correct way to scan for virus/spyware

terrierlady

do we need to come off line or scan in safe mode?
Done weekly?
no known issues but a friends conversation seemed to imply that a scan should be performed off line?

intel

I always perform scans offline and in Safemode with AVG and just leave the PC
do its thing just dont touch it and try and open other programs as that can interrupt the scan.

Once a week for me, but thats personal choice.

rabialiones

please elaborate on how to do this i.e. safe mode
thanks

maka_2

all you need to do is re-boot the computer hit F8 and it will let you select safe mode from there

ichiban1962

just a simple explanation....
when you reboot your pc tapping F8 sends the pc to a black screen
at the bottom it says start your pc normaly or use the arrows to move up and select safe mode
this starts your pc with the bare minimum of drivers to run things ie graphics,keyboard,mouse etc when you run anti virus or spyware software in safe mode it makes it easier for them to catch virus's trojans and spyware
just takes a bit of getting used to

hope this helps in any way

Mr_Vincent

If you have a laptop, like I do, and cannot use F8 like I did you may find the below useful.

Restart your pc,
upon restart and your pc shows the black background with the windows logo, forcefully turn your pc off (hold off button for more than 4 seconds)
Turn on again and when the black windows screen shows again, hit escape botton to eventually be shown your choices.

I have found scanning both on-line and offline to make little difference.
Same thing with scanning in safe mode.

Personally,
I generally prefer scanning on-line to catch out any nasties trying to tell the world I am live that might be lurking on my pc.

Backbiter

You can use F8 on a laptop - you need to hold down the Fn key (next to Ctrl). At least I think you can - my (DELL) laptop is so rubbish I avoid using it.

intel

My laptop goes into safe mode via F8

elvis_bloggs

I love threads like this, I gain so much information.

terrierlady

you can always rely on me to ask the daft questions no one wants to ask......

Mr_Vincent

terrierlady wrote:

you can always rely on me to ask the daft questions no one wants to ask......

Your question was not daft.
I for one am only here fleetingly.
:cool: