
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   file   NeedReboot=false
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   general   Return code: 0x20000000 [Something done]
27.04.2008   22:59:47.000   1209333587   general   Stopped: 27.04.2008, 22:59:47


27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   Started: 27.04.2008, 22:59:50
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   Running setup_av_pro-491 (1169)
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   system   Operating system: WindowsXP ver 5.1, build 2600, sp 2.0 [Service Pack 2]
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   system   Memory: 27% load. Phys:1512704/2096624K free, Page:2359624/2991524K free, Virt:2069400/2097024K free
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   system   Computer WinName: (Removed)
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   system   Windows Net User: SYSTEM
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   Cmdline: /verysilent /noreboot  /stopstat "C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\aswUpdSum.ini"  
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   Operation set to INST_OP_STOP_STAT
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   Old version: 491 (1169)
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   system   Using temp: C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\_av_proI.tm~a03532 (4698M free)
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   SGW32P::CheckIfInstalled set m_bAlreadyInstalled to 1
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   system   Installed in: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4 (4698M free)
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   internet   SYNCER: Type: use IE settings
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   internet   SYNCER: Auth: another authentication, use WinInet
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   package   Part prg_av_pro-491 is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   package   Part vps-8042701 is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   package   Part news-4b is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   package   Part setup_av_pro-491 is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   package   Part jrog-38 is installed
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   Old version: 491 (1169)
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   package   Transferred: files 0, bytes 0, time 0 ms
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   package   Retries: total 0, files 0, servers 0
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   file   NeedReboot=false
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   Return code: 0x20000001 [Nothing done]
27.04.2008   22:59:50.000   1209333590   general   Stopped: 27.04.2008, 22:59:50
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: alanrf on April 28, 2008, 01:05:27 AM
The avast VPS database update process is CPU intensive.

If you are playing a game that itself is CPU intensive then the combination of the avast update and your game may well need more than 100% of your CPU capability.

A high CPU program running when avast tries to run will in fact lengthen the time of the avast update since avast is limiting its CPU use to try to avoid an overload.  However, the fact of the matter is that avast does require the CPU cycles to get the update done.

A way to minimize this impact for you would be to run a manual update before starting your game so that there is a smaller chance of an automatic update occurring during the game - I know that means remembering to do it so ...

Another alternative would to set the VPS update setting to "Ask" so that you can avoid the update process occurring during the game.

 
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: epp on July 18, 2008, 03:08:13 AM
If Avast won't work OK on that machine, I guess you could try AVG or Avira. Don't know if it  will be any beter, though...
We don't like to give up that quickly ;D
If you have to choose, Avira is better than AVG imho.

Forget about AVG, especially 8.   ::)

I have decided to give Avast another try.  One thing performed this evening that was not done the first time around, was to defrag the hard drive. 

I have not yet reinstalled Avast, but am wondering if the defrag may now cause Avast to update more quickly (rather than one hour) at startup?

Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: alanrf on July 18, 2008, 03:34:39 AM
Quote
cause Avast to update more quickly (rather than one hour) at startup

If that statement is true then something else is happening. 

My 11 year old laptop with Windows Me and only 96Mb of memory does not take anything like that long to update even when I only power it on every couple of months and there is a backlog of updates - yes it does take about 15-20 minutes sometimes but an hour??
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DaneBrooke on July 18, 2008, 04:14:19 AM
But what is the total physical memory amount for this PC? Really 128 M? Probably heavy swapping expected.

The system that started this thread had 1GB RAM.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: DaneBrooke on July 18, 2008, 04:17:16 AM
reply to DavidR (reply 5)

I'm not running Automatic Update.

I assume you mean the windows updates, even if they don't auto check and download but ask/notify, it can still hog things. Personally I have windows update disabled and I do all my updates manually.

Yeah, I do all my updates manually, too.  FWIW - This problem has disappeared. Possibly because the box died.  I am having a new problem on the replacement box (see new thread). Thanks for all the help with this!
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: alanrf on July 18, 2008, 08:45:29 AM
Doing your updates manually means that avast assumes you want avast to consume whatever resources are needed to get the update done. 

Read the thread ... the avast updates are CPU intensive.  The more out of date you are the more CPU is needed for the update to run.  By far the best option here is to run the automatic VPS updates for avast. The automatic updates are set (on up to date operating systems like XP and Vista) to not consume more than 30% CPU.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: epp on July 18, 2008, 11:27:06 PM
Quote
cause Avast to update more quickly (rather than one hour) at startup

If that statement is true then something else is happening. 

My 11 year old laptop with Windows Me and only 96Mb of memory does not take anything like that long to update even when I only power it on every couple of months and there is a backlog of updates - yes it does take about 15-20 minutes sometimes but an hour??

