How can SAV for Windows scan for spyware and adware, as well as for viruses?

Symantec AntiVirus (SAV) for Windows can scan for adware and spyware as well as for viruses if you enable scanning for expanded threats. The instructions below apply to scheduled scans.

On this page:

• SAV 10.1.5 (for Windows XP) and 10.2.0 (for Vista)
• Earlier versions

SAV 10.1.5 (for Windows XP) and 10.2.0 (for Vista)

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. Expand the Scheduled Scans menu on the left by clicking the plus sign (+) beside it.
   
   
3. Click the scheduled scan for which you want to enable the scanning of expanded threats. (If you need to set a scheduled scan, see In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?)
   
   
4. Click Edit... , click Options... , and then click Actions.
   
   
5. On the left, select Security Risks (or one of the nested malware categories).
   
   
6. From the drop-down list on the right, select an action for SAV to take. The first action default is quarantine risk and the default for "if the first action fails" is Leave alone (log only).
   
   
7. To save your settings, click OK, and then Save settings. Then click OK twice more.
   
   
8. To run your scan immediately, click Scan. You may also exit SAV and allow it to run your updated scan at the scheduled time.

Earlier versions

Note: In SAV 10.x, options for immediate scans are available in the User-defined scans menu on the left.

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. Expand the Scheduled Scans menu on the left by clicking the plus sign (+) beside it.
   
   
3. Click the scheduled scan for which you want to enable the scanning of expanded threats. (If you need to set a scheduled scan, see In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?)
   
   
4. Click Edit... , and then click Options... .
   
   
5. Check the Scan for expanded threats box. (If a dialog box opens up explaining your choice, you may read it and then click Close.)
   
   
6. Beneath the Advanced button in the top right corner of the window, click the little right arrow until you see the Exp. Threats tab. Click the tab.
   
   
7. From the "1. Action:" drop-down menu, choose Delete infected file.
   
   
8. Click Save Settings, and then click OK.
   
   
9. Click OK again, and then either click Scan to perform the scan immediately, or simply exit SAV.

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 Symantec AntiVirus for Mac OS X, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?

Also see:

• For Symantec virus protection software, what are my options for updating the virus definitions?
• Using Symantec/Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition in Windows, how do I immediately scan a file, folder, or drive for viruses?
• In Symantec Endpoint Protection and SAV/NAV Corporate Edition for Windows, how do I change the settings for dealing with a detected virus?
• What is security software?