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User Manual
Avira AntiVir Professional
www.avira.com
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Trademarks and Copyright
Trademarks
AntiVir is a registered trademark of Avira GmbH.
Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Protected trademarks are not marked as such in this manual. This does not mean, however that they may be used freely.
Copyright information
The purpose of this information is to acknowledge and recognize the code from third-party suppliers used for Avira
AntiVir Professional. We would like to thank the copyright owners for allowing us to use their code.
MD5-Code
The MD5 code used for security reasons was written by the Information Science Institute of the University of Southern
California and derived from the Message-Digest algorithm from RSA Data Security, Inc.
Copyright (C) 1991-2, RSA Data Security, Inc., Created in 1991.
All rights reserved.
The license to copy and use this software is distributed with the stipulation that it is designated as the "RSA Data Security,
Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm" in all materials mentioned by this software or which refer to this software or these
functions.
The license is also granted for the creation of works deriving from this, with the stipulation that these works are
designated as "derived from the RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm" in all materials which mention
the derived work or refer to it.
RSA Data Security, Inc. provides no warranty whatsoever regarding the marketability of this software or the suitability of
this software for a particular purpose. It is provided without any guarantee in its present form. This applies to expressed
or implied guarantees.
This information must be contained in every copy of each part of this documentation and/or software.
Expat
Copyright (c) 1998, 1999, 2000 Thai Open Source Software Center Ltd
Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated
documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to
use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to
whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the
Software.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
NONINFRINGEMENT.
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
ScewXML
Copyright (C) 2002, 2003 Aleix Conchillo Flaque: SCEW is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the
terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2.1 of the
License, or (at your option) any later version: http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/lesser.html
c-ares
Copyright 1998 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software and its documentation for any purpose and without fee is
hereby granted, provided that the above copyright notice appear in all copies and that both that copyright notice and this
permission notice appear in supporting documentation, and that the name of M.I.T. not be used in advertising or
publicity pertaining to distribution of the software without specific, written prior permission. M.I.T. makes no
representations about the suitability of this software for any purpose. It is provided "as is" without express or implied
warranty.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................6
2 Icons and emphases............................................................................................. 7
3 Product information ........................................................................................... 8
3.1 Delivery scope.............................................................................................. 8
3.2 System requirements ...................................................................................9
3.2.1.1. Information for Windows Vista users.................................................................. 9
3.3 Licensing ................................................................................................... 10
3.3.1 License manager........................................................................................................... 10
4 Installation and Deinstallation.......................................................................... 12
4.1 Installation ............................................................................................... 12
4.2 Modification installation ........................................................................... 15
4.3 Installation modules .................................................................................. 15
4.4 Uninstallation ........................................................................................... 16
4.5 Installation and uninstallation on the network........................................... 17
4.5.1 Installation on the network......................................................................................... 17
4.5.2 Uninstallation on the network ....................................................................................18
4.5.3 Command line parameters for the setup program..................................................... 18
4.5.4 Parameter of the file setup.inf..................................................................................... 19
5 AntiVir Professional overview ........................................................................... 22
5.1 User interface and operation...................................................................... 22
5.1.1 Control Center.............................................................................................................. 22
5.1.2 Configuration ...............................................................................................................25
5.1.3 Tray icon .......................................................................................................................27
5.2 How to...? .................................................................................................. 28
5.2.1 Activate license.............................................................................................................28
5.2.2 Avira AntiVir Professional automatic update............................................................. 28
5.2.3 Start a manual update.................................................................................................. 30
5.2.4 On-demand scan: Using a scan profile to scan for viruses and malware...................30
5.2.5 On-demand scan: Scan for viruses and malware using Dragamp;Drop.....................32
5.2.6 On-demand scan: Scan for viruses and malware via the context menu ....................32
5.2.7 On-demand scan: Automatically scan for viruses and malware ................................ 32
5.2.8 On-demand scan: Targeted scan for active rootkits...................................................34
5.2.9 Reacting to detected viruses and malware..................................................................34
5.2.10 Quarantine: Handling quarantined files (*.qua) ....................................................36
5.2.11 Quarantine: Restore the files in quarantine........................................................... 37
5.2.12 Quarantine: move suspicious files to quarantine................................................... 38
5.2.13 Scan profile: Amend or delete file type in a scan profile........................................ 38
5.2.14 Scan profile: Create desktop shortcut for scan profile........................................... 39
5.2.15 Events: Filter events ................................................................................................ 39
5.2.16 MailGuard: Exclude email addresses from scan..................................................... 40
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Table of Contents
6 Scanner............................................................................................................. 41
7 Updates............................................................................................................. 42
8 FAQ, Tips .......................................................................................................... 44
9 Viruses and more .............................................................................................. 57
10 Info and Service............................................................................................. 62
8.1 Frequently asked questions (FAQs)............................................................. 44
8.2 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 48
8.3 Shortcuts................................................................................................... 51
8.4 Windows Security Centre ........................................................................... 54
9.1 Extended threat categories ........................................................................ 57
9.2 Viruses and other malware......................................................................... 59
10.1 Contact address ......................................................................................... 62
10.2 Technical support ...................................................................................... 63
10.3 Suspicious file............................................................................................ 63
10.4 Report false positive .................................................................................. 63
10.5 Your feedback for more security ................................................................. 64
11 Reference: Configuration............................................................................... 65
11.1 Scanner ..................................................................................................... 65
11.1.1 Scan ..........................................................................................................................65
11.1.1.1. Action for concerning files .............................................................................68
11.1.1.2. Further actions................................................................................................71
11.1.1.3. Archive list.......................................................................................................73
11.1.1.4. Exceptions ....................................................................................................... 73
11.1.1.5. Heuristic.......................................................................................................... 74
11.1.2 Report.......................................................................................................................75
11.2 Guard ........................................................................................................ 76
11.2.1 Scan ..........................................................................................................................76
11.2.1.1. Action for concerning files .............................................................................79
11.2.1.2. Other actions .................................................................................................. 82
11.2.1.3. Exceptions ....................................................................................................... 83
11.2.1.4. Heuristic.......................................................................................................... 85
11.2.2 Report.......................................................................................................................85
11.3 MailGuard ................................................................................................. 87
11.3.1 Scan ..........................................................................................................................87
11.3.1.1. Action for concerning files .............................................................................87
11.3.1.2. Other actions .................................................................................................. 88
11.3.1.3. Heuristic.......................................................................................................... 89
11.3.1.4. AntiBot ............................................................................................................90
11.3.2 General .....................................................................................................................91
11.3.2.1. Exceptions ....................................................................................................... 91
11.3.2.2. Cache ...............................................................................................................92
11.3.3 Report.......................................................................................................................93
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11.4 WebGuard.................................................................................................. 94
11.4.1 Scan ..........................................................................................................................94
11.4.1.1. Action for concerning files .............................................................................94
11.4.1.2. Locked requests...............................................................................................96
11.4.1.3. Exceptions ....................................................................................................... 97
11.4.1.4. Heuristic.......................................................................................................... 99
11.4.2 Report.....................................................................................................................100
11.5 General.................................................................................................... 101
11.5.1 Email.......................................................................................................................101
11.5.2 Extended threat categories....................................................................................102
11.5.3 Configuration :: General ........................................................................................ 102
11.5.3.1. Password .......................................................................................................102
11.5.4 Security................................................................................................................... 104
11.5.5 Directories..............................................................................................................105
11.5.6 Update ....................................................................................................................106
11.5.6.1. File server ...................................................................................................... 107
11.5.6.2. Web server.....................................................................................................108
11.5.7 Alerts ......................................................................................................................110
11.5.7.1. Network......................................................................................................... 110
11.5.7.2. Email.............................................................................................................. 112
11.5.8 Events.....................................................................................................................114
11.5.9 Limit reports ..........................................................................................................115
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Introduction
1 Introduction
Avira AntiVir Professional from Avira GmbH protects you computer against viruses,
malware, adware and spyware, unwanted programs and other dangers. This manual
deals with viruses and software in brief.
The manual describes the program installation and operation.
Please go to our website http://www.avira.com where you can download the Avira
AntiVir Professional manual in PDF from, update Avira AntiVir Professional or renew
your license.
