Avast Scans
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: UK
Avast Scans
Although I see a few references to Avast in the ongoing AVG8 thread, I don't want to hijack the thread with my own Avast query. I noticed a comment on that thread about setting up an automated scheduled scan for Avast.
My question relates to when I carry out a manual scan with Avast. Each time it comes across a possible Trojan or Virus, instead of storing them until the end of the scan, Avast constantly interrupts me by asking each time, what I want to do with that particular threat. Is there a way of setting up the scan so that I can analyse the various threat when the scan is completed, as used to happen with my AVG scans?
I meant to add that Avast tells me that I have "Resident Protection", which, I think, means that Avast is working in the background continuously. If this is the case, do I need separate scans, either manual or automated. (Ive always found that it tells me that I have onre or two Trojans when I scan!)
My question relates to when I carry out a manual scan with Avast. Each time it comes across a possible Trojan or Virus, instead of storing them until the end of the scan, Avast constantly interrupts me by asking each time, what I want to do with that particular threat. Is there a way of setting up the scan so that I can analyse the various threat when the scan is completed, as used to happen with my AVG scans?
I meant to add that Avast tells me that I have "Resident Protection", which, I think, means that Avast is working in the background continuously. If this is the case, do I need separate scans, either manual or automated. (Ive always found that it tells me that I have onre or two Trojans when I scan!)
Last edited by Tosh McCaber; 12th April 2009 at 10:01.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 15
From: Wellington,NZ
The lack of scan scheduling in Avast is one of the limitations of running the free version.
Some AV companies "cripple" detection, updating, and/or cleaning features. Avast has chosen a different way to differentiate the "home" vs "pro" features. The detection rate in the free is the same as in the paid.
One way to better enable unattended scanning is to download and place in the C: \Windows\System folder a fake virus (direct download from eicar.org.) You will need to pause the webshield to download it, and probably pause the standard shield if you need to move it. Re-enable them afterward.
This file is a harmless simulation, recognised by any virus scanner, and designed simply to test that the scanner is functioning as it should.
Once it is placed in the folder mentioned - which is one of the first areas to be scanned - shortly after scanning commences, a warning will pop up when the file is encountered. Tick the "do not show this message next time" box, and click "continue". The remainder of the scan will complete without waiting for user action, even if something is found. The scan report can then be viewed later.
Quite a bit on this, and other workarounds, at the Avast forum (it's an often asked question), here, here, and here. (And many other places. Includes instructions for getting the task scheduler to use the ashquick.exe module to do it.)
Some AV companies "cripple" detection, updating, and/or cleaning features. Avast has chosen a different way to differentiate the "home" vs "pro" features. The detection rate in the free is the same as in the paid.
One way to better enable unattended scanning is to download and place in the C: \Windows\System folder a fake virus (direct download from eicar.org.) You will need to pause the webshield to download it, and probably pause the standard shield if you need to move it. Re-enable them afterward.
This file is a harmless simulation, recognised by any virus scanner, and designed simply to test that the scanner is functioning as it should.
Once it is placed in the folder mentioned - which is one of the first areas to be scanned - shortly after scanning commences, a warning will pop up when the file is encountered. Tick the "do not show this message next time" box, and click "continue". The remainder of the scan will complete without waiting for user action, even if something is found. The scan report can then be viewed later.
Quite a bit on this, and other workarounds, at the Avast forum (it's an often asked question), here, here, and here. (And many other places. Includes instructions for getting the task scheduler to use the ashquick.exe module to do it.)
