Why Does Avast Lock Up?
Avast is an antivirus software program that is available in both a free and paid version, and while many Avast users report no problems with using either version of the software, some do. The program has been reported to freeze, or lock up in the middle of an update, scan or other common function. Understand why Avast locks up on your computer to get it functioning again.
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Corrupt Avast
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In many lockups, Avast itself has become corrupt or otherwise unusable. Even with careful use, it is possible for programs stop working correctly, and Avast is no exception. Avast typically becomes corrupt when key files are deleted from the Avast program folder, either accidentally by the user or due to a virus. Many Avast users find that simply uninstalling and reinstalling a new copy of Avast fixes the lockup problem.
Low RAM
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Although not as taxing on RAM, or random access memory, as some programs, Avast does require at least 256MB of RAM to function correctly. RAM serves as the computer system memory, playing a key role in application performance: With insufficient RAM, Avast will perform slowly and even lock up. If your computer has less than 256MB of RAM installed, that may be the cause of Avast’s inability to work without locking up.
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Insufficient Hard Drive Space
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Hard drive space on your computer is another key to Avast’s functionality. Programs running on a computer hard drive that is filled to capacity are more prone to crashing and locking up, and Avast is no exception to this rule. Users with less than 20 percent available hard drive space can have problems with Avast locking up during virus scans. Freeing up hard drive space by deleting old programs and other files often resolves this issue.
Running Programs
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No matter how much RAM or hard drive space your computer may have, your copy of Avast may still lock up simply because you're running too many programs. If other programs are also running slowly or locking up on your computer, you're probably running your computer system beyond capacity. Avast users who open only essential programs typically find that this restores full functionality to Avast.
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