Norton Internet Security / Norton AntiVirus

[q1ujsg]

How do I set it up so that a virus scan is performed automatically over a set period (once per hour for example)?

[dickevans Super RootKit Eradicator]

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q1ujsg wrote:

How do I set it up so that a virus scan is performed automatically over a set period (once per hour for example)?

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Welcome,

The quick scan feature will run at least weekly and whenever updates are received. There is no ability to set a scan so often. Most users try to keep scans to a minimum as they get very CPU intensive and degrade pereformance.

Can you tell us a bit more about your system and why you feel the need to scan it on an hourly basis?

Thanks

[q1ujsg]

I just had to pay bestbuy $199.00 to remove the Win 7 Antispyware virus.  They installed Norton.  If it only runs once a week, it seems that the scan will run after a virus has infected my laptop which means it is too late.  I would like to scan frequently as a prevention measure, rather than a detection measure (post hoc).

Jim

[SendOfJive Norton Fighter]

Hi q1ujsp,

You are confusing scanning and realtime protection.  Scanning will only find malware that has already installed.  The weekly Norton Idle Time Full System Scan is designed to look at everything on your system to detect dormant threats that do not pose an immediate danger because they do not run.  The Idle Time Quick Scan, which automatically runs from once to several times per day, is designed to spot active threats that actually run, or are set to run.  The main goal of the Quick Scan is to spot new threats that could not be detected prior to the latest virus definitions update.

The task of preventing malware from installing in the first place is handled by Auto-Protect, which runs continuously in the background and uses several different methods to detect and block malware before it can install itself.  Between Auto-Protect and the Quick Scans you are getting the maximum protection against active threats.  Full system scans have no part in this and so do not need to be run often.

[dickevans Super RootKit Eradicator]

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q1ujsg wrote:

I just had to pay bestbuy $199.00 to remove the Win 7 Antispyware virus.  They installed Norton.  If it only runs once a week, it seems that the scan will run after a virus has infected my laptop which means it is too late.  I would like to scan frequently as a prevention measure, rather than a detection measure (post hoc).

Jim

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Jim,

I'm sorry you had to go the expensive route to get a clean system. As the message above states Norton uses several ways to protect you. As is also mentioned the scan is after the fact and is in addition to the real time protection which monitors everything trying to come into your system. Keeping the updates current and your subscription active will provide the best defense against reinfection.

Don't be a stranger. Visit often, help others, get help when you need it.

We'll leave a light on

[Stu]

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SendOfJive wrote:

Hi q1ujsp,

You are confusing scanning and realtime protection.  Scanning will only find malware that has already installed.  The weekly Norton Idle Time Full System Scan is designed to look at everything on your system to detect dormant threats that do not pose an immediate danger because they do not run.  The Idle Time Quick Scan, which automatically runs from once to several times per day, is designed to spot active threats that actually run, or are set to run.  The main goal of the Quick Scan is to spot new threats that could not be detected prior to the latest virus definitions update.

The task of preventing malware from installing in the first place is handled by Auto-Protect, which runs continuously in the background and uses several different methods to detect and block malware before it can install itself.  Between Auto-Protect and the Quick Scans you are getting the maximum protection against active threats.  Full system scans have no part in this and so do not need to be run often.

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I fully agree.

Norton will keep you prtected with the realtime protection.

A scan once a week is enough. Your machine is protected against everything what is being done on the machine

[delphinium Norton Fighter]

For future reference, there are several very good free malware removal forums, staffed by trained helpers. Check in here for some recommendations before spending another $199.00.