In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?

Note: The University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you run the latest version of Symantec/Norton AntiVirus (SAV/NAV) software (available to Indiana University students, faculty, and staff for free via IUware Online) for your operating system, being sure to upgrade safely (see In Windows, how do I safely upgrade to the latest Symantec Endpoint or AntiVirus software?), and to update your virus definitions daily and scan your computer weekly.

After you have followed the instructions below, SAV/NAV will run LiveUpdate (which updates your virus definitions, sometimes called protection files or pattern files) and scan for viruses automatically at the time and day you set. If you are connected via Ethernet or wireless, LiveUpdate will use that existing Internet connection. If you are connected by modem and have a PPP connection, LiveUpdate will automatically get the updates from Symantec. If LiveUpdate prompts you to choose how to connect to the Symantec web site (in order to obtain the latest virus pattern files), choose the default setting Find device automatically. (A less commonly used option is to set LiveUpdate to get the information by dialing the Symantec update phone number; in this case, you will be billed for a long distance call.)

For more, see For Symantec virus protection software, what are my options for updating the virus definitions?

Note: For best results, run security software scans in Safe Mode. If you don't scan in Safe Mode, the software may not be able to detect or remove each security threat it finds. For more information about Safe Mode and how to enter it, see In Windows 2000, XP, or Vista, how can I boot into Safe Mode?

In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition 7.x, 8.x, 9.x, and 10.x, to schedule a time to automatically update your virus pattern files:

From the Start menu, select Programs or All Programs, then Symantec Client Security or Symantec/Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition, and then Symantec AntiVirus Client or Symantec/Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition.
Alternatively, in the system tray portion of the Taskbar (typically on the lower right of your screen), right-click the Symantec/Norton AntiVirus icon (which looks like a shield) and select Open Symantec/Norton AntiVirus... .
From the File menu, choose Schedule Updates... .
Make sure Enable scheduled automatic updates is checked. Click Schedule... .
You can now schedule a specific time for updates to occur. UITS recommends setting the "Frequency" to Daily. When you are done, click OK.

To schedule a virus scan after your virus pattern files have been updated:

Launch SAV/NAV as in step 1 above.
From the Edit menu, choose New Scheduled Scan.
In 10.x, you will next be prompted to choose the type of scan. Do so, and click Next.
In the "Name:" field, type the name of this scan (for example, Weekly Scan). Click Next.
Make sure Enable scan is checked. You can now schedule how often and at what time of the day you want the scan to occur. UITS recommends setting the "Frequency" to Weekly. Click Next when done.
Note: This step may not appear in 10.x.
You will be prompted to select the drives you want to scan; UITS recommends scanning all your hard drives. Check the box next to each drive you want to scan. The Options... button will allow you to configure what file types you wish to scan and what actions you wish to take upon finding a virus. UITS recommends leaving these at the default settings.
Click Save to finish scheduling your virus scan.

Note: You may also wish to configure SAV to scan for extended threats such as spyware and adware. See How can SAV for Windows scan for spyware and adware, as well as for viruses?

Also see:

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Last modified on July 02, 2009.

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