If the usage is 2% and nothing is conflicting, why are you saying the system is slow?
How much RAM do you have?
Which is your Internet speed connection?
You know the written word can be easily misconstrued without facial expression and vocal intonation. I have read several posts on this board–and in this thread–that could appear to be quite rude. I’m certain that’s not what you mean to convey…
I have also read your (read: Tech.) posts that indicate a level of (understandable) frustration when the poster does not read and respond to what you have written. I understand that frustration as I have been answering the same questions more than once.
I will say again: I have 512K RAM. My connection is dedicated DSL. I say it is slow because, in addition to taking considerably longer to simply boot my system, it now takes 1 minute to 1 minute 30 to load the same pages that would take a maximum of 10 seconds before. My presumption, as the only change to my system since this symptom began, is that it is somehow related to the 8/18 update of your software.
Hi Beagle :
Perhaps, by coincidence, during the same time frame as
the Avast VPS Update took place, a piece of malware,
such as a trojan, worm, rootkit, etc may have entered
your computer !? Have you checked for such a possibility ?
Hello Spiritsongs,
Yes, I have used your software for a complete system scan on 8/19 and it found no problems.
Hi Beagle :
With all the different kinds of malware coming through the
phone lines these days, should have more than just an
antivirus ; do you have any antiSPYWARE program(s) ?
If not, I would recommend you use Ewido from
www.ewido.net/en ; this program "specializes" in
detecting & quarantining trojans, worms, keyloggers,
generic dialers, etc that antivirus or antispyware programs
are not as good at doing . At least use Ewido's "Online
Scanner" !?
beagle1962,
You have referred a couple of times to “your software”.
Just for clarification - every person who has participated in this thread with you is just an avast user as you are. They have no control over or proprietary interest in the software.
They are all volunteering their time and knowledge of avast in an effort to help other users.
Hello again, Spiritsongs,
Thank you for the recommendation/suggestion. I will look into it. Is this something with which you have experience?
Post Script: It was my assumption (yes, I know what they say about one who assumes!), that the Web Shield was performing those functions. Live and learn…
Ah! That explains a lot…Thank you for setting me straight.
Beagle… I even think you were rude or need to ask for excuses… Don’t worry 
It’s not frustrating… I enjoy helping (try to enjoy…), sometimes is just time consuming. Sorry to ask you the same questions again and again… I did not do on purpose…
Ok… avast is scanning the startup items… what can we do… You can:
- Reduce the startup items.
- Use the ‘Normal’ sensitivity for the Standard Shield.
- Control your startup process using Try Startup Delayer.
- Since avast! version 4.7.807 the Standard Shield has a feature called do not scan system libraries (by default on) that dramatically decrease the number of files scanned during computer boot.
Ok… WebShield is scanning the webpages being loaded… You can:
- Set (if it’s not done right now in your computer) the ‘Use intelligent stream scanning’
- Remove the ‘Scan all files’ and choose only a restricted set of files to be scanned.
- Exclude safe urls to be scanned.
Their software…
But some days ago we had Microsoft patch Tuesday :
Tech,
Thank you for your post. I appreciate the help you are providing (especially as I am now aware that this is not “your” software).
I am currently using the “normal” setting on all providers. I will look into “Startup Delayer” later as I am currently unable to open the link you provided. I will uncheck the box to stop scanning dll files to see if that helps.
Intelligent Stream Scanning is currently checked. If I remove the “Scan all files” as you suggested, what file types would you suggest I do scan (exe, and ???). I will add urls to exclude in the scanning process.
I’m not sure I understand your Microsoft comment. Do you mean Microsoft had a recent update? I have Automatic Updates turned off, and I am very selective regarding what updates I will install. I have not done so in quite some time.
You have given me plenty to work with to see if I can speed things up. Again, I appreciate it.
I was afraid you’ll ask me this… I really do not know… Need help from Alwil team or, maybe, RejZor…
Microsoft updates on 8th August…
Hi Beagle :
I, like you, have had my Windows Automatic Updates
turned "OFF" for quite some time. However, I remember
that they usually come out the Wed AFTER the 2nd Tues
of each month. To be aware of WHAT Updates Microsoft
is releasing, I subscribe to their "Email Alerts" which has
a brief description of each one. When I visit their Update
site, I click on each "offering" & read its description.
At present time the only one to avoid is KB 905474. Since
it has been quite some time you have been there, you
may not have the necessary KB 892130, also known as
the "Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool", so it
would be wise to look in your "Add/Remove Programs"
for its presence . Is it there ? Without it, Microsoft will
NOT allow its other Updates released after it to be
downloaded onto a computer. It is possible the lack of
its presence may have "triggered" something in your
computer when Avast released its Updates around
Aug 18 !? Best to check as much possibilities as possible.
Thank you for all the information/suggestions you have provided. I will attempt to contact an Alwil team member regarding which files to scan.
Hello Spiritsongs,
I do have KB 892130 downloaded on my system, so installing necessary updates should not be a problem. I check the Microsoft site periodically to add what I think I might need.
It’s interesting that you questioned whether not updating Microsoft may have caused the slower system response time. When Tech asked me about the Microsoft updates, I was wondering the same thing. I suppose it is possible–I certainly wouldn’t rule it out at this point…
Thank you for your input. I’ll “play” with the suggestions I have been given over the coming weekend and see if anything helps.
I’ll let you both know the results.
Hi Beagle :
I still feel the 1st order of priority should be to use
"Ewido", either running its Online Scanner or its
"Complete System Scan" after having installed and
updated it .