Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: jmrc94 on April 22, 2004, 10:49:55 PM
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Hi,
I have been using Avast Home Edition for some time, and generally speaking I am very happy with that software.
However yesterday version 4.1.389 has been made available and when I run that version (tried live update, but also full install from downloaded installation file), my system starts to be unstable and freeze/crash/fail to start some programs with no reason.
Reverting to previous Avast release seems to solve the problem.
Has anybody experienced such unstability problem since the update?
Configuration: WinME, Atlhon XP 1800+ on a K7S5A (SiS735), 256MB of RAM (DDR266).
Note: I know at least one other system wich experiences the same kind of stability issue since updating to avast 4.1.389, running Win98 (1st edition), Duron 1600, ASUS A7V8X-X, 256MB PC3200
Thank you for helping!
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Hi,
works fine on Win2000-SP4
why doesn't liveUpdate work ?
Please describe your hardware and background processes in more details; maybe post a hijackthis-Log: www.lurkhere.com
;)
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No trouble with 4.1.389 and Windows XP SP1+ :D
I think Win Me is not quite a stable system... Perhaps if you disable System Restore, boot and enable it again... But I'm not sure as I used Me very little in the past ::)
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freeze/crash/fail to start some programs with no reason.
Any error messages for the crashes? Does it help when you disable Standard Shield temporarily?
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Hi
Well no error message. Some programs will not successfully start or will start and eventually and hang (even small progs such as CpuZ etc.) and remain in the task list without actually working.
At some point, the system becomes really unresponsive and cannot event reboot gracefully (task bar hangs etc.).
As I said this happens on two different systems, one with Win98 and mine with WinME. Both were stable before April 21st Avast prog update.
I restored my system with a stable disk image using savepart, tested it for more than one hour : no problem.
Then I did a clean install of Avast 4.1.389 (FR version this time), rebooted when prompted and tested it again: the system started to be unstable again after some minutes of up time & tests.
By the way, I checked it for all kind of malwares (avast, f-prot DOS, spybot, ad-aware6 => all running latest updates) and it is clean.
I can try this evening to disable Standard Shield to see if unstability goes away...
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OK, thanks.
So, is this problem "random", or do specific programs have the same problem every time you start them? If it's reproducible, could you tell use what particular programs are affected (such as CpuZ), maybe also where some of the programs can be downloaded?
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I'm just from asking the person running the Win98 system with latest Avast Home Ed, and he confirms that after disabeling the the shields (right click on Avast logo & Disable), the problem seems to go away.
Also here are two pages that causes almost "instant freeze":
a) http://www.boursorama.com/opcvm/opcvm.phtml?symbole=MP-804817
b) http://www.free.fr/
You can find CpuZ here:
http://www.cpuid.com
Thanks for having a look to these problems!
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You mean that opening these pages in Internet Explorer make it freeze? ???
What are the settings of the Standard Shield provider?
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Settings must be the defaults one, set by Avast installer.
In fact the http://www.free.fr/ page was the default page for IE6sp1 (+latest updates) and no problem before April 21st.
Then after the AV update, IE6 was hanging on opening the default page. I instructed the user to change the default page to "blank page" from the control panel/internet settings and that worked => no hang on the blank page.
Then browsing the internet, hangs will be seen again (including mouse freeze) if user goes back to the free.fr page or to the boursorama.com page!
On my side (WinME), my default page is google.fr, I had no problem there. I did not try these links yet (I run avast & WinME at home, have to wait this evening for more tests).
As far as my home system is concerned, Standard Shield is set to "high" + heuristic (I think)
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OK. I have created 2 files... could you please try if using any of these files make any difference?
The files can be downloaded from here (http://www2.asw.cz/~glucksmann/aswmon9x.zip). The zip file contains 2 versions of aswMon9x.dll. This file is located in the avast installation directory and when the avast! resident protection is running, it will be locked. So, to replace it, it is necessary to boot to DOS (or boot from a diskette or something like that).
Note that avast! setup will overwrite the file back to the "official" one very soon (on the next reboot), so you should always check what file is actually there.
Thanks!