You can also find information on our website such as telephone numbers for technical
support and information on how to subscribe to our newsletter.
Your Avira GmbH team
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Icons and emphases
2 Icons and emphases
The following icons are used:
Icon Explanation
Placed before a condition which must be fulfilled prior to implementation.
Placed before an action step that you implement.
Placed before an event that follows the previous action.
Placed before a warning of the danger of critical data loss.
Placed before a link to particularly important information or a tip which makes
Avira AntiVir Professional easier to use.
The following emphases are used:
Emphasis Explanation
Cursive
File name or path data.
Displayed software interface elements (e.g. window heading,
window field or options box).
Bold
Clicked software interface elements (e.g. menu item, section or
button)
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Product information
3 Product information
This chapter contains all information relevant to the purchase and use ofAvira AntiVir
Professional:
– see chapter: Delivery scope
– see chapter: System requirements
– see chapter: Licensing
– see chapter: License manager
Avira AntiVir Professional is a comprehensive and flexible tool you can rely on to protect
your computer from viruses, malware, unwanted programs, and other dangers
f Please note the following information:
Loss of valuable data usually has dramatic consequences. Even the best virus
protection program cannot provide one hundred percent protection from
data loss. Make regular copies (Backups) of your data for security purposes.
A program can only provide reliable and effective protection from viruses,
malware, unwanted programs and other dangers if it is up-to-date. Make sure
Avira AntiVir Professional is up-to-date with automatic updates. Configure
the program accordingly.
3.1 Delivery scope
Avira AntiVir Professional gives you the following functions:
– Control Center for monitoring, administering and controlling the entire
program
– Central configuration with user-friendly standard and advanced options and
context-sensitive help
– Scanner (On-Demand Scan) with profile-controlled and configurable search for
all known types of virus and malware
– Integration into the Windows Vista User Account Control allows you to carry out
tasks requiring administrator rights
– Guard (On-Access Scan) for continuous monitoring of all file access attempts
– MailGuard (POP3- and SMTP-Scanner) for the permanent checking of emails for
viruses and malware. Checking of email attachments is included
– WebGuard for monitoring data and files transferred from the Internet using the
HTTP protocol (monitoring of ports 80, 8080, 3128)
– Integrated quarantine management to isolate and process suspicious files
– Rootkit protection for detecting hidden malware installed in your computer
system (rootkits)
(Only for 32-bit systems)
– Direct access to detailed information on the detected viruses and malware via
the Internet
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Product information
– Simple and quick updates to the program, virus definitions, and search engine
through Single File Update and incremental VDF updates via a webserver on the
Internet or an intranet
– User-friendly licensing in License Manager
– Integrated Scheduler to plan one-off or recurring tasks, such as updates or test
runs
– Very high rates of virus and malware detection using innovative search
technologies (search engines) and heuristic search processes
– Detection of all common archive types, including detection of nested archives
and smart extensions
– High-performance multithreading function (simultaneous high-speed scanning
of multiple files)
3.2 System requirements
For Avira AntiVir Professional to work perfectly, the computer system must fulfill the
following requirements:
– Computer, Pentium, minimum 133 MHz
– Operating system
– Microsoft Windows Vista (32 or 64 Bit) or
– Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional, SP2 recommended, or
– Microsoft Windows 2000, SP 4 recommended
Avira AntiVir Professional also supports Microsoft Windows XP x64 Edition
and 64 Bit Microsoft Windows Vista.
– At least 192 MB RAM with Windows 2000/XP
– At least 512 MB RAM with Windows Vista
– 40 MB free memory space on the hard disk (more if using the quarantine
function)
– 100 MB temporary memory space on the hard disk
– For installation of Avira AntiVir Professional: Administrator rights in Windows
NT, 2000 and XP
3.2.1.1. Information for Windows Vista users
On Windows 2000 and Windows XP, many users work with administrator rights.
However, this is not desirable from the point of view of security, because it is then easy
for viruses and unwanted programs to infiltrate computers.
For this reason, Microsoft is introducing the "User Account Control" with Windows
Vista. This offers more protection for users who are logged in as administrators: thus in
Windows Vista, one administrator only has the privileges of a normal user at first.
Actions for which administrator rights are required are clearly marked in Windows Vista
with an information icon. In addition, the user must explicitly confirm the required
action. Privileges are only increased and the administrative task carried out by the
operating system after this permission has been obtained.
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Product information
Avira AntiVir Professional requires administrator rights for some actions in Windows
Vista. These actions are identified with the following symbol:
appears on a button, administrator rights are required to carry out this action. If your
current user account does not have administrator rights, the Windows Vista dialog of
the User Account Control asks you to enter the administrator password. If you do not
have an administrator password, you cannot carry out this action.
3.3 Licensing
In order to be able to use Avira AntiVir Professional, you require a license. You thereby
accept the license conditions of Avira AntiVir Professional.
The license is issued via a digital license code in the form of the file hbedv.key. This
digital license code is the Control Center of your personal license. It contains exact
details of which programs are licensed to you and for what period of time. A digital
license code can therefore also contain the license for more than one product.
If you purchased Avira AntiVir Professional on the internet, or via a program CD/DVD,
the digital license code is sent to you by email. You can load the license key during
installation of AntiVir Professional or install it later in License Manager.
. If this symbol also
3.3.1 License manager
The Avira AntiVir Professional License Manager enables very simple installation of the
Avira AntiVir Professional license.
Avira AntiVir Professional License Manager
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Product information
You can install the license by selecting the license file in your file manager or in the
activation email with a double click and following the relevant instructions on the
screen.
The Avira AntiVir Professional License Manager automatically copies the
corresponding license in the relevant product folder. If a license already
exists, a note appears as to whether the existing license file is to be replaced.
The existing file is then renamed hbedv.old.
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Installation and Deinstallation
4 Installation and Deinstallation
This chapter contains information relating to the installation and uninstallation of your
Avira AntiVir Professional:
– see Chapter Installation: Conditions, Installation types, Install
– see Chapter Installation modules
– see Chapter Modification installation
– Installation and uninstallation on the network
– see Chapter Uninstallation: Uninstall
4.1 Installation
Before installing Avira AntiVir Professional, check whether your computer fulfils all the
minimum system requirements. If so, you can install Avira AntiVir Professional.
From Windows XP, Avira AntiVir Professional generates a restore point of
your computer before installation of Avira AntiVir Professional. This enables
you to safely remove Avira AntiVir Professional if installation fails. Note that
for this the option Turn off System Restore under: "Start | Settings |
Control Panel | System | Tab System Restore" must not be marked.
If you want to recover your system earlier, you can do so with the function
"Start | Programs | Accessories | System Tools | System Restore". The
restore point generated by Avira AntiVir Professional is indicated by the
entry AntiVir Professional.
Installation types
During installation you can select a setup type in the installation assistant:
Full
AntiVir Professional is fully installed with all program components. Program files are
installed in a predefined default directory in C:\Program files.
User-defined
You can choose to install individual program components (see Chapter Installation and
uninstallation::Installation modules). A destination folder can be selected for the
program files to be installed. You can disable Create a desktop icon and program group in
the Start menu and predefine a setting for the Win32 file heuristic.
Before starting installation
f Close your email program. It is also recommended to end all running applications.
f Make sure that no other virus protection solutions are installed. The automatic
protection functions of various security solutions may interfere with each other.
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Installation and Deinstallation
Install
The installation program runs in self-explanatory dialog mode. Every window contains a
certain selection of buttons to control the installation process.
The most important buttons are assigned the following functions:
– OK: Confirm action.
– Abort: Abort action.
– Next: Go to next step.
– Back: Go to previous step.
How to install AntiVir Professional:
f Start the installation program by double-clicking on the installation file that you
have downloaded from the internet or insert the program CD.
After a security message is displayed confirming the publisher of the software,
the installation program dialog box appearss.
f Click Accept.
The setup program for Avira AntiVir Professional starts.
f Click Continue.
The dialog box Welcome... appears.
f Click Next.
The dialog box Expanded risk categories appears containing information on basic
and advanced protection.
f Click Next.
The dialog box with the license agreement appears.
f Confirm that you accept the license agreement and click Continue.
The dialog box Select installation type appears.
f Decide whether you want to perform a full or a user-defined installation.
f Enable the option Full orUser-defined and confirm by clicking Continue.
