Norton & XP?

[Marsha]

I have Norton 2004 & Windows XP, it takes 1 1/2 hours to scan my computer,
187000 files, is this normal? Do I have to scan my computer every time or
what is necessary?
Thanks,
Marsha

 

[Jason Haynes]

That sounds about right for that number of files. What you can do is
schedule Norton to do a complete scan every week at something like 2 in the
morning when it's unlikely you will be using the machine.

 

[Sharon F]

I have Norton 2004 & Windows XP, it takes 1 1/2 hours to scan my computer,
187000 files, is this normal? Do I have to scan my computer every time or
what is necessary?
Thanks,
Marsha

I use a different program but for a full scan and that many files that
sounds about right. I perform a full system scan once a week. If some odd
behavior crops up in between those weekly scans, I will run another full
system scan.

An automatic protection option that runs continually in the background,
checking files that are most likely to carry a virus. It will sound an
alert for any problems that may crop up in between the full scans.

In addition, I scan downloaded files for viruses (from a website or email)
before using them. Most antivirus programs will add a menu item that
appears when you right click on a file. Look for wording similar to "Check
for Virus."

 

[Brian Tillman]

I have Norton 2004 & Windows XP, it takes 1 1/2 hours to scan my computer,

187000 files, is this normal?

Could be.

Do I have to scan my computer every time or
what is necessary?

Every time what? Every time you turn it on? Every time you download a
file? Every time you run NAV? The answer is, of course, no. You never
have to scan your entire PC, if you don't want. When to scan is completely
up to you.
--
Brian Tillman
Smiths Aerospace
3290 Patterson Ave. SE, MS 1B3
Grand Rapids, MI 49512-1991
Brian.Tillman is the name, smiths-aerospace.com is the domain.

I don't speak for Smiths, and Smiths doesn't speak for me.

 

[Marsha]

Is this a normal amount of files for XP?

I use a different program but for a full scan and that many files that
sounds about right. I perform a full system scan once a week. If some odd
behavior crops up in between those weekly scans, I will run another full
system scan.

An automatic protection option that runs continually in the background,
checking files that are most likely to carry a virus. It will sound an
alert for any problems that may crop up in between the full scans.

In addition, I scan downloaded files for viruses (from a website or email)
before using them. Most antivirus programs will add a menu item that
appears when you right click on a file. Look for wording similar to "Check
for Virus."

 

[anonymous]

Sharon
I've got about 150000 files and it takes about 40 minutes
when computer is idle. I turn off the screensaver and
read a book during the scan. Also I remove all
cookies/history/temp files/recycle bin files. Of course
my files might not be as large as the 18700 files. Would
screensaver have a bearing on timeline?

 

[Marsha]

I meant do I need to do a full scan every time or just scan the files or
just the folders. Is there a basic recommendation?

 

[purplehaz]

Set up daily or weekly automatic full scans.

I meant do I need to do a full scan every time or just scan the files or
just the folders. Is there a basic recommendation?

 

[Jason Haynes]

Norton does a pretty good job of scanning things on the fly if you haven't
changed its default settings. I normally run a full system scan once a week
just to be sure.

 

[Marsha]

Thanks Everyone. It is taking me a while, but I am learning! I am glad
this newsgroup is here.

 

[anonymous]

Marsha...
if you are new visit this site and order...
www.resourcenetwork.com
click on purple "free sample" button
order 2 free samples with free postage paid
no spam....no junk mail
5 days for delivery.
suggest you order:
Windows XP
Internet Explorer 6.0
=========================================

 

[Jamie Geldres]

Hi Marsha,
Get rid of NAV and bet for eTrust EZ Antivirus, powerful
AV, cheaper and doesn't hog system resources!

 

[Sharon F]

Is this a normal amount of files for XP?

I have a 2 year old installation of XP. My Windows folder only accounts for
about 15,000 of the scanned files. The balance are program files and
personal files spread out over 6 partitions. If I remember correctly, my
A/V program scans about 137,000 files for full system scans.

There is no "normal" number since everyone's setup and collection of files
is different but 187,000 doesn't sound out of line to me.

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon
I've got about 150000 files and it takes about 40 minutes
when computer is idle. I turn off the screensaver and
read a book during the scan. Also I remove all
cookies/history/temp files/recycle bin files. Of course
my files might not be as large as the 18700 files. Would
screensaver have a bearing on timeline?

Many factors involved for the length of time the scan will take. Years ago,
the screensaver kicking in would cause the scan to restart over but it
doesn't seem to make a difference with the newer antivirus programs.

 

[Sharon F]

Hi Marsha,
Get rid of NAV and bet for eTrust EZ Antivirus, powerful
AV, cheaper and doesn't hog system resources!

It's my favorite too. Have tried many and always come back to it.

 

[Rosy]

Haha,
well Marsha from the time i remember norton has been a
piss poor scanner and yes it is normal to take bout an
hour to scan. There is a solution, you could make chnges
to the scan settings so that N only scans certain
partitions and disable all options that "deep" scan
folders. The down side is that you wont be getting a
comprehensive scan. My advice, join the growing number of
converts, get mcafee...
hope i helped
rosy

 

[Old Geek]

My normal "full" scan is just shy of 800,000 files. Takes about 3 1/2 hours.

 

[Sharon F]

My normal "full" scan is just shy of 800,000 files. Takes about 3 1/2 hours.

You win

 

[Billy Two Hats]

You should try www.nod32.com and win for speed and detection rates.

Dave