After installing Norton Internet Security 2007, Appsvc32.exe starts running in the background. Usually, Appsvc32.exe runs together with other Symantec processes. The most common ones are COH32.exe and LUcallbackproxy.exe.
The LUcallbackproxy.exe is responsible for updates and activates this process at runtime. The process resides in the ‘Program Files’ folder in a subfolder called ‘AppCore’ under the ‘Symantec Shared’ folder. The process can be run using the command C:\Program Files\ Common Files\Symantec Shared\AppCore\AppSvc32.exe. Opening the task manager will show the running state of the process and other details like the CPU usage and memory usage. If the PC runs idle for long periods, the process will have CPU usage fluctuations between 50% and 100%. While running, the process cannot be ended.
Despite the fact that the process runs under Symantec authorization as part of the antivirus utility program, some utility programs classify it as automated malware. It is shown to be part of a malware group called Trojan ADIRSS. This program does not use any network resources and has no hardware relationships. Unfortunately, it is known to hog many system resources, especially the CPU. It is not surprising for it to sometimes take up to 100% of CPU usage and literally hang the computer to the point of having to restart.
To optimize the process’s memory and CPU usage, it is essential to either stop it at runtime or use an effective and reliable registry scanner to disable runtime options and activities. Alternatively, one can decide to uninstall Norton Internet Security 2007 from the computer and replace it with an antivirus that is less demanding on the system resources. There are no known third party antivirus programs that are able to detect and remove the process. This is because Appsvc32.exe has no known network activity or malicious intentions.
However, since it injects into the registry, it is likely to bog down on the system and cause conflicts. One of its conflicts is with FLV players. These important players cannot function with the process running. The only solution is to disable its startup options from the startup menu. Currently, there is no known fix for the process’s CPU usage, making it very unfavorable for use. There are no known malicious programs that attach themselves to the process. The process is actually the Norton toolbar located on the browser. Since the Windows Scheduler kills any updates, a complete removal will lessen CPU usage and make the computer’s resources accessible.
Solution to AppSvc32.exe issue
by Michael_York – 5/11/09 12:41 PM In reply to: AppSvc32.exe slowing down my computer. by Judesman
Hi Judesman,
This is Mike from the Norton Authorized Support Team.
First, I wanted to let you know that Symantec has created a tool to resolve the issue with the “AppSvc32.exe” process consuming system resources. Using Internet Explorer, click on the link below and run the tool.
Fix issue with the AppSvc32.exe process and Norton AntiVirus 2007
I also wanted to let you know that this particular issue only affected NAV 07, and as long as you still have a valid subscription to Norton AntiVirus, you are entitled to a free update to Norton AntiVirus 2009, which I highly recommend. The new version of Norton AntiVirus contains many new and enhanced features and consumes very few system resources.
To update, please visit the Norton Update Center at the link below. Please NOTE, while this process will update you to the 2009 version of Norton AntiVirus, it will not extend your subscription.
Norton Update Center
Once the installation is complete, launch Norton AntiVirus 2009 and manually run LiveUpdate to ensure you get the latest program and definition files applied. This process will also invoke the new “Pulse Updates” feature which will check for and install new definition files in the background every 5-15 minutes.
When the updates have been installed, restart your computer and then open Norton AntiVirus and complete a “Full System Scan” to check for infections.
Thank you,
Mike
Michael York
Norton Authorized Support Team
Symantec Corporation
http://www.symantec.com/norton/