User-defined installation
The dialog box Select destination directory appears.
f Confirm the specified destination directory by clicking Continue.
- OR -
Use the Browse
clicking Next.
The dialog box Install components appears:
f Enable or disable the required components and confirm by clicking Continue.
In the following dialog box you can decide whether to enable the Win32 file
heuristic.
f Click Next.
In the following dialog box you can decide whether to create a desktop shortcut
and/or a program group in the Start menu.
button to select a different destination directory and confirm by
f Click Next.
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Installation and Deinstallation
Continue for full and user-defined installation.
The dialog box Install license appears:
f Go to the directory in which you have saved the license file, read the message in the
dialog box and confirm by clicking Next.
The license file is copied and the components are installed and started.
The setup program asks if thereadme.txt file containing up-to-date information
on Avira AntiVir Professional should be displayed.
f Agree where appropriate and click Finish.
f Confirm the information by clicking OK.
Next procedure (varies slightly depending on the operating system)):
The setup program closes the installation and, where appropriate, creates a
desktop shortcut.
The file readme.txt is displayed where appropriate.
You are asked if you want to perform an update.
On the latest version of Avira AntiVir Professional provides reliable
protection from the ever-increasing number of viruses and other malware.
Perform an update immediately after installation. After this first update, the
Windows Security Centre (XP and Vista) announces that Avira AntiVir
Professional is ACTIVATED.
- OR -
You are asked if you want to restart your computer.
If you want to perform an update:
f Click Yes to confirm.
An update is sought for Avira AntiVir Professional via the existing web server
connection.
Avira AntiVir Professional then starts an automatic scan of the Windows system
directories.
The first scan is particularly important to ensure that your system is free
from viruses and malware. Do not cancel the first scan.
If you want to restart the computer:
f Click Yes to confirm.
The computer is restarted.
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Installation and Deinstallation
4.2 Modification installation
You have the option of adding or removing individual program components of the
current Avira AntiVir Professional installation (see ChapterInstallation and
uninstallation::Installation modules)
If you wish to add or remove modules of the actual Avira AntiVir Professional
installation, you can use the option Add or Remove Programs in the Windows
control panel to Change/Remove programs.
Select Avira AntiVir Professional and click Change. In the welcome dialog of Avira
AntiVir Professional select the option Modify. You will be guided through the
installation changes.
4.3 Installation modules
In a user-defined installation or a modification installation, the following installation
modules can be selected, added or removed.
– AntiVir Professional
This module contains all components required for successful installation of Avira
AntiVir Professional.
– AntiVir Guard
The AntiVir Guard runs in the background. It monitors and repairs, where
necessary, files during operations such as open, write and copy in on-access
mode. Whenever a user carries out a file operation (e.g. load document, execute,
copy), Avira AntiVir Professional automatically scans the file. Renaming a file
does not trigger a scan by AntiVir Guard.
– AntiVir MailGuard
AntiVir MailGuard is the interface between your computer and the email server
from which your email program (mail client) downloads the emails. MailGuard is
connected as a so-called proxy between the email program and the email server.
All incoming emails are routed through this proxy, scanned for viruses and
unwanted programs and forwarded to your email program. Depending on the
configuration, the program processes the affected emails automatically or asks
the user for a certain action.
– AntiVir WebGuard
When surfing the internet, you are using your web browser to request data from
a web server. The data transferred from the web server (HTML files, script and
image files, Flash files, video and music streams, etc) will normally be moved
directly into the browser cache for display in the web browser, meaning that an
on-access scan as performed by AntiVir Guard is not possible. This could allow
viruses and unwanted programs to access your computer system. WebGuard is
what is known as an HTTP proxy which monitors the ports used for data transfer
(80, 8080, 3128) and checks the transferred data for viruses and unwanted
programs. Depending on the configuration, the program may process the affected
files automatically or prompt the user for a specific action.
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Installation and Deinstallation
– Rootkit Detection
The Rootkit Detection checks whether software is already installed on your
computer that can no longer be detected with conventional methods of malware
protection after penetrating the computer system.
– Shell Extension
The Avira AntiVir Professional Shell Extension generates an entry Scan selected
files with AntiVir in the context menu of the Windows Explorer (right-hand
mouse button). With this entry you can directly scan files or directories.
4.4 Uninstallation
If you wish to remove Avira AntiVir Professional from your computer, you can use the
option Add or Remove Programs to Change/Remove programs in the Windows
Control Panel.
To uninstall Avira AntiVir Professional (e.g. in Windows XP and Windows Vista):
f Open the Control Panel via the Windows Start menu.
f Double click on Software (Windows Vista: Program files).
f Select Avira AntiVir Professional and clickRemove.
You will be asked if you really want to remove the program.
f Click Yes to confirm.
All components of the program are removed.
f Click on Finish to complete uninstallation.
Where appropriate, a dialog box appears recommending that your computer be
restarted.
f Click Yes to confirm.
Avira AntiVir Professional is uninstalled, and all directories, files and registry
entries for Avira AntiVir Professional are deleted when your computer is
restarted.
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Installation and Deinstallation
4.5 Installation and uninstallation on the network
To simplify installation of Avira AntiVir Professional on a network of multiple client
computers for the system administrator, Avira AntiVir Professional has a special
procedure for the initial installation and the modification installation.
For automatic installation of Avira AntiVir Professional, the setup program works with
the control file setup.inf. The setup program (setup.exe) is contained in the packaged
installation file for Avira AntiVir Professional. Installation is started with a script or
batch file and all necessary information is obtained from the control file. The script
commands therefore replace the usual manual inputs during installation.
Please note that a license file is obligatory for initial installation on the
network.
Avira AntiVir Professional can be easily shared on the network with a server login script
or via SMS.
For information on installation and uninstallation on the network:
– see Chapter: Command line parameter for the setup program
– see Chapter: Parameter of the file setup.inf
– see Chapter: Installation on the network
– see Chapter: Uninstallation on the network
AntiVir Security Management Center provides another easy option for the
installation and uninstallation of Avira AntiVir Professional on the network.
The AntiVir Security Management Center enables the remote installation
and maintenance of AntiVir products on the network. For further
information, please visit our website at http://www.avira.com.
4.5.1 Installation on the network
The installation can be script-controlled in batch mode.
The setup is suitable for the following installations
– Initial installation via the network (unattended setup)
– Installation on single-user computers
f Modification installation and update
We recommend that you test automatic installation before the installation
routine is implemented on the network.
To install Avira AntiVir Professional on the network automatically:
3 You must have administrator rights (also required in batch mode)
f Configure the parameter of the file setup.inf and save the file.
f Begin installation of Avira AntiVir Professional with the parameter /inf or integrate
the parameter into the login script of the server.
– Examples: setup.exe /inf="c:\temp\setup.inf"
The installation starts automatically.
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Installation and Deinstallation
4.5.2 Uninstallation on the network
To uninstall Avira AntiVir Professional on the network automatically:
3 You must have administrator rights (also required in batch mode)
f Start the uninstallation of Avira AntiVir Professional with the
parameter/remsilent or /remsilentaskreboot or integrate the parameter
into the login script of the server.
You can also specify the parameter for the uninstallation log.
– Examples: setup.exe /remsilent
/unsetuplog="c:\logfiles\unsetup.log"
The uninstallation starts automatically.
4.5.3 Command line parameters for the setup program
All path or file data must be placed in "...".
The following parameter is possible for installation:
– /inf
The setup program starts with the specified script and extracts all necessary
parameters from it.
Example: setup.exe /inf="c:\temp\setup.inf"
The following parameters are possible for the uninstallation:
– /remove
The setup program uninstalls Avira AntiVir Professional.
Example: setup.exe /remove
– /remsilent
The setup program uninstalls Avira AntiVir Professional without displaying dialogs.
The computer is restarted after uninstallation.
Example: setup.exe /remsilent
– /remsilentaskreboot
The set up program uninstalls Avira AntiVir Professional without displaying dialogs
and requests a computer restart after uninstallation.
Example: setup.exe /remsilentaskreboot
The following parameter is available as an option for the uninstallation log:
– /unsetuplog
All actions during uninstallation are logged.
