What are the pro`s and Con`s of Scanning in Safe Mode
as apposed to Scanning in a User Account ?
a): Malwarebytes`Anti - Malware
b): Norton Internet Security 2009
Most spyware,malware,trojans and other infection are dormant in Safe Mode. When I clean a heavily infected machine I always use Safe mode. It also limits the number of processes going on so you can scan quicker. Safe mode scans are only necessary when you are trying to remove infections.
Message Edited by SoccerDad on 12-30-2008 02:35 PM
Hi Bowwie,
If you go in normal mode, there will be lots of services running in backend while the scanning going on and it won't allow to scan some files in proper way. The safe mode only has the adsolute minimum programs running, with all the other components disabled. In safe mode, all unwanted application will stop working and it will able to scan all files without any hinderance. This allows a file to be deleted/cleaned that would otherwise be identified as "in use" during the scan. Programs that hide themselves (rootkits) may be revealed because they won't start. Some programs like Adaware and Etrsut will identify a problem, and then direct you to enter the safe mode to allow it to clean/delete the threats. Thus, you can manipulate the files that you can't manipulate on normal mode, and find/remove invisible viruses easily.
However, the scan in Safe Mode will scan more files because less files are locked (in use). This is the advantage of using Safe Mode. The disadvantage is, of course, that you need to restart your computer, run the scan, then restart your computer again, which is time-consuming. Also, due to the independence in the file manipulation, there are possibilities of deleting the necessary System files for Windows Operating system or other applications by mistake.
Yogesh