Using Symantec/Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition in Windows, how do I immediately scan a file, folder, or drive for viruses?

Note: The University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you run the latest version of Symantec/Norton AntiVirus software (available to IU students, faculty, and staff for free via IUware) 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 that you update your virus definitions daily and scan your computer weekly. For instructions, see:

• Windows: In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?
• Mac OS and OS X: In Norton AntiVirus for Mac OS or Mac OS X, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?

The documents above tell you how to set your Symantec/Norton AntiVirus software to automatically scan your computer for viruses. However, you can run a scan at any time by following the instructions below. Be sure to update your virus definitions first (see For Symantec virus protection software, what are my options for updating the virus definitions?), so your computer will be protected from the latest known viruses.

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 or XP, how can I boot into Safe Mode?

To scan a file, folder, or drive on your computer, follow the appropriate instructions below:

Symantec Endpoint

1. Open Endpoint by double-clicking the Endpoint icon located in the Windows system tray area.
   
   
2. Click Scan for threats, and select the type of scan you wish to perform. An Active Scan will scan only the most commonly infected areas and will take only a few minutes. A Full Scan will scan the entire computer and will take anywhere between 30 and 120 minutes.
   
   
3. When the scan is complete, close the program. If you ran Endpoint in Safe Mode, restart your computer to return to normal startup mode.

Symantec Antivirus and Norton Antivirus

1. 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... .

2. In the resulting window, in the left panel, expand the Scan menu, and select the scan you wish to perform. If you choose Custom Scan, on the right you will see further options for your selection. From this panel, you can:
   
   
   • Select the drive letters you want to scan (e.g., C:).
   • Check the open box next to My Computer to scan all drives at once.
   • Click the + (plus sign) next to an item to expand its contents.
   • Click the Options... button to further customize a scan.
   
   
3. When you've made your selections and configured any options, click Scan.
   
   
4. When the scan is complete, close the program. If you ran Symantec/Norton AntiVirus in Safe Mode, restart your computer to return to normal startup mode.

Also see:

• Using Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I scan network drives for viruses?
• In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus, how do I check the version number of the program and the age of the virus pattern update?
• In Symantec Endpoint Protection and AntiVirus Corporate Edition for Windows, how do I create a new scan?
• In Windows, why won't my computer wake up to run a scheduled Symantec AntiVirus scan?
• How can SAV for Windows scan for spyware and adware, as well as for viruses?
• What is security software?