Example: setup.exe /remsilent
/unsetuplog="c:\logfiles\unsetup.log"
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4.5.4 Parameter of the file setup.inf
In the control file setup.inf, you can set the following parameters in the [DATA] field for
the automatic installation of Avira AntiVir Professional. The sequence of the parameters
is unimportant. If a parameter setting is missing or wrong, the setup routine is aborted
and an error message is displayed.
– DestinationPath
Destination path for the installation of Avira AntiVir Professional. It must be
specified in the script.
Example: DestinationPath=C:\Program files\AntiVir Workstation
– ProgramGroup
Creates a program group for all users of the computer in the Windows start menu.
1: Create program group
0: Do not create program group
Example: ProgramGroup=1
– DesktopIcon
Creates a shortcut desktop icon for all users of the computer on the desktop.
1: Create desktop icon
0: Do not create desktop icon
Example: DesktopIcon=1
– ShellExtension
Registers the shell extension in the registry. With the shell extension, files or
directories can be scanned for viruses and malware via the context menu of the
right-hand mouse button.
1: Register shell extension
0: Do not register shell extension
Example: ShellExtension=1
– Guard
Installs the AntiVir Guard (on-access scanner).
1: Install AntiVir Guard
0: do not install AntiVir Guard
Example: Guard=1
– MailScanner
Installs the AntiVir MailGuard.
1: Install AntiVir MailGuard
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0: Do not install AntiVir MailGuard
Example: MailScanner=1
– KeyFile
Specify the path for the license file that is copied during installation. For initial
installation: obligatory. The file name must be specified completely (fully qualified).
(For a modification installation: optional.)
Example: KeyFile=D:\inst\license\hbedv.key
– ShowReadMe
Displays the readme.txt file after installation.
1: Display file
0: Do not display file
Example: ShowReadMe=1
– RestartWindows
Restarts the computer after installation. This entry has a higher priority than
ShowRestartMessage.
1: Restart computer
0: Do not restart computer
Example: RestartWindows=1
– ShowRestartMessage
Opens a dialog box for restarting the computer after installation.
1: Display dialog box if restart is required.
2: Display dialog box. The dialog box has a self-closing countdown. When the
coundown expires, the dialog box closes and the computer is restarted.
0: Do not display dialog box. The computer is restarted when RestartWindows=1.
Example: ShowRestartMessage=1
– SetupMode
Not required for initial installation. The setup program knows if an initial
installation has been carried out. Specify the type of installation. SetupMode must
however be defined if the action only involves updating or modifying (reconfiguring)
an already existing installation.
Update: Updates an existing installation. In this case configuration parameters, for
example Guard, are ignored.
Modify: Modifies (reconfigures) an existing installation. In this case no files are
copied in the destination path.
Example: SetupMode=Update
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– AVWinIni (optional)
Specifies the destination path for the configuration file which may be copied during
installation. The file name must be specified completely (fully qualified).
Example: AVWinIni=d:\inst\config\avwin.ini
– ScanMode
This option activates the scan across all drives after a successful installation:
1: Start scan
0: No scan
Example: ScanMode=1
– Password
This option assigns the password that was set for the (modification) installation and
uninstallation to the setup routine. The entry is only scanned by the setup routine
when a password has been set. If a password has been set and the password
parameter is missing or wrong, the setup routine is aborted.
Example: Password=Password123
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5 AntiVir Professional overview
This chapter contains an overview of the functionality and operation of AntiVir
Professional.
– see Chapter: Interface and operation
– see Chapter: How to...?
5.1 User interface and operation
Your operate AntiVir Professional via three program interface elements:
– Control Center: Monitoring and control of AntiVir Professional
– Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration: Configuration of AntiVir Professional
– Tray Icon in the system tray of the taskbar: Open Control Center and other
functions
5.1.1 Control Center
The Control Center is designed to monitor the protection status of your computer
systems and control and operate the protection components and functions of AntiVir
Professional.
The Control Center window is divided into three areas: themenu bar, thenavigation
bar and the detail windowview:
– Menu bar: In the Control Center menu bar, you can access general program
functions and information on AntiVir Professional.
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– Navigation area: In the navigation area, you can easily swap between the
individual sections ofControl Center. The individual sections contain information
and functions of the program components of AntiVir Professional and are
arranged in the navigation bar according to activity. For example: Activity
Overview - SectionStatus.
– View: This window shoes the section selected in the navigation area. According
to section, in the upper bar of the detail window you will find buttons to execute
functions and actions Data or data objects are displayed in lists in the individual
sections You can sort the lists by clicking in the box defining how you wish to sort
the list.
Starting and ending Control Center
To start the Control Center, the following options are available:
– double click the program icon on your desktop
– via the AntiVir Professional program entry in the start menu | program.
– via the Avira AntiVir Professional tray icon.
Close the Control Center via the menu command Close in the menu File or by clicking
on the close tab in the Control Center.
Control Center operation
To navigate in the Control Center
f Select an activity in the navigation bar.
The activity opens and other sections appear. The first section of the activity is
selected and displayed in the view.
f If necessary, click another section to display this in the detail window.
- OR -
f Select a section via the menu View.
You can activate the keyboard navigation in the menu bar with the help of
the [ALT] key. If navigation is activated, you can move within the menu with
the arrow keys. With the Return key you activate the active menu item.
To process data or objects displayed in the detail window:
f highlight the data or object you wish to edit.
To highlight multiple elements (elements in columns), hold down the control key or
the shift key while selecting the elements.
f Click the appropriate button in the upper bar of the detail window to edit the object
Control Center overview
– Overview: In Overview you will find all sections with which you can monitor
the functioning of Avira AntiVir Professional.
– The Status section lets you see at a glance which Avira AntiVir Professional
modules are active and provides information on the last update carried out. You
can also see whether you own a valid license.
– The Events section enables you to view events generated by certain Avira AntiVir
Professional modules.
– Die Reports section enables you to view the results of actions executed by Avira
AntiVir Professional.
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– Local protection: InLocal protection you will find the components for
checking the files on your computer system for viruses and malware.
– The Scanner section enables you to easily configure and start an on-demand
scan. Predefined profiles enable you to run a scan with preset default options. In
the same way it is possible to adapt the scan for viruses and unwanted programs
to your personal requirements with the help of manual selection (not saved) or by
creating user-defined profiles, .
– The Guard section shows you information on scanned files, as well as other
statistical data, which can be reset at any time, and enables access to the report
file. More detailed information on the last virus or unwanted program found can
be obtained practically "at the push of a button"
– Online protection: In Online protection you will find the components to
protect your computer system against viruses and malware from the internet,
and against unauthorized network access.
– The MailGuard section shows you the emails scanned by MailGuard, their
properties and other statistical data.
– The WebGuard section shows you information on scanned URLs and detected
viruses, as well as otherstatistical data, which can bereset at any time and enables
access to thereport file. More detailed information on the last virus or unwanted
program detected can be obtained practically "at the push of a button".
– Administration: In Administration you will find tools for isolating and
managing suspicious or infected files, and for planning recurring tasks.
– The Quarantine section contains the so-called Quarantine manager. This is the
central point for files already placed in quarantine or for suspect files which you
would like to place in quarantine. It is also possible to send a selected file to the
Avira Malware Research Center by email.
– The Scheduler section enables you to configure scheduled scanning and update
jobs and to adapt or delete existing jobs.
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5.1.2 Configuration
In Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration, you can implement settings for AntiVir
Professional. After installation, AntiVir Professional is configured with standard
settings, ensuring optimal protection for your computer system. However, your
computer system or your specific requirements for AntiVir Professional may mean you
need to adapt the protective components of AntiVir Professional.
Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration opens a dialog box: confirm or delete your
configuration settings using the OK or Cancel button. You can select individual
configuration sections in the left-hand navigation bar.
Accessing Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration
You have several options for accessing the configuration:
– via the Windows control panel.
– via the Windows Security Center - from Windows XP Service Pack 2.
– via the Avira AntiVir Professional tray icon.
– in the Avira AntiVir Professional Control Center via the menu item Extras |
Configuration.
– In the Avira AntiVir Professional Control Center via the button Configuration.