I do not play games on the PC, nor do I have any installed.  It is only used for Internet and occasional letter writing (OpenOffice.org), otherwise, that's it. 

But I could not understand why it took an hour (in bits and pieces) just for an update.  It is as if the download server had an intermittent connection, yet it occurred all the time.

Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: alanrf on July 19, 2008, 12:11:09 AM
The amount of data downloaded in avast VPS updates is really quite small. The downloads take very little time (even on dial up) the time consuming part is the work on your system to integrate the updates - that is the part that is CPU intensive and takes much more time typically than the download. avast reports, at the the end of the update, how long the update took, how much data was downloaded and how long the data download took.
Title: Re: Avast.setup process system hog
Post by: epp on July 19, 2008, 01:02:08 AM
I just reinstalled Avast 4.8, but this time it was installed in Safe Mode.  Please look at this from the setup.log file.  Does it look right?  My apologies if it is too long, but I wanted to capture everything.

Quote
18.07.2008   18:33:46.000   1216420426   general   Started: 18.07.2008, 18:33:46
18.07.2008   18:33:46.000   1216420426   general   Running setup_av_pro-4b1 (1201)
18.07.2008   18:33:46.000   1216420426   system   Operating system: WindowsXP ver 5.1, build 2600, sp 2.0 [Service Pack 2]
18.07.2008   18:33:46.000   1216420426   system   Memory: 45% load. Phys:285736/523828K free, Page:1001392/1277796K free, Virt:2069400/2097024K free
18.07.2008   18:33:46.000   1216420426   system   Computer WinName: COMPUTER
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   system   Windows Net User: COMPUTER\Edward
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   general   Cmdline: /setproxy
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   general   Operation set to INST_OP_PROXYDLG
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   general   Old version: 4b1 (1201)
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   system   Using temp: C:\DOCUME~1\Edward\LOCALS~1\Temp\_av_proI.tm~a00584 (21577M free)
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   general   SGW32P::CheckIfInstalled set m_bAlreadyInstalled to 1
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   system   Installed in: C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4 (21577M free)
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   internet   SYNCER: Type: no proxy
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   internet   SYNCER: Auth: no authentication
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   package   Part prg_av_pro-4b1 is installed
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   package   Part vps-8071801 is installed
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   package   Part news-4b is installed
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   package   Part setup_av_pro-4b1 is installed
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   package   Part jrog-43 is installed
18.07.2008   18:33:47.000   1216420427   general   Old version: 4b1 (1201)
18.07.2008   18:33:53.000   1216420433   general   Connection test
18.07.2008   18:33:53.000   1216420433   internet   SYNCER: Agent=Syncer/4.80 (av_pro-1201;p)
18.07.2008   18:33:53.000   1216420433   internet   SYNCER: Type: no proxy
18.07.2008   18:33:53.000   1216420433   internet   SYNCER: Auth: no authentication
18.07.2008   18:34:04.000   1216420444   general   Server definition(s) loaded for 'main': 203 (maintenance:0)
18.07.2008   18:34:04.000   1216420444   general   SelectCurrent: selected server 'Download939 AVAST Server' from 'main'
18.07.2008   18:34:04.000   1216420444   internet   SYNCER: Type: no proxy
18.07.2008   18:34:04.000   1216420444   internet   SYNCER: Auth: no authentication
18.07.2008   18:34:04.000   1216420444   internet   HttpGetWinsock(http://download939.avast.com/iavs4x/servers.def.stamp)
18.07.2008   18:34:04.000   1216420444   internet   Used server:
18.07.2008   18:34:34.000   1216420474   package   Transferred: files 1, bytes 10, time 240 ms
18.07.2008   18:34:34.000   1216420474   package   Retries: total 0, files 0, servers 1
18.07.2008   18:34:34.000   1216420474   file   NeedReboot=false
18.07.2008   18:34:34.000   1216420474   general   Return code: 0x000004C7 [The operation was canceled by the user.]
18.07.2008   18:34:34.000   1216420474   general   Stopped: 18.07.2008, 18:34:34


After this, it appeared to have eventually updated, three windows appeared, one (with voice) that the database was updated and another two windows with:

Quote
Information about current update:
Total time: 3:11

- Program: Already up to date
  (current version 4.8.1201)
- Vps: Already up to date
  (current version 080718-1)

Server: download609.avast.com (75.125.223.98:80)
Downloaded files: 2 (0.02 KB)
Download time: 1 s

Quote
Information about current update:
Total time: 2:56

- Program: Already up to date
  (current version 4.8.1201)
- Vps: Already up to date
  (current version 080718-1)

Server: download902.avast.com (209.62.112.210:80)
Downloaded files: 2 (0.02 KB)
Download time: 1 s