In Windows, why won't my computer wake up to run a scheduled Symantec AntiVirus scan?

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

See:

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

When Windows power management is enabled on your computer, older versions of Symantec AntiVirus (SAV) cannot wake up the computer for a scheduled scan. If power management is disabled, the scheduled scan will run on time. This problem does not affect updated versions of SAV 8.1 and newer. To determine which version of SAV you have installed, see In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus, how do I check the version number of the program and the age of the virus pattern update?

UITS recommends you upgrade to the newest version of SAV. If you are unable to do so, disable computer sleep within power management:

Note: As the sleep function is intended to save energy and reduce wear and tear on hardware, disable it only if necessary. For other tips on saving electricity, see How can I minimize my computer's impact on the environment?

Windows 7 and Vista

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
   
   
2. In Control Panel Classic View, select Power Options.

   Note: If this doesn't match what you see, refer to About navigation settings in Windows.

3. Select any of the power plans listed, and then click Change plan settings.
   
   
4. Click the drop-down list next to "Put the computer to sleep" and select Never.
   
   
5. Click Save changes. Your system will never go on standby or shut down after a certain period of inactivity.

Windows XP

1. From the Start menu, select either Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Depending on your versions of Windows, double-click Power Options, Power Management, or Power.
   
   
3. Select a power scheme such as Home/Office Desk, Minimal Power Management, or Always On, so that your system never goes on standby or shuts down after a certain period of inactivity.

Information in this article has been adapted from Symantec document number 1999100614082606.

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