Windows XP Antivirus

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This section covers antivirus software, and shows you how to start your computer in safe mode.

Windows Safe Mode

Before you learn how to scan for viruses, there is one important skill you need: starting in safe mode. A well-written virus will start when your Windows operating system (XP or Vista) starts. Since Windows cannot delete a program that is currently running, the antivirus software is unable to eliminate the virus. Safe mode starts the Windows system without running any applications or services beyond those required for XP/Vista to function. Safe mode therefore disables the virus, which can then be deleted from your computer.

To start Windows XP or Vista in safe mode, follow these steps:

  1. Start your computer.
  2. Hold down the F8 key on your keyboard after the computer manufacturer’s name appears on the screen, and before you see the Windows logo. The timing is tricky, and it may take you a number of tries to perfect.

If you are having problems timing the F8 key, there is another way to start your computer in safe mode.

To start your Windows XP system in safe mode, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Click Run. The Run dialog box will open.
  3. Type msconfig into the textbox.
  4. Click OK. A dialog box similar to the one shown below will open:
    msconfig
  5. Click the BOOT.INI tab.
  6. Click Safe Boot.
  7. Click OK. Your computer will now start up in Safe Mode.

To start your Windows Vista Machine in safe mode, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu.
  2. Type msconfig into the Search bar on the bottom-left of the Start menu.
  3. Hit the Return key on your keyboard.
  4. Click the BOOT.INI tab.
  5. Click Safe Boot.
  6. Click OK. Your computer will now start up in Safe Mode.

McAfee Virus Scan: the Permanent Solution

Although most new computers come with some kind of anti-virus program, they usually only have a one-year subscription to updates for this software. As new viruses are constantly emerging, your anti-virus software will become virtually useless without frequent updates.

We recommend using the University of Washington Internet Connectivity Kit (UWICK), which is available to all UW students either for purchase on CD for $1 or for free download. UWICK contains a copy of the anti-virus software McAfee VirusScan for Windows users. The advantage of using UWICK is that it keeps up-to-date with the latest versions of VirusScan, which you have access to as long as you are part of the UW community. You might even consider replacing the anti-virus software on your computer with VirusScan. Take note, however, that you should only have one anti-virus program on your computer at a time as software suites from competing companies might not work well together.

Once you have installed VirusScan on your computer, the program will prompt you to check for updates. It is a good idea to do so. Notice that VirusScan is already configured to connect to the UW for updates.

Configuring Virusscan

To configure the VirusScan software so that it will scan for viruses and updates regularly and automatically, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click the VirusScan logo in the system tray.
  2. Click VirusScan Console. The VirusScan Console will open, showing the list of actions the program can perform.
  3. Right-click AutoUpdate.
  4. Click Properties.
  5. Click Schedule.
  6. Select the Enable checkbox.
  7. Click the Schedule tab. A dialog box similar to the one shown below will open, allowing you to choose when and how often an automatic scan is performed:
    Schedule Settings
  8. Choose an update scheme that works for you. We recommend that you set your computer to check for updates at least once a week. You should enter a date and time when your computer will be turned on and connected to the Internet. You might consider setting a time when you would not be sitting at your computer as the updating process can slow down the overall performance of your computer.
  9. Click OK.

Scanning for Viruses Manually

It is a good idea to know how to scan for viruses manually, in case you need to do an emergency scan.

  1. Right-click the VirusScan logo in the system tray.
  2. Click VirusScan Console. The VirusScan Console will open, showing the list of actions the program can perform.
  3. Right-click Full Scan.
  4. Click Start.

If your computer crashes or encounters a strange error message during a scan, restart your computer into safe mode and scan again. Since a failed scan can be a symptom of a virus, starting in safe mode should disable the virus and allow VirusScan to remove it.

Note - The instructions above are specific to McAfee VirusScan. If you are using other anti-virus software, you should configure it in a similar fashion, following the instructions of that software.