Reading Log Files

[Arnak]

Hi,

Can someone tell me how to read the log files in Avast Premier 17.7.2.2314 on W7?

I would like to see if there are any programs that have been stopped from working correctly.

Thanks,

Martin

[Eddy]

As they are just text files, open them in a text editor and read the content of them

I would like to see if there are any programs that have been stopped from working correctly.

That is a Windows thing, not avast.

[Arnak]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.8-))

Unfortunately, even as sys admin I do not have permissions to open the files even though the permissions are set to allow that.

Respectfully I do not agree that it is a windows thing as avast must I assume block some progs if required?

Martin

[Eddy]

Every user who has access to avast can open and read the log files.
In order to see them it might be needed to select "show hidden/system files" first.

[Arnak]

Hi Eddy,

I can see the log files just not open them.

I can open the .old logs so maybe they are locked as avast is using them?

If that is the case I could perhaps open them in safe mode?

Thanks,

Martin

[Eddy]

What happens if you try to open  log file ?
Getting a error and if so what is the error ?

[Arnak]

Hi Eddy,

Just the usual "you do not have permission".

I am the sysadmin and have all the permissions so I expect the file is locked by avast, safe mode should fix that.

It is difficult to know which files would show any blocked programs or communication from them and there is a lot to search.8-((

Martin

[Eddy]

Disable the avast self defense and try again.

And as info:
A user with admin rights is not the same as the true admin which is hidden by default.

[Arnak]

Thanks, eddy,

Enabled hidden admin but still, cannot view log files.8-((

Will try in safe mode.

Martin

[Eddy]

Let me (us) know if it is working is safe mode.

[Arnak]

Hi Eddy,

I have yet to try safe mode but 1 thing I found is that on another pc using normal admin permissions I can open the logs perfectly.

So it must be a problem on the original pc, I will try and bottom it out.

Thanks,

Martin

[DavidR]

@  Arnak
Previously I have never had an issue viewing the contents of log files, whilst the self-defence module would preven't you from modifying the log file, I don't believe they should prevent just opening them.

What process are you using to open them for reading ?
Avast prefers the use of windows notepad and that is what the self-defence module may be objecting to.

That said, the log file is unlikely to provide the information you are seeking.
"I would like to see if there are any programs that have been stopped from working correctly."

By default the log only writes certain things, alerts and Hard errors, unless you are getting something like this for the affected program then it wouldn't appear in the log file.

[Arnak]

Hi David,

Thanks for the reply.

I am using notepad to open the files.

It seems that is not the route to go to find a blocked program, I have found the logs in Avast itself and there is nothing showing as blocked in there.

So I doubt that is what is causing the application to not work properly, I will continue to look elsewhere for a solution.

It's probably just a problem with my W7 setup somewhere.

Thank again.

Martin

[Eddy]

Right click one of the locked files and look at the properties/security.
It might tell you more.

[DavidR]

Hi David,

Thanks for the reply.

I am using notepad to open the files.
<snip>

Thank again.

Martin

You're welcome.
If you can check the programs/files being blocked as suggested by Eddy and give some examples of files (and locations) being blocked.  This may give is an idea of what area/process that might be involved.