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Hi,
Experienced the same problems with WIN98, sec. ed., 4.10.2222A, IBM 300GL model/type 6275/M20, Pentium II, 400 MHz and Zonelab firewall. Connected to the internet by cable, Motorola Eurodocsis modem and Realtek NIC.
After automatic updating of Avast my system froze,
Ctrl+Alt+Delete gave:AshServ (not responding).
Uninstalled Avast with AvClear4 and re-installed Avast4.
After restart the same situation and no email with Outlook Express possible, an error occurred but cannot send the bug report.
I hope this helps to tackle the problem!
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I am using Win98se and have had some strange problems too but I do not know if it is because of new recently installed Kerio Firewall.
My pc just shut down when I was using it as if the power was shut off.
I have had a few times on start up that the icons appear on the desktop and the hour glass just sit there and keeps running but it sits there forever. The ctrl-alt delete does not work at this time and I have to manually power down. I have also had some applications that you click on the desktop icon but nothing starts up.
Avast or Kerio???
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OK. I have created 2 files... could you please try if using any of these files make any difference?
.../...
Note that avast! setup will overwrite the file back to the "official" one very soon (on the next reboot), so you should always check what file is actually there.
Hi
Here are my test results: If "ver_1" doesn't help, "ver_2" (size 26112 bytes, April 23rd 5:00:20pm) seems to work just fine on my WinME system. Tomorrow I will try it on the Win98 system as well, just in case.
Well done :D Hope to see the official version fixed soon , it is painful to manually replace the "bad" file on each reboot!
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The ver_2 file also fixed my problem: which was hanging at the "Checking for latest version of Windows Update software" on the Windows Update web site.
Only one system had this problem: an AMD K6-300 running WinME. No other systems running WinME or WinXP had this problem with the latest AVAST update.
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I too have had problems since the last program update. First my kerio firewall v2.15, found a new version of Avast on every boot, fixed that by delting Avast rule & allowing a new rule to be written when prompted by Kerio. Second, my program HP Photo Print will not start, says it is "not responding". Only way I could get it to work was to disable the Standard Shield, and that only worked sporatically. I run Win ME, 700 mhz celeron, 384 mb pc 100 RAM. P.S. why doesn't avast have a MD5 signature, every time I scan for authentic MD5 sigs, it says that Avast doesn't exist.
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previously:
>> The ver_2 file also fixed my problem: which was hanging at the "Checking for latest version of Windows Update software" on the Windows Update web site.
Only one system had this problem: an AMD K6-300 running WinME. No other systems running WinME or WinXP had this problem with the latest AVAST update.<<
update:
Found a second system with the EXACT same problem: an AMD K6-2 500 running WinME. The ver_2 file also fixes the problem on this system; but AVAST automatically re-runs setup to replace this file with the original bad version upon reboot. Funny, on the AMD K6 300 system, AVAST does not seem to notice the ver_2 file and does not re-run setup to try to replace it. Wonder why?
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I would really like to know what is the difference between the systems having the problems and the systems that work OK...
According to the number of post, it seems not to be connected to hardware configuration. Maybe a specific software or driver installed? ???
Only way I could get it to work was to disable the Standard Shield, and that only worked sporatically.
Oh, what exactly do you mean, sporadically? If you stop the Standard Shield and confirm to persist the changes, it really should help. If it doesn't, then the problem is somewhere else...
P.S. why doesn't avast have a MD5 signature, every time I scan for authentic MD5 sigs, it says that Avast doesn't exist.
What kind of MD5 sig?
Funny, on the AMD K6 300 system, AVAST does not seem to notice the ver_2 file and does not re-run setup to try to replace it. Wonder why?
Maybe a different setting of updating / connections? I believe setup performs the "fixing" when it tries to detect available new updates (I can be wrong, though).
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Upon further testing, disabling the standard shield will always allow the 'Hp Photosmart Printing' program to run. An MD5 signature is a program's fingerprint that Kerio Firewall identifies as a legitimate program. When you scan the MD5's, kerio will let you know if their's an unidentified program, or change to a legitimate program. I've loved Avast since I put it on & feel secure that they will fix this bug.
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Hi
Here are the softwares run most of the time:
a) WinME + IE6sp1 + OutLookExpress 6sp1
b) Avant Browser 9.02
c) ZoneAlarm Free version 4.5.594.000
The Win98 system I mentionned earlier with same issues has more or less the same software installed, but does not have Avant Browser (only IE6Sp1).
