Every time I open a file (word or excel etc) on my PC it says ‘running virus scan’ at the bottom but the scan takes ages before the document opens, sometimes several minutes. I have recently had to re-install Avast and this never used to take so long previously. Do I need to change any settings anywhere? I’m, running on Vista if it makes any difference.
What version of avast?
Are any other scans “acting up”?
Try a “repair” Control Panel>Uninstall>double click “avast”>scroll to and click “repair”>reboot. 
thanks for your reply. I tried what you suggested, even went as far as uninstalling and reinstalling (version 7.0.1474)
I actually tried to open a word doc and excel doc after I had uninstalled Avast but it still said running a virus scan at the bottom and took ages to open. I guess as I had uninstalled Avast that it isn’t that that’s causing the problem.
Any idea what else runs a scan on a pc when a document is open as I don’t have any other anti virus programmes running. Sorry to ask that here on the Avast forum but I’m at a loss and not sure if I should be changing settings anywhere on my PC. Is there any setting I can change to ensure Avast is the default programme to run a scan. I notice that if I right click a document and scan with Avast it’s really quick to tell me there are no threats, it’s just opening the document that seems to take a long time with whatever is scanning it before opening.
What Windows, Spk, bit you use ?
Any other AV install or security programs running ?
What was your AV before Avast! ?
hi,
running Vista, not sure what you mean by ‘Spk, bit you use’ sorry!
Nortons was pre-installed on the pc previously but I’ve unistalled that from the programmes, well I hope i have…
Service Pack, 32 bit or 64 bit.
Run Norton uninstaller tool from this page # 26a
http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/
Reinstall Avast! fresh:
1.) Download and save to your desktop aswclear.exe
2.) Download and save a fresh copy of Avast!. Be sure to have your lincense handy if running a paid version.
http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/avast_pro_antivirus_setup.exe
http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/avast_internet_security_setup.exe
3.) Open Avast! > Settings > Troubleshooting > Untick " Enable Avast! self-defense module ".
4.) Uninstall Avast! normally through Control Panel > Programs & feature ( Vista, W7 ) or Add and remove programs ( XP ). Reboot. If you can not complete this step, continue with step # 5
5.) Even if you were able to uninstall Avast! in step # 4, it is important to run aswclear.exe in safe mode for any Avast! you may have had before and then for v. 7. Reboot into normal mode after uninstall.
https://support.avast.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=1062#idt_02
6.) Reinstall fresh copy of Avast! and reboot.
Be aware. Avast! will offer Chrome during installment. Remember to opt-out if you do not want it.
Hey, tried what you suggest and it worked…can open docs with no probs at all. Thanks for all your help, I appreciate you taking the time to help and advise me.
You are welcome. Glad it worked 