ashWebSV.exe using all my memory

I am running XP Pro, MS firewall and avast (4.8.1335, vps: 090801-0). When I boot, ashWebSV.exe takes up at times all my CPU and slows the loading of my browsers (Chrome, IE8, FF). The problem grinds the machine to a halt and I have to reboot which seems to clear the problem for a time. I have been using avast for several years and this has not happened until recently. My machine is relatively stable with only app updates from time to time and no new app updates recently except for MS monthly releases.

Strange… this is generally due to another antivirus (or bad uninstalled one) or firewall…

Can you activate logging in WebShield?
0. (Disable avast self-defense module: Program settings > Troubleshooting tab of settings.)

  1. Edit \data\avast4.ini file with Notepad (or use step 0 with other text editors).
  2. Find the section [WebScanner]
  3. Add the line:
    EnableLogging=1
  4. Restart Web Shield in XP\Vista (terminate and start again) or whole PC in case of Win98
  5. Browse (trying to access some webpages)

The log file are \data\log\ashwebsv.log and ashwebsv.ws.
They would be accessible when WebShield is terminated again.
Post them here or send by mail to rypacek (at) asw.cz
After that, disable the logging to avoid a big log file.

Oh, enable the self-defense module again after that if you have to follow step 0.