Note: Avast tries to remove the new awlmon9x.dll (ver_2) with original one each time I connect to Internet. It will place a .TMP file in Avast4 directory and use it to replace ver_2. So if I replace the .TMP with the ver_2 build, ver_2 will be reused on next boot!
I have instructed my friends running W9x not to accept Avast program update until this issue is resolved. Virus DB update is ok though.
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HI
I have the same problem with W98SE.
IE and Netscape freeze with new avast vers. Disabling KERIO doesn't improve the situation. The only way to access internet is to disable avast !
JOJO :-\
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Magicjo, Igor will not return untill Monday please be patient untill then
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I would really like to know what is the difference between the systems having the problems and the systems that work OK...
According to the number of post, it seems not to be connected to hardware configuration. Maybe a specific software or driver installed? ???
No problems on Thinkpad A20m with Celeron 550 running WinME & WinXP Pro.
Exact same problem on AMD K6 300 and AMD K6-2 500 systems, both running WinME. Only problem I find is hanging during "Checking for latest Windows Update software" at Windows Update web site. Again, the ver_2 file you provided fixes the problem on both systems.
Running nearly identical software on all systems. Only other "active" software is latest version of Zonealarm. Tested shutting down Zonealarm, did not make any difference. No similar hardware between the AMD 300 vs 500 systems (hardware quite different in fact). Hope this additional info was of some help.
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I've already posted this on another thread, but this one seems more in line with my exact problem. So...
I am having trouble since the update too. Using Win98-SE.
I've reinstalled my system twice and each time after installing the new version of Avast4Home (4.1.389) My system is extremely buggy.
For example:
- I cannot change my video resolutions, the computer locks up.
- When I try to change my video settings I get a system lockup with an error window refering to an error in ?RUNDLL.DLL? Requires a reboot and the video size and resolution are unchanged.
- Various program just lockup.
- Internet Explorer locks the system up on some pages. (Windows update)
- Shutting down Windows no longer works, it locks and I have to hit the power. Every time I turn it back on, it does a system scan to make sure all is well.
When I get any other error messages they are primarily involving DDHELP.EXE.
I have been a user of Avast for over a year and have recommended it to many friends and customers. But if this problem is not identified and corrected, I will remove Avast from my "Recommended Software" website and find a new provider.
Any answers would be appreciated here guys.
Thanks in advance,
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P.S. why doesn't avast have a MD5 signature, every time I scan for authentic MD5 sigs, it says that Avast doesn't exist.
Not much to contribute, but just a note. This is more of a Kerio Problem than an avast problem. I think the question that was being asked about "what kind of md5" related more to how it is generated. Kerio Generates and Matches them internally. Avast does not have a hand in that. Avast maybe blocking access from kerio with the way it generates its MD5 when it tries to identify the program, which maybe intentional to enhance virus protection.
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This version makes my system unstable too. I am running win 98se. I have used Avast Pro for over a year and it worked very well. As soon as the update was completed avast wouldn't load at start up. It just hung. When I pressed ctrl/alt/del it was hung on ASHSERV. I uninstalled and reinstalled a few times. I then installed the home version instead of the pro version. Same problem. I have had to uninstall it all together. I used to love that programme.
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Note that it is possible to run the previous build of Avast (4.1.357 dated 27/02/2004), using Virus DB automatic Update but disabling automatic program updates until the problem is solved i a new build.
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Note that it is possible to run the previous build of Avast (4.1.357 dated 27/02/2004), using Virus DB automatic Update but disabling automatic program updates until the problem is solved i a new build.
Just a note, you must uninstall the 4.1.389 version first.
Install the 4.1.357 (off-line)
My Windows98 is working well with the new version 8)
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I have installed on two new pcs with identical hardware both running XP SP1. One works fine, the other keeps asking me to restart my PC, so I've uninstalled. The only difference between the two is that on on one I installed MS Office after Avast and the other before. The one where I installed Office after Avast is the one where I have no problems.
Hope you can sort out, as my previous anti-virus Viruscan knocked out the microphone.