If you are accessing configuration via the Configuration button in Control
Center, go to the configuration register of the section which is active in
Control Center. Expert mode must be activated to select individual
configuration registers In this case, a dialog appears asking you to activate
expert mode
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Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration operation
Navigate in the configuration window as you would in Windows Explorer:
f Click on an entry in the tree structure to display this configuration section in the
detail window
f Click on the plus symbol in front of an entry to expand the configuration section and
display configuration subsections in the tree structure.
f To hide configuration subsections, click on the minus symbol in front of the
expanded configuration section.
All configuration sections are only displayed in expert mode. Activate expert
mode to see all configuration sections Expert mode can be protected by a
password which must be defined during activation.
If you want to confirm your configuration settings:
f Click OK.
The configuration window is closed and the settings are accepted.
If you want to finish configuration without confirming your settings:
f Click Cancel.
The configuration window is closed and the settings are discarded.
Overview of configuration options
The following configuration options are available:
– Scanner: Configuration of on-demand scan
Scan options
Action for concerning files
File scan options
On-demand scan exceptions
On-demand scan heuristics
Report function setting
– Guard: On-access scan configuration
Scan options
Action for concerning files
On-access scan exceptions
On-access scan heuristics
Report function setting
– MailGuard: Configuration of MailGuard
Scan options
Action on Malware
MailGuard scan heuristics
MailGuard scan exceptions
Configuration of cache, empty cache
– WebGuard: Configuration of WebGuard
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Action on detections
Blocked access: unwanted URLs, file types, MIME types
MailGuard scan exceptions
MailGuard heuristics
Report function setting
– General:
Configuration of email using SMTP
Extended risk categories for on-demand and on-access scan
Password protection for access to Control Center and Avira AntiVir Professional
Configuration
Security: Alert for outdated AntiVir Professional, configuration protection, process
protection,
Event log configuration
Configuration of report functions
5.1.3 Tray icon
After installation, you will see the AntiVir Professional tray icon in the system tray of the
taskbar:
Icon Description
The tray icon displays the status of the AntiVir Guard service.
Central functions of Avira AntiVir Professional can be quickly accessed via the context
menu of the tray icon. To open the context menu, click on the tray icon with the righthand mouse button.
Entries in the context menu
Setting of directories used
Update: configuration of connection to download server, download methods (via
webserver or fileserver)
Alerts: configuration of email alerts for the component(s) Scanner, Guard, AntiVir
Updater and configuration of network alerts for the component(s) Scanner, Guard
– Activate AntiVir Guard: activates or deactivates the AntiVir Windows
Workstation Guard.
– Start AntiVir: opens the Avira AntiVir Professional Control Center.
AntiVir Guard is activated
AntiVir Guard is deactivated
– Configure AntiVir: opens the Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration.
– Start update: starts an Update.
– Help: opens this online help.
– Avira on the Internet: opens the web portal of AntiVir Professional on the
Internet. The condition for this is that you have an active connection to the
Internet.
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5.2 How to...?
5.2.1 Activate license
To activate the AntiVir Professional license:
Activate you license for Avira AntiVir Professional with the license file hbedv.key. You
can get a license file from Avira GmbH by email. The license file contains the license for
all the products you have ordered.
If you have not yet installed Avira AntiVir Professional:
f Save the license file to a local directory on your computer.
f Install Avira AntiVir Professional.
f During installation, enter the save location of the license file.
If you have already installed Avira AntiVir Professional:
f Double click on the license file in File Manager or in the activation email and follow
the on-screen instructions when Avira AntiVir Professional License Manager opens.
- OR -
f In the Avira AntiVir Professional Control Center access the menu item Help /
License file
In Windows Vista the User Account Control dialog box appears. Log in as
administrator if appropriate. Click Continue.
f Highlight the license file and click Open.
A message appears.
f Click OK to confirm.
The license is activated.
f If necessary, restart your system.
5.2.2 Avira AntiVir Professional automatic update
An update job has been pre-installed to update Avira AntiVir Professional
every24 hours if an internet connection is available and additionally when an
internet connection is established.
To create a job in AntiVir Scheduler to update Avira AntiVir Professional automatically:
f In Control Center, select the Manager:: Scheduler section.
f Click on the
The dialog box Name and description of job appears.
f Give the job a name and, where appropriate, a description.
f Click Next.
Create new job with the wizard icon.
The dialog box Type of job is displayed.
f Select Update job from the list.
f Click Next.
The dialog box Time of job appears.
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f Select a time for the update:
– Immediately
– Daily
– Weekly
– Interval
– Once
– Login
We recommend that you update Avira AntiVir Professional regularly and
often, e.g. every6 hours.
f Where appropriate, specify a date according to the selection.
f Where appropriate, select additional options (availability depends on type of job):
– Also start job when internet connection is established
In addition to the defined frequency, the job is carried out when an internet
connection is set up.
In addition to the defined frequency, the job is carried out when an Internet
connection is set up.
– Repeat job if the time has already expired
Past jobs are carried out that could not be carried out at the required time, for
example because the computer was switched off.
f Click Next.
The dialog box Select display mode appears.
f Select the display mode of the job window:
– Minimize: progress bar only
– Maximize: Entire job window
– Hide: No job window
f Click Finish.
Your newly created job appears on the start page of the Manager :: Scanner
section with the status activated (check mark).
f Where appropriate, deactivate jobs which are not to be carried out.
Use the following icons to further define your jobs:
View properties of a job
Modify job
Delete job
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5.2.3 Start a manual update
You have various options for starting an Avira AntiVir Professional update manually:
When an update is started manually, the virus definition file and search engine are
always updated. A product update can only take place if you have activated the option
Download and automatically install product updates in the configuration under
General :: Update
To start an Avira AntiVir Professional update manually:
f With the right-hand mouse button, click on the Avira AntiVir Professional tray icon
in the taskbar.
A context menu appears.
f Select Start update.
The dialog box Avira AntiVir Professional Updater appears.
- OR -
f In the Control Center, select the Overview :: Status section.
f In the Last update field, click on the link Start update.
The Avira AntiVir Professional Updater dialog box appears.
- OR -
f In the Control Center, in the Update menu, select the menu command Start update.
The Avira AntiVir Professional Updater dialog box appears.
We strongly recommend regular automatic updates for Avira AntiVir
Professional, e.g. every 6 hours.
You can also carry out a manual update directly via the Windows security
centre.
5.2.4 On-demand scan: Using a scan profile to scan for viruses and malware
A scan profile is a set of drives and directories to be scanned.
The following options are available for scanning via a scan profile:
– Use predefined scan profile
if the predefined scan profile corresponds to your requirements.
– Customize and apply scan profile (manual selection)
if you want to scan with a customized scan profile.
– Create and apply new scan profile
if you want to create your own scan profile.
Depending on the operating system, various icons are available for starting a scan
profile:
– In Windows XP and 2000:
This icon starts the scan via a scan profile.
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– In Windows Vista:
In Microsoft Windows Vista, the control center at the moment only has limited
rights, e.g. for access to directories and files. Certain actions and file accesses can
only be carried out in the control centre with extended administrator rights. These
extended administrator rights must be granted at the start of each scan via a scan
profile.
This icon starts a limited scan via a scan profile. Only directories and files that
Windows Vista has granted access rights to are scanned.
This icon starts the scan with extended administrator rights. After
confirmation, all directories and files in the selected scan profile are scanned.
To scan for viruses and malware with a scan profile:
f In the Control Center select the Local protection :: Scanner section.
Predefined scan profiles appear.
f Select one of the predefined scan profiles.
-OR-
f Adapt the scan profile Manual selection.
-OR-
f Create a new scan profile
f Click on the (Windows XP:
f The Luke Filewalker window appears and an on-demand scan is started.
When the scan is completed, the results are displayed.
If you want to adapt a scan profile:
f In the scan profile, expand Manual Selection the file tree so that all the drives and
directories you want to scan are open.
– Click on the + symbol: The next directory level is displayed.
– Click on the - symbol: The next directory level is hidden.
f Highlight the nodes and directories you want to scan by clicking on the relevantbox
of the appropriate directory level.
The following options are available, Select directories:
– Directory, including sub-directories (black check mark)
– Directory excluding sub-directories (green check mark)
– Sub-directories of one directory only (grey check mark, sub-directories have
black check marks)
– No directory (no check mark)
or Windows Vista: ) icon.
