I get the error message with “ashSimpl.exe - The instruction at 0x01f23368 referenced memory at 0x00000008. The memory could not be read” - when I try to open Avast from the desktop icon to run a scan. The program itself appears to be working fine ie the icon in my tray says “avast on access scanner 7 provider 6 running”
(see posting earlier)
Can you create a dump?
Download and run http://public.avast.com/~vlk/hangrep.exe . In the list of processes select ashSimpl.exe and use the Save button. This generates a file which you can either send to his email address vlk (at) avast.com (if it’s smaller than e.g. 1 MB, ZIPed), or upload to ftp://ftp.avast.com/incoming
The command-line version http://public.avast.com/~vlk/userdump.exe . The syntax is
userdump.exe ashSimpl.exe c:\ashSimpl.dmp
(producing dump file in the root of C:\ drive)
Please note that prior to taking it, you’ll have to temporarily disable avast self defense - otherwise, the program responsible for creation of the dump won’t be able to open the process.
Also, check the folder \data\log
Are there any files called unpXXXX there (where XXXX is a random number)?
If so, send them to vlk (at) avast.com
They may contain more information about the problem (maybe a link to this thread).
Email set with info from Data/log
Phil
When I run the program you suggested to log the process ashsimpl.exe there is no ashsimpl.exe showing in the list of processes.
Strange indeed. The crash seems to be taking place inside the HTMLHelp component (it’s a system components responsible for rendering of the help files). I have no idea why though… :-\
Maybe you could try to grab and install an update of the HTMLHelp package? (even though there hasn’t been any for some time…).
You could also try using the non-skinned version of avast instead. Right-click the avast tray icon, select Program Settings and uncheck the option “Use skins for Simple User Interface”.
Thanks
Vlk
Hi Vlk - solved the problem by unchecking the “skin” box. I have completed a full scan. Many thanks for your help.
One thing - at the end of the scan how will I know if there are any problems? Nothing was showing at the end of this scan.
Thanks again
Phil
If you have a detection all hell will break loose with an audible and visual alert and the scan stops, awaiting your interactive input (with the Home version). So if the scan completes there have been no detections.
You may get at the end of a scan a list of files that couldn’t be scanned and why, this isn’t unusual as there are many legit reasons why a file might not be able to be scanned (most commonly password protected).
Thanks David
You’re welcome.