I have a 500GB ETL file in Avast Software/ Avast/Log. Is this an Avast software problem ? Can I just delete it ? How can I prevent it happening again ?
Wow, 500 GB would be really huge, are you sure it isn’t 500 MB…!?
Anyway, you can safely delete the log files, they get rebuild if needed.
I am absolutely sure and I am now at 99% of disk capacity. That is why I noticed it. I have also seen a report of 600 GB log file. That is why I am concerned about it and thought I should draw attention to it
Wouldn’t they be protected by the Avast Self Defence module ?
If so that would need to be disabled first.
I have not tried yet and feared that it may not be as simple as that. How do I disable the defence module ?
Not sure about the log files, but good point.
I have found a setting to turn of Self defense under Troubleshooting
Try it and if it doesn’t work report back. Dave can help, if needed.
Good.
I successfully deleted the etl files (there are 2) , but they reappeared a week later !. Following online tips, I have already disabled "Connected user experience & telemetry and Diagnostic " and “Diagnostic system host”, but that did not prevent it. Window + X, Powershell as admin, “wpr -cancel” seems to temporarily stop it in its tracks.
How can I take it further ? It’s a problem and at least one other (French) person seems to be having it. If nothing else, it must be reducing the life of my hard disk, which constsntly runs at max
the etl files are in Progdata, Avast software, Avast, Logs
- Which Avast…? (Free/Premium/One)
- Which version/build of Avast…?
- OS…? (32/64 Bit…? - which SP/Build…?)
- Other security related software installed…?
- Which AV(s) did you use before Avast…?
Probably Free but I do pay for Driver Update
Version 22.2.6003 (build 22.2.7013.717). It updated today
Definitions 220324-8
Ui 1.0.696
Edition Windows 10 Home
Version 21H1
Installed on 18-Jun-20
OS build 19043.1586
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4170.0
No other 3rd party software. I only noticed this problem after running bootscan for first time a couple of weeks ago. May be coincidence
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
- Download Avast Free Antivirus: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe
- Follow instructions: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility (Run this tool for all prior installed Avast versions…!!)
- Reinstall Avast with the downloaded installer from point 1.
- Reboot.
Will I be able to preserve/ recover the Driver Update facility ?
In case relevant, I noticed the problem when I ran the Windows PC Health facility to check for compatibility with windows 11. It reported that the processor is not compatible but as a by-product, told me that my Drive C was full !
Sure, ADU is a standalone app/product.
I have done all that. Everything seems to be OK so far. Fingers crossed. Thanks for your help.
You’re welcome.
Unfortunately the problem reoccurred a few days later. I notice that somebody else having the same problem has been referred to a debug/ log checkbox in settings, but, regardless of whether it is checked or unchecked, surely there is something wrong with the software !!!