If you want to create a new scan profile:
f Click on the
The profile New profile appears below the profiles previously created.
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f Where appropriate, rename the scan profile by clicking on the icon
f Highlight the nodes and directories to be saved by clicking on the check box of the
respective directory level.
The following options are available, Select directories:
– Directory, including sub-directories (black check mark)
– Directory excluding sub-directories (green check mark)
– Sub-directories of one directory only (grey check mark, sub-directories have
black check marks)
– No directory (no check mark)
5.2.5 On-demand scan: Scan for viruses and malware using Dragamp;Drop
To scan for viruses and malware systematically using Drag&Drop:
3 Open the Control Center of Avira AntiVir Professional.
f Highlight the file or directoryyou want to scan.
f Use the left-hand mouse button to drag the highlighted file or directory into the
Control Center.
The Luke Filewalker window appears and an on-demand scan is started.
.
When the scan is completed, the results are displayed.
5.2.6 On-demand scan: Scan for viruses and malware via the context menu
To scan for viruses and malware systematically via the context menu:
f Click with the right-hand mouse button (e.g. in Windows Explorer, on the desktop or
in an open Windows directory) on the file or directoryyou want to scan.
The Windows Explorer context menu appears.
f Select Scan selected files with AntiVir in the context menu.
The Luke Filewalker window appears and the on-demand scan starts.
When the scan is completed, the results are displayed.
5.2.7 On-demand scan: Automatically scan for viruses and malware
To create a job to automatically scan for viruses and malware:
f In the Control Center select the Manager:: section Scheduler.
f Click on the icon
The dialog box Name and description of job appears.
f Give the job a name and, where appropriate, a description.
f Click Next.
The dialog box Type of job appears.
f Select Scan job.
f Click Next.
The dialog box Select profile appears.
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f Select the profile to be scanned.
f Click Next.
The dialog box Time of job appears.
f Select a time for the scan:
– Immediately
– Daily
– Weekly
– Interval
– Once
– Login
f Where appropriate, specify a date according to the selection.
f Where appropriate, select the following additional options (availability depends on
job type):
– Repeat job if the time has already expired
Past jobs are carried out that could not be carried out at the required time, for
example because the computer was switched off.
f Click Next.
The dialog box Select display mode appears.
f Select the display mode of the job window:
– Minimize: progress bar only
– Maximize: Entire job window
– Hide: No job window
f Click Finish.
The job you have just initiated is shown as activated (check mark) on the start
page of the Manager :: Scheduler section.
f Where appropriate, deactivate jobs which are not to be carried out.
Use the following icons to further define your jobs:
View properties of a job
Modify job
Delete job
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5.2.8 On-demand scan: Targeted scan for active rootkits
To scan for active rootkits, use the predefined scan profile Scan for rootkits.
To scan for active rootkits systematically:
f In the Control Center select the Local protection :: Scanner section.
Predefined scan profiles appear.
f Select the predefined scan profile Scan for rootkits.
f Where appropriate, highlight other nodes and directories to be scanned by clicking
on the check box of the directory level.
f Click on the (Windows XP:
or Windows Vista: ) icon.
The Luke Filewalker window appears and an on-demand scan is started.
When the scan is completed, the results are displayed.
5.2.9 Reacting to detected viruses and malware
For the individual protection components of AntiVir Professional, you can define how
AntiVir Professional reacts to a detected virus or unwanted program in the configuration
under the section Action for concerning files.
– Interactive
When this option is enabled, if a virus or unwanted program is detected a dialog box
appears in which you can select what to do with the infected object. This option is
enabled as the default setting.
– Automatic
When this option is enabled, if a virus or unwanted program is detected, no dialog
box appears and you cannot select an action. The component reacts in accordance
with your predefined settings.
If you have selected the option Interactive for your protection components, Avira AntiVir
Professional gives you the following options for actions to take:
Which options are displayed depends on the operating system and the
module, (AntiVir Guard, AntiVir Scanner or AntiVir MailGuard), that makes
the detection.
– Repair
The file is repaired
This option is only available if the infected file can be repaired.
– Move to quarantine
The file is packaged into a special format (*.qua) and moved to the Quarantine
directory INFECTED on your hard disk, so that direct access is no longer possible.
Files in this directory can be repaired in Quarantine at a later data or, if necessary,
sent to Avira GmbH.
– Delete
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The file is deleted but can be recovered with the appropriate tools (e.g. Avira
UnErase). This allows the virus signature to be recovered. This process is significantly
quicker than Overwrite and delete.
– Overwrite and delete
The file is overwritten with a default template and then deleted. It cannot be
restored.
– Rename
The file is renamed with a *.vir extension. Direct access to these files (e.g. with
double-click) is therefore no longer possible. Files can be repaired and given their
original name at a later time.
– Deny access
If this option is enabled, the detection is only entered in the report file.
– Ignore
Avira AntiVir Professional takes no further action. The infected file remains active
on your computer.
This could result in loss of data and damage to the operating system! Only
use the Ignore option in exceptional cases.
– Take no further action
Access to the file is blocked.
– Copy file in quarantine before action
This option can only be selected if one of the options Repair, Delete, Overwrite and
delete is selected.
– Apply selection to all subsequent detections
The action selected for this detection is applied to the next detection.
We recommend that you move any suspicious file that cannot be repaired to
Quarantine.
f You can also send files reported by the heuristic to us for analysis.
For example, you can upload these files to our website:
http://www.avira.de/en/support/upload
You can identify files reported by the heuristic from the designation HEUR/ or
HEURISTIC/ that prefixes the file name, e.g.: HEUR/testdatei.*.
If viruses or malware have been found in an archive file, you have the following options:
– Delete the entire archive
– Rename the archive
– Move archive to Quarantine
Individual infected files cannot be deleted from the archive.
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5.2.10 Quarantine: Handling quarantined files (*.qua)
To handle quarantined files:
f In the Control Center select Manager :: Quarantine section.
f Check which files are involved, so that, if necessary, you can reload the original back
onto your computer from another location.
If you want to see more information on a file:
f Highlight the file and click on
The dialog box Properties appears with more information on the file.
If you want to rescan a file:
Scanning a file is recommended if the Avira AntiVir Professional virus definition file has
been updated and a false positive report is suspected. This enables you to confirm a false
positive with a rescan and restore the file.
f Highlight the file and click on
The file is scanned for viruses and malware using the on-demand scan settings.
After the scan, the dialog Scan statistics appears which displays statistics on the
status of the file before and after the rescan.
To delete a file:
f Highlight the file and click on
If you are unsure whether the files can be safely deleted:
3 Configured email settings
f Send the files to Avira GmbH for analysis. To do this, click on
You can also restore the files in Quarantine:
– see Chapter: Quarantine: Restoring files in quarantine
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5.2.11 Quarantine: Restore the files in quarantine
Different icons control the restore procedure, depending on the operating system:
– In Windows XP and 2000:
This icon restores the files to their original directory.
This icon restores the files to a directory of your choice.
– In Windows Vista:
In Microsoft Windows Vista, the control center at the moment only has limited
rights, e.g. for access to directories and files. Certain actions and file accesses can
only be carried out in the control centre with extended administrator rights. These
extended administrator rights must be granted at the start of each scan via a scan
profile.
This icon restores the files to a directory of your choice.
This icon restores the files to their original directory. If extended administrator
rights are necessary to access this directory, a corresponding request appears.
To restore files in quarantine:
This could result in loss of data and damage to the operating system of the
computer! Only use the function Restore selected object in exceptional cases.
Only restore files that could be repaired by a new scan.
3 File rescanned and repaired.
f In the Control Center select Manager :: Quarantine section.
Emails and email attachments can only be restored using the option
the file extension is *.eml.
To restore a file to its original location:
f Highlight the file and click on the (Windows 2000/XP:
, Windows Vista )
icon.
This option is not available for emails.
Emails and email attachments can only be restored using the option
the file extension is *.eml.
if
if
A message appears asking if you want to restore the file.
f Click Yes.
The file is restored to the directory it was in before it was moved to quarantine.
To restore a file to a specified directory:
f Highlight the file and click on
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A message appears asking if you want to restore the file.
f Click Yes.
The Windows default window for selecting the directory appears.
f Select the directory to restore the file to and confirm.
