Computer stuttering caused by avast.

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

So, I started out by reporting a forgotten password, that was unable to reset due to a problem in avast. I had experienced some computer stuttering prior to this, but did not give it much though.
I received a program to uninstall avast and did so (though they deleted my post prior to me getting around to do it…) So I found out, after uninstalling my avast, my computer ran smoothly.

The problem appeared after the last update, so I’m guessing something happened there.

Now, I’m not installing avast again, since my computer is completely useless when it increases in stuttering the longer it is turned on, and due to my usage, it needs to be turned on a lot.
This is really a problem, seeing as I used my money on avast, and being a student, that was almost a month’s worth I had saved up so I could use the new features. I must admit this has been
extremely frustrating both before and after finding out avast was the culprit. Will this problem be fixed?

A few words on what happens.
-On startup my computer runs smoothly
-After a while, small stuttering can be felt. Mouse starts freezing up for a split second, and video/audio does the same.
-After some time the stuttering becomes unbearable, causing major stuttering every few seconds.
-Problem is extremely noticeable in Chrome, and somewhat less in firefox.

Before giving chrome or firefox the guilt, please note that this problem was entirely fixed by uninstalling Avast, and no longer occurs in any program.

The more programs I’ve had open the worse it gets, even after closing them down. Only solution was to reboot my computer.

I did search the forums, and I see many had stuttering problems, though none from the same things as mine, or at least they did not have the details written down that I did.

Sincerely yours
Cremno

2

I don’t see any post of yours that was deleted and you only just registered 10 minutes ago.

What other security software do you have installed ? what was you previous AV and how did you remove it ?

What operating system are you running and how much ram do you have ?

What version of avast were you using ?

3

The support ticket was not on this forum, so no it was not on this account.

As for everything else, I posted a DXDiag when I posted the thread, so all system specs are there. I uninstalled Avast with a special avast uninstaller sent by the guy I
received help for earlier. Avast is the only antivirus I’ve used, so none, and it was the latest version 3-4 days ago. I had no other security software installed.

4

Can you run the tools listed here http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0 and attach the logs to your next post please

5

I do not have time for this I’m afraid, I’m writing an exam at the moment, while doing some work I have, and I simply can’t spare the required time as it is.

In any case, this was more of a notification that this is a problem, and a huge one for those who have the same problems as me (If any?).
If I get the time to do this, I will do so, but so far I’m afraid all I can do is be grumpy about having spent the money, lol sorry.

Even though I have problems, I have used Avast for all the computers I made myself, and I’ve never experienced any major problems, and I do have a lot of patience, since Avast has earned that much.

As said, if I get the time sometime soon, I’ll update this post with the findings I get.

6

I’ve not seen anyone else with the issue you have described so until logs can be provided there isn’t anything else that can be done I’m afraid, hopefully you can find the time as it would really only take up about 15 to 30 minutes to provide logs.

7

I notice DPC latencies increasing after long uptimes when the Avast firewall is installed. High DPC latency can cause audio stuttering/crackling and in the worst cases video and other sorts of hickups. This could be the cause of the symptoms the OP is describing.

For a moment I thought the latest beta (9.0.2009) had fixed it, but I cheered too soon. After 12+ hours of uptime (I often use the sleep function instead of shutting down) the DPC still increases.

8

Based on your description, this is exactly what has been happening. And in a huge scope too. Especially after prolonged use, or if I played a game for some time, it would really mess up when I stopped it, and started another program.

9

As I asked earlier what version of avast do you have installed Free, Pro, AIS ? have you run the tools yet as supplying the logs is the only way we are going to be able to see what is really happening.

If you do happen to be running the AIS version then try disabling the windows firewall which may solve any latency issues

10

Although it’s a good suggestion, in my case that did not solve it… Let’s hope Cremno has more luck.

11

Right, so I re-installed Avast and did these tests. My protection is AIS. Disabling the firewall did nothing for me. Disabling Avast does nothing for me. Only thing working is using the avastclear.
I’ve attached the logs you requested.

Now, I’ll uninstall avast again, since using my computer like this is impossible. I’ll re install it again if needed.

Cremno

12

You can try a custom install without the firewall. Disabling it alone doesn’t help, only removing it does. This way you can have the other shields and protection active, just without the firewall.

13

cremno I’ve reported your problem to Essexboy so he should be able to look over the logs in due time.

On a side note I would suggest turning of Defender as the extra scanning it’s doing on top of what avast already does is a waste of resources and defender imo is useless when it comes to detection, it would be interesting to see if this issue your having still appears with defender disabled.

14

Is this a legitimate copy of windows ?

15

yes, it is a real version of windows.

16

Craig, Defender is (hard) disabled when you install Avast, you can’t even turn it on. The problem is in the Avast firewall.

17

Your talking about defender on Win 8 the OP is using win 7 and defender is not disabled, reading the OTL logs would have shown you that.

As essexboy is now handling this issue please refrain from interrupting.

18

OK from the description then there is probably a memory leak somewhere, when you installed Avast was it an in place upgrade or a fresh install ?

If it was a fresh install then we would need to run a clean boot to narrow down what is causing the conflict.