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Kept asking for reboot? Do you still have the file <avast>\setup\setup.log? That would tell us everything...
thanks
Vlk
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Note that it is possible to run the previous build of Avast (4.1.357 dated 27/02/2004), using Virus DB automatic Update but disabling automatic program updates until the problem is solved i a new build.
How/where do I get the old version of avast?
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I also am having problems since the latest update. When I click shutdown, it goes to a blank screen & then turns blue with -- An error has occurred, press enter to return to Win. etc. etc. Error:0D:00BF:BFF648EE -- & the only way to shut down is the off button. I have done the selective startup thing in msconfig & Avast seems to be the culprit. I now-- Stop On- Access Protection & Exit-- before clicking shutdown, with no lockup. OS Win ME Any ideas?
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Hmm, that's strange.
Does it help if you stop only some of the resident providers (e.g. Standard Shield only) before shutting down, instead of stopping the whole on-access protection?
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Are you also using Sygate firewall. There is a lot of stuff about sygate interfering with the new version. I have gone into sygate and taken out the authority for avast. It then asked again and everything loaded. But the next time I booted up neither sygate or avast loaded. The next time I booted they both loaded.
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Note that it is possible to run the previous build of Avast (4.1.357 dated 27/02/2004), using Virus DB automatic Update but disabling automatic program updates until the problem is solved i a new build.
How/where do I get the old version of avast?
Try Google! type in: 4.1.357 and you'l get 4,510 answers! ;D most of them are 4.1.389 or Russian, Polish,....
Go to www.downlinx.com and search for Avast.
You can download home and pro editions 4.1.357 in English.
After installing it was 1.4.389!!!! :'(
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I uninstalled Sygate and put in Zonealarm Pro instead. The problem still persisted so it is not Sygate. I uninstalled Avast and installed the Polish version of 4.1.357 ( I think it is Polish). Un fortunately as I do not speak Polish I didn't know which box to tick to stop automatic updates. It updated itself the first time I ran it. It did load up at start up though. Not like the new version.
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Most of the 4.1.357 versions have now been changed to 4.1.389. I couldn't find an English version.
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Try version 4.1.396 ;)
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Well done guys, 4.1.396 fixed all my problems.
Thanks for the excellent work.
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Thanks very much version 4.1.396 fixed everything.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I knew you guys were good but this is really tops. After the 4.1.396 update everything back to normal, many thanks for such a great VS. ;D
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Many Thanks
Everything works now ! Nothing to say for such a great support !
Bravo !
MagicJo
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Kept asking for reboot? Do you still have the file <avast>\setup\setup.log? That would tell us everything...
thanks
Vlk
Vlk - Sent you setup.log yesterday. I thought the new version of software might work so I've installed that, it makes no difference. I've also tried using the system restore point to when I first used the PC, so it had no software on it at all and then installed new version - again no difference.
It seems to be OK and then I get a popup with latest news (about the new version which is already installed), I read the news and close the window and then it asks me to restart.
I can't understand why it affects one and not the other PC.
Hopefully you can help.
Thanks
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I'm just from upgrading to version 4.1.396 (french version!) and now it works fine on my WinME system!
Many thanks for your support :D
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dgp, the log seems fine. Please check the folder avast\setup. Is there a file called reboot.txt? Can you delete it? If you delete it, does it solve the problem?
Thanks
Vlk
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The new version 4.1.396 has fixed all my problems as well. Thank you Avast!!!
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dgp, the log seems fine. Please check the folder avast\setup. Is there a file called reboot.txt? Can you delete it? If you delete it, does it solve the problem?
Thanks
Vlk
Vlk- There is a file reboot.txt, with nothing in it. I deleted it and restarted my PC. Only it does not solve problem and reboot.txt is back in avast\setup!!!.
David
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So I need the setup.log again... Please ZIP it up as it may now be big.
Thanks.
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So I need the setup.log again... Please ZIP it up as it may now be big.
Thanks.
I now have major problem with PC locking up and freezing!!!! I doubt whether its to do with Avast as I've uninstalled it again. Its more likely faulty hardware or something as re-installing Windows does not help :'(
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With 4.1.396 everything works fine again!
Thanks for so quickly solving the problem!