Thanks. I assume that hidden files or program files cannot be opened. In 4.8 the aswr1 file that bloated was a simple .txt file that I could remove whenever necessary: Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\DATA\integ\
Where is its .5 equivalent?
No hidden files are just that hidden, so aren't normally found on searches or using windows explorer. If you have done as I have and got rid of the hidden files and folders in the explorer options, then you can see them and subsequently open them, etc.
The integ folder in 4.8 was related to the VRBD which isn't in 5.0 so I don't know why that folder (which is empty in mine) is in the 5.0 installation.
What I'm finding is that after VPS updates the old VPS Folders weren't pruned (XP location, C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\defs), which is effectively a duplication at over 50MB a day. Now it seems that they are being cleared out but now it appears to be working, with the current VPS and the last VPS. So that is something to monitor as even with self-defence disabled you can't delete old folders as they are in use.