Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: nightshade on March 24, 2008, 04:47:53 PM
-
I know this has been mentioned previously, but has there been any fixes put in place for the 4.8 beta build that fixes it so that the quick launch icons do not disappear from view when running a full scan?
-
I don't know if that is related to any resource limitation of your system ?
That is something that I've heard in the forums. Win98 is susceptible to problems when resources get low, when I used to have win98, if resources got below 20% I usually rebooted so they didn't get so low as to actually crash.
When using win98 I was very picky about what I allowed to run on boot and prior to running something resource intensive like a scan I would close al other non essential programs.
-
DavidR,
Thanks for your reply.
As you say about closing applications down, that's what I think I will do, like first disconnecting from the internet then closing the firewall, and hopefully when running a scan the quick launch icons will remain viewable.
So when I do this I wont have anything in the system tray apart from Avast as I have done like you did yourself when running 98.
Do you think that come August time there will be a direct link to the 4.8 version for users of other AV programs that want to start using Avast?
I ask because at the moment users need to install 4.7 before they can go for 4.8.
-
I never went as far as disabling the firewall, only non-essential applications.
I would, say 4.8 will be much sooner than August. Though there is no firm date for release we have been beta testing it for a few weeks starting with 4.8.1137, 4.8.1147 and the third beta 4.8..1157 so things are progressing reasonably well IMHO. However, I'm just an avast user like yourself.
They don't have to install 4.7 to get 4.8, that is for the beta version and for your average user I wouldn't recommend beta testing on a non=test machine. They can get 4.7 install it and when 4.8 is released for regular release the auto update process will take care ot the update.
-
DavidR,
The only reason I would have preferred to upgrade to 4.8 was that I thought perhaps the resource 98 problem for the quick launch icons disappearing would have been resolved and fixed, looks like that is not the case.
I suppose disabling my firewall is ok if I disconnect the modem.
PS
I am actually using AVG at the moment, but I am preparing to use Avast as AVG is dropping support for 98 S.E
-
I don't believe that win98 quick launch icons was addressed as I don't believe it was established it was definitely an avast problem.
Yes disconnecting the modem would ensure no connection was made whilst the firewall was disabled.
-
I don't believe that win98 quick launch icons was addressed as I don't believe it was established it was definitely an avast problem.
But it must be an Avast problem as no other AV program that I have used in the past has ever given me this problem.
Can this be passed to tech support again perhaps?
-
If it were truly an avast problem then the forums would be full of it (and we don't see that) as there are now very few AVs that support older OSes and it would effect every single win98/avast user and that simply isn't the case.
I'm not saying you don't have a problem, just that there is no clear evidence to say the problem is down to avast.
If someone from the Alwil team sees this forum, perhaps, there have been a few topics relating to this icon issue but it has never been resolved.
-
The only reason I would have preferred to upgrade to 4.8 was that I thought perhaps the resource 98 problem for the quick launch icons disappearing would have been resolved and fixed, looks like that is not the case.
I can't see a connection with avast ???
-
If it were truly an avast problem then the forums would be full of it (and we don't see that) as there are now very few AVs that support older OSes and it would effect every single win98/avast user and that simply isn't the case.
Would that not be because many users like myself use AVG at the moment, and the reason I am interested in going for the free edition of Avast is because AVG will soon be dropping support for Windows 98 S.E, therefore no updates etc
Also some users may not be too bothered about this problem so therefore they refrain from posting about it.
-
nightshade, we wish you have no problems with avast, I mean, if you need help, we can try to give you. I just can't see a relationship between the icons on quick launch bar disappearing and avast... maybe a Windows 98 memory glitch... it won't be the first one: Windows 98, when stressed, manages memory loaded programs very badly.
-
nightshade, we wish you have no problems with avast, I mean, if you need help, we can try to give you. I just can't see a relationship between the icons on quick launch bar disappearing and avast... maybe a Windows 98 memory glitch... it won't be the first one: Windows 98, when stressed, manages memory loaded programs very badly.
