Should you run AVAST boot time scan

poppie123

I just wondered if this is something that should be done on a regular basis.
The last time i ran one it (about 2 months ago) it got to about 70% and then my whole computer froze, the screen went black and that was it. I have no idea what happened.:(

I havent used it since (too scared to) but i do a quick AVAST scan each day and a full scan every couple of days. I also do a quick malewarebytes scan everyday.

Should i be doing a boot time scan too??

Andrew1472

poppie123 wrote: »

I just wondered if this is something that should be done on a regular basis.
The last time i ran one it (about 2 months ago) it got to about 70% and then my whole computer froze, the screen went black and that was it. I have no idea what happened.:(

I havent used it since (too scared to) but i do a quick AVAST scan each day and a full scan every couple of days. I also do a quick malewarebytes scan everyday.

Should i be doing a boot time scan too??

No I don't think you should. I've taken this directly from Avast help:-

"This (a boot time scan) is useful if you suspect that a virus may have been installed on your computer, as it will enable the virus to be detected before it is activated and before it can do any damage to your computer."

I read that as meaning it is meant to be used as a last resort.
I'm sure somebody will tell me if I've misunderstood.:)

poppy10_2

I always have the automatic boot scan disabled, it slows down the boot process and isn't particularly accurate

spg_SCOTT

Generally it is recommended if avast has trouble removing a problem, or for further inspection.

Can't remember where this text came from (possibly the old digitalred tutorial for avast 4), but I have used it in my tutorial for the boot time scan:

The avast! boot time scan is set up to scan your pc before windows has started. This is particularly useful when you are having trouble with malware during the running of windows, as it allows more control of the detected files and removes problems such as the ‘file in use’ error.

Personally, I haven't needed it, and haven't done one since installing avast (well, not strictly true...did a couple to test on 64 bit with a beta)

poppy10
I think you may be mistaking the boot scan for the real time scanning of the shields?
Boot time scans before windows starts...

aliEnRIK

I wouldnt bother normally. But you should run a boot scan every few months as a check

That and with the new 'system tools' virus doing the rounds I recommend running one weekly for the time being

spg_SCOTT

That system tool is a pain...I think all AVs are having trouble keeping up...
As it is they are playing catch up, but new versions are released hourly in some cases...
I saw one fake scan site spit out a different one each day...

poppy10_2

spg_SCOTT wrote: »

poppy10
I think you may be mistaking the boot scan for the real time scanning of the shields?
Boot time scans before windows starts...

Yes, that's why it slows down the boot process, like I said. Do you know what boot means?

spg_SCOTT

Yes, but this threw me:

I always have the automatic boot scan disabled...

It only runs when you schedule it.

Sparhawke

I don't believe you have to run it everytime you boot up as it is a colossal waste of time, why would you want to run it if you are not doing anything that could remotely affect you?

I do not even run daily anti virus or spyware sweeps, it has been months since I did either and have not had a problem but I would recommend people doing it at least once a month to keep up with things.

I simply have been around the internet almost as long as it has been around so know where I am going and know where the dangers lie.

A man walking around New York all his life knows that he may be in some danger in the Bronx at night but knows that wearing full tactical armour on 5th Avenue in broad daylight is safety overkill.

poppy10_2

spg_SCOTT wrote: »

Yes, but this threw me:

It only runs when you schedule it.

OK, I think we might be talking about different things here, I apologize. Whenever I install Avast, this option is always selected by default:






That's what I was referring to by the "automatic boot-time scan", but I see that is a seperate option.

spg_SCOTT

Yep, we are talking about different things