The file is restored to the selected directory.
5.2.12 Quarantine: move suspicious files to quarantine
To move a suspect file to quarantine manually:
f In the Control Center select Manager :: Quarantine section.
f Click on
The Windows default window for selecting a file appears.
f Select the file and confirm.
The file is moved to quarantine.
You can scan files in quarantine with AntiVir Scanner:
• see Chapter: Quarantine: Handling quarantined files (*.qua)
5.2.13 Scan profile: Amend or delete file type in a scan profile
To stipulate additional file types to be scanned or exclude specific file types from the
scan in a scan profile (only possible for manual selection and customized scan profiles):
3 In the Control Center go to the section Local protection :: Scanner.
f With the right-hand mouse button, click on the scan profile you want to edit.
A context menu appears.
f Select File filter.
f Expand the context menu further by clicking on the small triangle on the right-hand
side of the context menu.
The entries Default, Scan all files and User-defined appear.
f Select User-defined.
The File extensions dialog box appears with a list of all file types to be scanned
with the scan profile.
If you want to exclude a file type from the scan:
f Highlight the file type and click Delete.
If you want to add a file type to the scan:
f Highlight the file type.
f Click Add and enter the file extension of file type into the input box.
Use a maximum of 10 characters and do not enter the leading dot. Wildcards (*
and ? ) are allowed as replacements.
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5.2.14 Scan profile: Create desktop shortcut for scan profile
You can start an on-demand scan directly from your desktop via a desktop shortcut to a
scan profile without accessing the Avira AntiVir Professional Control Center.
To create a desktop shortcut to the scan profile:
3 In the Control Center go to the section Local protection :: Scanner.
f Select the scan profile you want to create a shortcut for.
f Click on the icon
The desktop shortcut is created.
5.2.15 Events: Filter events
In Control Center, under Overview :: Events events are displayed that have been
generated by AntiVir Professional program components. (analogous to the event display
of your Windows operating system). The program components are:
– Updater
– Guard
– MailGuard
– Scanner
– Scheduler
The following event types are displayed:
– Information
– Warning
– Error
– Detection
To filter displayed events:
.
f In Control Center select the section Overview :: Events.
f Check the box of the program components to display the events of the activated
components.
- OR -
Uncheck the box of the program components to hide the events of the deactivated
components.
f Check the event type box to display these events.
- OR -
Uncheck the event type box to hide these events.
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AntiVir Professional overview
5.2.16 MailGuard: Exclude email addresses from scan
To define which email addresses (senders) are excluded from the MailGuard scan
(whitelisting):
f Go to Control Center and select the section Online protection :: MailGuard.
The list shows incoming emails.
f Highlight the email you want to exclude from the MailGuard scan.
f Click on the appropriate icon to exclude the email from the MailGuard scan:
In future, the selected email address will no longer be scanned for viruses and
unwanted programs.
The email sender address is included in the exclusion list and no longer scanned
for viruses, malware .
Only exclude email addresses from the MailGuard scan if the senders are
completely trustworthy.
You can add other email addresses to the exclusion list or remove email
addresses from the exclusion list in the configuration under MailGuard ::
General :: Exceptions .
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Scanner
6 Scanner
With Avira AntiVir Professional you can carry out manual scans (on-demand scans) for
viruses and unwanted programs in several ways.
– On-demand scan via context menu
The on-demand-scan via the context menu (right-hand mouse button - entry
Scan selected files with AntiVir) is recommended if, for example, you wish to
scan individual files and directories. Another advantage is that it is not necessary
to first start the Avira AntiVir Professional Control Center for an on-demand
scan via the context menu.
– On-demand scan via drag & drop
When a file or directory is dragged into the program window of the Avira AntiVir
Professional Control Center, the Scanner scans the file or directory and all subdirectories it contains. This procedure is recommended if you wish to scan
individual files and directories that you have saved, for example, on your desktop.
– On-demand scan via profiles
This procedure is recommended if you wish to regularly scan certain directories
and drives (e.g. your work directory or drives on which you regularly store new
files). You do not then need to select these directories and drives again for every
new scan, you simply select using the relevant profile.
– On-demand scan via the Scheduler
The Scheduler enables you to carry out time-controlled scans.
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Updates
7 Updates
The effectiveness of anti-virus software depends on how up-to-date the program is, in
particular the virus definition file and the search engine. To carry out updates, the
component AntiVir Updater in integrated into AntiVir Professional. AntiVir Updater
ensures that Avira AntiVir Professional is always up-to-date and able to deal with the
new viruses that appear every day. AntiVir Updater updates the following components:
– Virus definition file:
The virus definition file contains the virus patterns of the harmful programs used by
AntiVir Professional to scan for viruses and malware and repair infected objects.
– Search engine:
The search engine contains the methods used by AntiVir Professional to scan for
viruses and malware.
– Program files (product update):
Update packages for product updates make extra functions available to the
individual program components.
An update checks whether the virus definition file and search engine are up-to-date and
if necessary implements an update. Depending on the settings in the configuration,
AntiVir Updater also carries out a product update or informs you of the product updates
available. After an update AntiVir Professional does not have to be restarted.
For security reasons, the Avira AntiVir Professional Updater checks whether
the Windows host file of your computer was altered to the effect that, for
example, the Avira AntiVir Professional update URL was manipulated by
malware and diverts the Avira AntiVir Professional Updater to unwanted
download sites. If the Windows host file has been manipulated, this is shown
in the Avira AntiVir Professional Updater report file.
In the Control Center under Scheduler, you can organize update jobs which are carried
out by AntiVir Updater at the intervals stipulated. An update job is created by default
after installation of AntiVir Professional. You also have the option to start an update
manually:
– in Control Center: in the Update menu and in the Status section
– via the context menu of the tray icon
Updates can be obtained from the internet via a Web server of the manufacturer or via a
Web or file server on an intranet which downloads the update files from the internet and
makes them available to other computers on the network. This is useful if you want to
update AntiVir Professional on multiple computers on a network. An update server can
be used to ensure AntiVir Professional is up-to-date on the relevant computers using a
minimum of resources.
You can use AntiVir Internet Update Manager (file or Web server in
Windows) or AntiVir Mirror Script (file server in Linux) as a Web or file
server on an intranet. These programs mirror the download servers of Avira
AntiVir products (including ofAntiVir Professional) and are available on the
internet at http://www.avira.com. However you can also use cascading via a
central file server on an intranet to update AntiVir Professional on the
relevant computers on the network.
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Updates
When using a Web server, the HTTP protocol is used for the download. When using a file
server, access to the update file is provided via the network. You can configure the
connection to the Web or file server in Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration under
General :: Update. The default configuration uses the existing internet connection as the
connection to the Avira GmbH Web server.
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FAQ, Tips
8 FAQ, Tips
This chapter provides a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) relating to Avira
AntiVir Professional, a troubleshooting section and tips and tricks for using Avira
AntiVir Professional.
see Chapter: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
see Chapter: Troubleshooting
see Chapter: Keyboard commands
see Chapter: Windows XP Security Centre
see Chapter: Command line scanner
8.1 Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions.
Where can I get Avira AntiVir Professional?
Download the program from the website http://www.avira.com. Customers with the
convenience package receive a CD/DVD every three months.
Will I receive a CD of Avira AntiVir Professional?
The program is only available by download from our website http://www.avira.com.
Customers with the convenience package receive a CD/DVD every three months.
What do I do with the hbedv.key license file?
Licenses available for purchase are activated with the license file hbedv.key. The license
file is loaded via the program. See also Control Center :: Help :: Load license file
Should I archive the license file?
After being activated, the file is located in the program directory of Avira AntiVir
Professional. This directory is C:\Program Files\AntiVir Workstation by default. We
recommend saving another copy of the license file somewhere else (e.g. on a floppy disk
or in another directory), since the license file is deleted when the program directory of
Avira AntiVir Professional is removed.
What should I be aware of with a new installation of Avira AntiVir
Professional?
Save the license file (hbedv.key) in another directory or on a floppy disk, for example,
since the license file is deleted when Avira AntiVir Professional is removed. The license
file is found in the program directory C:\Program Files\AntiVir Workstation by default.
When will my license expire?