I am not the only one that has experienced this problem, although I cant remember if they were all 98 related or not.
-
Just to confirm that at least one other user has this problem... I have 5 PC's on my home network. One is XP and the others are all Win98 SE. Two of the Win98's have printers attached and typically run at 65% resources after boot-up. Occasionally they will decline into the twenties depending on the quantity of open apps as well as particular apps (Winword). The other two Win98 SE machines run in the mid 70% for resources and rarely go as low as 50%. All are AMD's rangeing from 1.2 Ghtz/100 fsb to 2.083 Ghtz runnining a 333 fsb. All have 512 Mb of ram as they are only Win98 Se machines (error on the side of caution). My Quick Launch icons as well as Explorer icons disappear after using avast 4.7 on the Win98 SE machines. Of course a reboot fixes the problem. Read into it as you will, just reporting the facts!
-
Just to confirm that at least one other user has this problem...
Ah, so it's not just me that has the problem.
Can this be passed to support so at the very least to have a look to see if anything can be done?
-
***
My old computer is on W98SE and I use to experience the same problem you 2 are reporting. It is a memory problem with W98. Increase the RAM over 512 mb and the problem will go away. I run my W98 computer with 640 mb of RAM.
***
-
***
My old computer is on W98SE and I use to experience the same problem you 2 are reporting. It is a memory problem with W98. Increase the RAM over 512 mb and the problem will go away. I run my W98 computer with 640 mb of RAM.
***
I actually tried to add another 256 of ram but for some reason when I turned on the PC and hit the internet explorer icon I went into a loop with a message saying that explorer could not connect and to restart, but as I say this went into a loop so I took out the RAM and the problem went away.
One other thing I would like to add is when the new RAM was in it showed up as a total of 511 instead of 512.
-
nightshade, JwSmSmith, CharleyO:
I don't doubt for a moment that you are experiencing this problem but I've not seen anything like what you describe on any of the 98SE machines I know of with avast! 4.7 Home, and I've been trying to reproduce it ???. None of these 98SE PCs have more than 256MB RAM.
Do you mean that Quicklaunch icons disappear during standard scan from standard skin.
98SE has big problems with GDI resources regardless of how much physical RAM you have so while increasing to 640MB may solve the problem in one case, another user may have no trouble with less.
-
***
You are right, Vladimyr.
I guess the actual problem they are experiencing is too many other programs running while avast is doing a scan. Perhaps they should first stop unneeded programs before starting a scan.
***
-
<snip>
98SE has big problems with GDI resources regardless of how much physical RAM you have so while increasing to 640MB may solve the problem in one case, another user may have no trouble with less.
Your comment sparked a memory (excuse the pun) in that system resources aren't entirely related to how much RAM you have. From the dim and distant past I recall something like each system resource is only 64KB, at least that is what is used for recording its use and that would reach capacity before actually running out of RAM.
So the more applications running the more information recorded in this 64KB space, so that could be the issue. Memory management wasn't great in win98/98se with applications that have closed failing to give back any or all of the memory it was using. Memory leaks as I recall were also a concern when I was using win98 and win98se.
-
Do you mean that Quicklaunch icons disappear during standard scan from standard skin.
To be honest it was a while back as I currently use AVG, but not for much longer due to the the dropped support for 98 sometime soon.
But I am sure the icon problem occured when running a normal scan with the default skin.
-
I used 98se until recently ,(last six months) and never experienced that either.However i always loaded Rsrcmtr.exe (found in windows folder) with windows (make a shortcut to startup).You may be able to view the resource drainage and what app is causing it.I do not believe its a ram issue ,i only had 256 and never had any problems.Also windows 98 will only be able to utilise a certain amount of ram (i believe its around the 512meg mark) even if you installed higher,without modifying max cache registry entries
m
-
miscreant
I checked 'system.ini' in a 1GB RAM 98SE machine and found these settings and note to myself.
