Large log.txt file in Spamconf folder

[Patrick99]

In the Programs Data Windows folder for Avast 12.3.2280 (build 12.3.3154.6) there is a log.txt file located in a folder named Spamconf that has grown to over 3GB in size.

I restarted in safe mode and deleted the file, replacing it with an empty file of the same name.

What settings do I need to adjust to overrite the log's contents to prevent it from growing to such an enormous size? Is there a global option to delete older log entries?

After deleting the file this morning it is now growing past 50Mb. How can I manage this file's evergrowing size?

[Infratech Solutions]

I want to know it too.

[petr_matrix]

Try to delete spamcatcher.conf in "c:\programdata\avast software\avast\spamconf folder".

[Infratech Solutions]

Fixed!

Thanks  a lot.

[Patrick99]

Try to delete spamcatcher.conf in "c:\programdata\avast software\avast\spamconf folder".

What about the hundreds of temp files and compressed error archives in the spamconf folder?

[Patrick99]

The spamconf folder accumulates a large amount of files named sc18.bin.incr.2016.08.25.xxxx.

How do I manage these accumulations to control the size of the file? Is there a setting to clear these files?

[Amarand Agasi]

The spamconf folder accumulates a large amount of files named sc18.bin.incr.2016.08.25.xxxx.

How do I manage these accumulations to control the size of the file? Is there a setting to clear these files?

I, too, am interested in clearing out all of these files. I'm going to try deleting the log, at least.

It would be nice to know what this application is (spamconf?), and the proper way to deal with these files.  Starting up in "Safe Mode" is certainly not a normal-user thing.  Are we experiencing a bug?

[Amarand Agasi]

I noticed in my spamcatcher.conf file, I show this:

dbg_verbose_level=8
dbg_logfile=log.txt
verbose=yes

Now I'm not an expert in "spamcatcher" (whatever that is), but "verbose=yes" seems like it would be creating verbose logs, right? And That "dbg_verbose_level=8" might be high?

So:

What is spamcatcher?
Is it integrated into Avast?
Is it a tool I can disable?
What functionality would I lose?

Thanks!

[Asyn]

FYI, this topic has already been reported, let's hope for a reply from the devs soon...

[DavidR]

I don't have the c:\programdata\avast software\avast\spamconf folder on either my XP or win7 systems and both are running avast free. So either it isn't an element in XP or win7 installations, which I doubt, but more possibly it is an element in avast paid versions.

Taking a bit of a guess based on its folder and file name it is an anti-spam feature (and a look at program features at avast.com), are you using an avast paid version that has anti-spam AIS/Premier ?

If so then you should be able to open its settings and looking for any log/report settings lower the Verbose setting.

Sorry I can't offer anything more practical as I don't have this function installed.

[Amarand Agasi]

I don't have the c:\programdata\avast software\avast\spamconf folder on either my XP or win7 systems and both are running avast free. So either it isn't an element in XP or win7 installations, which I doubt, but more possibly it is an element in avast paid versions.

Taking a bit of a guess based on its folder and file name it is an anti-spam feature (and a look at program features at avast.com), are you using an avast paid version that has anti-spam AIS/Premier ?

If so then you should be able to open its settings and looking for any log/report settings lower the Verbose setting.

Sorry I can't offer anything more practical as I don't have this function installed.

Ahh yes, sorry, I really need to learn to provide more detail when posting here!

I'm running Windows 10 Pro, 1511, waiting for them to work the Anniversary edition out.
Avast Premier (Paid) 12.3.2280 (build 12.3.3154.6)

It would be nice to know, eventually, if I can re-enable that feature, but with a (rolling? ever-expanding?) 2GB log file, it probably needs a little work.

If the log file settings are set to high verbosity by default, that's probably not good behavior. Could just be a bug? Perhaps they released it accidentally with that specific settings file?  Might be nice, eventually, to have more Advanced settings available under each Avast module.  I know not everyone likes advanced options, but it's nice to have them when you need them - without having to edit a flat-file, which can be challenging for the average computer user.

[petr_matrix]

Hi guys,
as I wrote upper in this thread, delete spamcatcher.conf in "c:\programdata\avast software\avast\spamconf folder" and the big log file and it shouldn't happen again (not sure if repair action wouldn't get it back).

Thanks,
pm

[Ziggy Stardust]

I have the same problem (3.7GB) - I cannot delete the spamcatcher.conf file - Windows 10 Pro Anniversary edition won't let me. I have admin rights and am the owner of the file but I cannot change any security settings for files in that folder. I've tried File Assassin - it couldn't do it even at boot time. I have uninstalled Spam Catcher from within Avast Internet Security 12.3 but all the file are still there.

What gives and how do I get rid of this disk hog of a file?

[DavidR]

I doubt it is windows stopping you, but the avast self-defence module, AvastUI > Settings > Troubleshooting and uncheck the enable Avast self-defence module. Now you should be able to remove that file.

When don don't forget to enable Avast self-defence module.