How to Repair Appsvc32.exe Error

Some background applications can grind your computer to a complete standstill.  The appsvc32.exe file, also known as Symantec Application Core Service, is one such application.

Although not a virus, this program has been flagged by some antivirus software to be a part of a group of malware known as Trojan ADIRSS. This is ironic if you consider that Symantec is the company that makes the application.

You should be aware that some malware may try to hide by disguising themselves as the appsvc32 file.  These malware are most likely found in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder.

Appsvc32.exe runs in the background after you install Norton Internet Security 2007.  The program runs with other Symantec processes such as COH32.exe and LUcallbackproxy.exe. By default, the process file is located in C:\Program Files\ Common Files\Symantec Shared\AppCore\AppSvc32.exe.

The appsvc32.exe process displays certain components such as the Norton toolbar and the Anti-Spam component which is displayed through the toolbar.  The file also manages Browser Privacy and Anti-Phishing components.

Users complaining about appsvc32.exe do not find comfort in the fact that Norton Antivirus has also had issues with the ccSvcHst.exe error. The chief complaint of many users is that appssvc32.exe hogs the memory and consumes up to 100%  CPU usage, which strains the system. Since the process cannot be stopped once it is running, users have no recourse but to reboot their computers.

There are several ways to fix this so that the application doesn’t grind your computer to a halt.

The first is to open Symantec Liveupdate web site in your Internet Explorer and then  click the RUN IT NOW button to download and install latest updates on your PC. You can run these updates only through Internet Explorer Web browser. No other Web browser is supported.

Other solutions include disabling Scan active programs and start-up file options for Norton Internet Security. This method also works for Norton Antivirus. The option to run a quick scan whenever protection updates are received should also be kept disabled. You can do this by performing the steps listed below:

1. Open Norton Protection Center.
2. Next, click on the Norton AntiVirus tab.
3. Expand Settings.
4. Scroll down to bottom for Additional Options. Go to Virus and Spyware Protection Options.
5. Look at the left hand side of the screen that comes up. Click on General Settings under Manual Scanning.
6. Clear the Scan active programs and start-up files check box.
7. Still on the left hand side, click on General Settings under LiveUpdate.
8. Clear the Run quick scan whenever protection updates have been received check box.

Many say that Symantec is aware of the problem and believes that the cause lies with the FLV player, which is not a critical component for your PC. Therefore, if this is the case, simply uninstall the FLV player and your system should be fine. You can use Add or Remove Programs or an efficient program uninstaller tool, such as Perfect Uninstaller for this task.

In the worst case scenario, if you do not want your system to be bogged down by applications or programs that take up a lot of resources, uninstall Norton Antivirus or Norton Internet Security 2007 and select another smaller and equally efficient antivirus/anti-spyware program such as Anti-virus Plus and StopZilla.