[vcache]
ChunkSize=512
MinFileCache=16384
MaxFileCache=65536
; not limiting vcache with more than 512MB RAM causes problems
The absolute limit is 1GB even with vcache limitations.
-
***
So the more applications running the more information recorded in this 64KB space, so that could be the issue. Memory management wasn't great in win98/98se with applications that have closed failing to give back any or all of the memory it was using. Memory leaks as I recall were also a concern when I was using win98 and win98se.
Which is why I suggested more RAM be used. This gives more memory free when such applications do not release memory properly. With W98SE, there is a way to set higher RAM usage in RUN > MSCONFIG. I am not sure this exists in W98 as it has been too long since I used W98.
***
-
The memory isn't the true issue (IMHO), but the 64KB resource limitation, for those with what they consider to be adequate RAM and on a win98 system 256MB gets the job done, but ther will be swapping out to the swap file, unloading from RAM, etc. What doesn't change is this 64KB stumbling block.
But as I said way back in this topic, stopping all non-essential applications may help.
-
The memory isn't the true issue (IMHO), but the 64KB resource limitation, for those with what they consider to be adequate RAM and on a win98 system 256MB gets the job done, but ther will be swapping out to the swap file, unloading from RAM, etc. What doesn't change is this 64KB stumbling block.
Further reading?
Just happened to find this old link while cleaning out emails. http://www.meikel.com/en/support/freememfaq/Backup_Q117744.htm
-
Unlike some of these old fashioned users of Win98SE I like to keep more up to date so I have Windows Me on a machine with 128Mb. (This is a seven year old Sony laptop - so it is not going to be getting any upgrades).
Last weekend will testing the infamous scanning problem in 4.8 I ran a thorough scan on that WinMe system (with avast 4.8). For the first time ever I saw for my self that, when the scan ended, the quick launch icons had completely vanished.
Unfortunately, there were no other applications running on that system that could be disabled. I have to agree with others that this is likely a Win9x resource issue (the largely unresolvable Win9x architecture issue that finally convinced me to move to WinXP).
-
Just to throw this out. I did experience similar behaviour with a couple of previous versions. I can't recall which ones. I'm not one for using each version as it was released. I just wait to be "forced".
What I do remember, it's been about a year since I saw what is being described.. It wasn't just during a full scan, but if the computer had been used for a log period of time. This didn't happen each time. It was probably a combination of programs previously opened, avast and windows poor resource mangment.
As mentioned, I haven't seen that happen lately. Perhaps something in avast has changed. This computer or OS certainly hasn't.
Just to add a little more. I used to use mcafee with 64mb ram, no icon problem. Even with their infamous 4400 engine and current ram, there was no problem. Only with avast and current ram did I ever experience it.
I actually found it amusing, that I could erase the icon by dragging the mouse across it. The button was there just no icon on it
-
The memory isn't the true issue (IMHO), but the 64KB resource limitation, for those with what they consider to be adequate RAM and on a win98 system 256MB gets the job done, but ther will be swapping out to the swap file, unloading from RAM, etc. What doesn't change is this 64KB stumbling block.
Further reading?
Just happened to find this old link while cleaning out emails. http://www.meikel.com/en/support/freememfaq/Backup_Q117744.htm
Thanks for that which better explains what I was trying to explain about resource limitations of the win9x era.
-
As mentioned, I haven't seen that happen lately. Perhaps something in avast has changed.
Can I ask which version you currently use when you say you haven't seen it happen lately?
-
Can you try if the latest beta version solves this?
Download the updater (http://files.avast.com/files/beta/aswbeta.exe) and run it or go here (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=34612.msg290254#msg290254) for more information.
-
Can you try if the latest beta version solves this?
Download the updater (http://files.avast.com/files/beta/aswbeta.exe) and run it or go here (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=34612.msg290254#msg290254) for more information.
Dear Tech,
Can I wait and do this later as I don't have Avast installed as yet, as I am waiting until the support for AVG drops in August, then I am installing Avast.
I am kind of confused a little, is the beta the same as the 4.8?
Also when you asked to run the updater is that to be used when someone has version 4.7? what is it actually updating?
-
I don't know why you are waiting, avast is far better ;D
I haven't looked back since I jumped the AVG ship 4 years ago.
-
As mentioned, I haven't seen that happen lately. Perhaps something in avast has changed.
Can I ask which version you currently use when you say you haven't seen it happen lately?
4.7.1043
-
I don't know why you are waiting, avast is far better ;D
I did install it last year, but the icon problem put me off, but of course that was before I learned that AVG were discontinuing support for my system, now I am being forced to change, ah well.
I am waiting for Tech to answer a couple of questions in a reply to his message as I am a little confused to say the least.
-
I am kind of confused a little, is the beta the same as the 4.8?
The current version is 4.8.1169. The beta is 4.8.1178.
Also when you asked to run the updater is that to be used when someone has version 4.7? what is it actually updating?
You'll update from any version (4.7 or 4.8 versions) to 4.8.1178.
-
A beta is always with avast the chance for users to test a release of avast that is not currently delivered to the main user population. avast is seeking help from those of us willing to take some risk to test out the new release of avast before it becomes the release which all users get offered.
Please be aware that though the avast team does their best to ensure the quality of beta releases before starting a beta program there are always some risks with testing beta releases. Anyone testing with a beta release is well advised to have a backup of their system or alternative recovery strategy before starting to test with the beta release.
-
I actually tried to add another 256 of ram but for some reason when I turned on the PC and hit the internet explorer icon I went into a loop with a message saying that explorer could not connect and to restart, but as I say this went into a loop so I took out the RAM and the problem went away.
One other thing I would like to add is when the new RAM was in it showed up as a total of 511 instead of 512.
Sorry I didn't notice this earlier. Does the m/board have an Intel chipset with integrated graphics?
Some Intel chips have an on-demand GPU memory allocation whereby a nominal 1MB is assigned to graphics but the actual amount being used is constantly adjusted on-the-fly as demanded by running programs. This can lead to display anomalies but I don't really know if your disappearing icons is one of them.
-
I actually tried to add another 256 of ram but for some reason when I turned on the PC and hit the internet explorer icon I went into a loop with a message saying that explorer could not connect and to restart, but as I say this went into a loop so I took out the RAM and the problem went away.
One other thing I would like to add is when the new RAM was in it showed up as a total of 511 instead of 512.
Sorry I didn't notice this earlier. Does the m/board have an Intel chipset with integrated graphics?
Some Intel chips have an on-demand GPU memory allocation whereby a nominal 1MB is assigned to graphics but the actual amount being used is constantly adjusted on-the-fly as demanded by running programs. This can lead to display anomalies but I don't really know if your disappearing icons is one of them.
I have the following.
NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS
BUS Type : AGP
Bios Version: 3.15.00.12
On Board Memory: 64MB
IRQ 11:
TV Encoder Type: Conexant Bt869
-
I will more than likely be downloading version 4.8.1169.
Is this when I use the updater if I want to try the beta which is 4.8.1178.
-
I am kind of confused a little, is the beta the same as the 4.8?
The current version is 4.8.1169. The beta is 4.8.1178.
Also when you asked to run the updater is that to be used when someone has version 4.7? what is it actually updating?
You'll update from any version (4.7 or 4.8 versions) to 4.8.1178.
I have now installed version 4.8.1178.
And I am unable to click on the self defence module as it is greyed out.
Any ideas?
-
The newer functions of avast including the self-defense module are not supported or available in the Windows 9x operating systems.
-
The newer functions of avast including the self-defense module are not supported or available in the Windows 9x operating systems.
Does this then mean I will not be able to test the beta, and will just need to wait on a new program update?
-
It means that wait until doomsday you will never have support of the newer functions of avast, in any release of avast - beta or production, while you continue to use the Windows 9x operating systems.
-
It means that wait until doomsday you will never have support of the newer functions of avast, in any release of avast - beta or production, while you continue to use the Windows 9x operating systems.
So why did Tech ask me to try the beta?
Its not the functions I am on about, it's what Tech asked to do so that I could install the Beta.
-
I must not try to speak for Tech but I think that perhaps Tech was hoping that the problem (this thread is now so long and messy that I think this issue may have become lost) would be fixed in the new 4.8 beta release.
I thought that this (and your concern) was about the loss of the quick launch icons - which has existed with previous versions of avast. If so then I have to say that I think the suggestion that this might be fixed in the new beta release of avast 4.8 is stretching hope a very long way.
-
It appears I have the beta which is 1178.
Would this have been possible from scratch? as I thought that I had to install 1169 first.
-
If you read the post announcing this beta it does not appear to be a requirement that 1169 was installed to join this beta and install 1178.
-
If you read the post announcing this beta it does not appear to be a requirement that 1169 was installed to join this beta and install 1178.
Ok, so it should be fine then.
I am just going to use the program as a standard real time AV program and will refrain from doing manual scans due to the icon problem as previously discussed.
When the beta turns into a full release will it update automatically?
-
Yes, I believe so.
I have only tested 1178 on my WinXP systems so far and I have yet to test it on my WinMe system. I plan to do so later in the day with a full scan to see if the quick launch icons survive or not (I suspect they will not).
When the beta turns into a full release will it update automatically?
Yes it will. When the beta ends avast will automatically return all of us in the beta program to the normal avast update program.
-
alanrf ,
Thanks.
Although I wonder why there were some log errors just after I had installed the program.
I have reported these in a seperate thread.
-
I noticed that thread.
There is nothing very new in the forums on this ... but you may want to check this thread (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=25793.msg210577#msg210577).
-
I must not try to speak for Tech but I think that perhaps Tech was hoping that the problem (this thread is now so long and messy that I think this issue may have become lost) would be fixed in the new 4.8 beta release.
Alanrf caught my mind... I forgot that Windows 98 won't be included in new features.
Beta won't help (I suppose) in this case.
-
Alanrf caught my mind... I forgot that Windows 98 won't be included in new features.
Beta won't help (I suppose) in this case.
When you say Beta wont help are you referring to the icon issue?
And will the Beta be ok as far as it to work on 98 S.E?
I installed using http://public.avast.com/~vlk/4.8.1178/setupeng.exe
Should I have installed the 1169 version? which was the previous one I believe, remembering it's for 98 S.E that is.
-
When you say Beta wont help are you referring to the icon issue?
Yes, among others.
And will the Beta be ok as far as it to work on 98 S.E?
Yes, it works on 98 SE.
Should I have installed the 1169 version?
It's not necessary. 'Any' version will be updated to the latest beta version.
-
I have the following.
NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS
BUS Type : AGP
Bios Version: 3.15.00.12
On Board Memory: 64MB
IRQ 11:
TV Encoder Type: Conexant Bt869
Forget that theory then ::)
-
Doesn't win9x allocate 1MB of your RAM for system functions, I can't recall the exact terminology/explanation it has been soooooo long since I used win9x.
-
Just to report back on an earlier post.
I completed a thorough scan (with archive scanning) on my WinMe system with the avast beta release 4.8.1178 and the quick launch icons survived the experience.
-
Just to report back on an earlier post.
I completed a thorough scan (with archive scanning) on my WinMe system with the avast beta release 4.8.1178 and the quick launch icons survived the experience.
Well this looks like it's only affecting 98 S.E for sure, thanks for the update.
It's not really a major problem for me as I don't run too many manual scans, and as long as I have it real time online scanning then that's fine with me.
The good thing is I can do a manual scan for a file shell extension, and the icons stay put, it's only if I have the main skin open and run from there that this icon issue occurs, but more importantly, it's not just pertaining to the quick launch icons, it affects the toolbar links and windows folder icons too.
I have read other 98 users that have experienced the same problem, however I would be glad to hear of any users of Windows 98 S.E that do NOT experience the icon disappearing act.