This information is found in the Control Center
– unter Overview :: Status
- OR -
– in the menu item Help :: About AntiVir Professional... :: License information.
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FAQ, Tips
Where can I find detailed version information?
Detailed version information is found in the menu item Help :: About AntiVir
Professional... :: Version information of the Control Center.
Which settings should I make for Avira AntiVir Professional?
Avira AntiVir Professional is pre-configured with practical settings after installation. You
can adapt these settings, depending on the desired level of security (e.g. heuristic
detection or expanding the scan to all file and archive types).
Can I protect settings with a password?
Yes, in the Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration (Expert mode) under General ::
Password.
How can I check whether Avira AntiVir Professional is up-to-date?
Avira AntiVir Professional is up-to-date when you have the most current virus definition
file. This file is usually updated several times a day.
To check whether you have the up-to-date virus definition file:
Performs an update.
- OR -
Visit the website http://www.avira.com and read through the following
information:
– Current VDF version number
– Date and time of publication of the current VDF
In the Control Center, select the section Overview :: Status.
Compare this information with the information on the website.
If the information is identical: The Avira AntiVir Professional is up-to-date.
If the information is not identical: The Avira AntiVir Professional is not up-to-date.
Carry out an update.
What is an incremental VDF update (IVDF)?
The Avira AntiVir Professional supports the so-called "incremental update" of the virus
definition file. Incremental VDF updates (IVDF update) work as follows: daily updates of
the VDF file are not downloaded in the form of one large VDF file but as small VDF files
(name: antivir3.vdf) that are only a few kilobytes in size and which only contain virus
patterns that have been newly added.
This daily VDF file supplements the weekly VDF (Name: antivir2.vdf), the monthly VDF
(Name: antivir1.vdf) and the so-called Basic VDF (Name: antivir0.vdf), which are already
installed with every Avira AntiVir Professional program package as standard.
If one of the so-called VDF files reaches a determined size its content is transferred to
the next higher VDF file, which has to be downloaded additionally.
An advantage of the incremental VDF process is that the download volume is extremely
small. This leads to extremely short download times and costs, also if the download is
performed via an Internet modem connection.
What is the difference between AntiVir Guard and AntiVir MailGuard?
AntiVir Guard scans every changing file on the computer or on the network for viruses
and malware.
AntiVir MailGuard scans all incoming emails and their attachments for viruses and
malware.
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FAQ, Tips
What is the difference between on-access scan and on-demand scan?
The on-access scan is carried out automatically by AntiVir Guard. The files on the
computer currently being accessed are scanned for viruses and malware (on-access scan).
The on-demand scan is started manually. Specific drives can be systematically scanned
for viruses and malware (on-demand scanning).
Is there risk to security if AntiVir MailGuard is not used?
If AntiVir Guard is active, there is no direct security risk. However, AntiVir MailGuard
can already remove emails and attachments affected by viruses and malware before they
reach the email program.
Are there any problems with using several virus protection programs at the
same time?
When using different virus protection programs with the reasoning the more the better,
the following rules must be followed:
Use only one on-access scanner (also called Guard).
Before installing a second software package, decide which on-access scanner you
want to trust. If you decide on a new on-access scanner, deactivate the on-access scanner
currently in use. Serious errors can occur otherwise.
The parallel installation of scanners with which scans are started manually is usually
possible. Under certain circumstances, error messages can arise if an anti-virus program
uses unencrypted search strings for detection or has repaired a file only partially.
I want to test my virus protection program to see if it really works. Are there
test viruses which will not harm my computer?
The European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research (eicar) provides files with test
viruses on their website http://www.eicar.org/anti_virus_test_file.htm. These are not
real viruses, but only so-called virus patterns. These files cannot cause damage to your
computer.
This is how Avira AntiVir Professional should react to the eicar test virus if a default
installation with the preset file types was carried out:
– eicar.com
The bare test virus is detected immediately by AntiVir Guard (if activated). Of course, it
is also detected via a direct scan (Right-click the test virus. A pop-up menu opens. Select
Scan selected files with AntiVir). Depending on the settings in the options, a warning
message enquiring about proceeding further is displayed.
– eicar.com.txt
Beforehand: To see doubled file extensions, you must activate this in Windows Explorer.
This version is not rejected by AntiVir Guard at first, since *.txt files do not contain
executable program code and are therefore safe. If the file is renamed eicar.com, AntiVir
Guard will react to the file as described above.
The test virus is detected by the direct scan. Processing (see above) is offered.
– eicar_com.zip
Here is the test virus packed in a Zip archive. Since a Zip archive is not dangerous in and
of itself, AntiVir Guard does not react. It first takes action when the archive is unpacked.
The test virus is found in the archive by the direct scan. A message window appears, and
informs you that a virus or malware has been found, but cannot be processed in the Zip
archive because otherwise the integrity of the archive would be endangered.
– eicarcom2.zip
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FAQ, Tips
Here is the test virus packed in a Zip archive which is itself packed in a Zip archive. These
are difficult conditions for a virus scanner. The reactions of AntiVir Guard and the direct
scan correspond to those of eicar_com.zip.
With the direct scan, the test virus is detected and the message window (see above)
appears. AntiVir Guard first reacts with the second, last unpacking, when the eicar.com
file is present.
Is a manual scan necessary from time to time?
AntiVir Guard monitors your system constantly (on-access scan). To ensure that you are
always protected, check whether AntiVir Guard is active. In addition, we recommend
performing a manual scan (direct scan) regularly for better security.
Does WebGuard affect how quickly internet sites load?
WebGuard is an HTTP proxy without any cache. For this reason, websites that are called
up more than once will not be displayed more quickly. WebGuard only affects the
behaviour of the web browser during the loading of a website or while data is being
transferred. All data requested and transferred is first fully checked by WebGuard for
viruses and unwanted programs before being passed on to the web browser for display.
Hence the content of requested websites is not displayed incrementally as is common.
Instead the web page is shown in its entirety after a short delay. To prevent delays for
streaming audio and video, you can exclude those types of content from the WebGuard
scanning. Please be aware of the fact that automatic forwarding can create the
impression of a delay. If this makes you click more than once on links which are valid for
one instance (click) only, then access will be denied. This is not a function of WebGuard,
but is inherent in the server implementation.
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FAQ, Tips
8.2 Troubleshooting
Here you will find information on causes and solutions of possible problems.
The error message The license file cannot be opened appears.
Cause: The file is encrypted.
To activate the license, you do not need to open the file, but rather you save it in
the program directory of Avira AntiVir Professional. See also Avira AntiVir Professional
License Manager.
The error message Connection failed while downloading the file ... appears
when attempting to start an update.
Cause: Your Internet connection is inactive. This is why Avira AntiVir Professional
cannot find the web server on the Internet.
Test whether other Internet services such as WWW or email work. If not,
reestablish the Internet connection.
Cause: The proxy server cannot be reached.
Check whether the login for the proxy server has changed and adapt it to your
configuration if necessary.
Cause: The update.exe file is not fully approved by your personal firewall.
Ensure that the update.exe file is fully approved by your personal firewall.
Otherwise:
Check your settings in the Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration (Expert
mode) under General :: Update.
Viruses and malware cannot be moved or deleted.
Cause: The file was loaded by windows and is active.
Update Avira AntiVir Professional.
If you use the operating system Windows XP, deactivate System Restore.
Start the computer in Safe Mode.
Start Avira AntiVir Professional and the Avira AntiVir Professional
Configuration (Expert mode).
Select Scanner :: Scan :: Files :: All files and confirm the window with OK.
Start a scan of all local drives.
Start the computer in Normal Mode.
Carry out a scan in Normal Mode.
If no other viruses or malware have been found, activate System Restore if it is
available and to be used.
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FAQ, Tips
The Tray Icon shows an inactive state.
Cause: AntiVir Guard is deactivated.
In Control Center, click on the section Overview :: Status, find the field AntiVir
Guard and click on the Enable link.
Cause: AntiVir Guard is being blocked by a firewall.
Define a general approval for AntiVir Guard in the configuration of your firewall.
AntiVir Guard only works with the address 127.0.0.1 (localhost). An Internet connection
is not established. The same applies to AntiVir MailGuard.
Otherwise:
Check the startup type of the AntiVir Guard service. If necessary, enable the
service: In the taskbar, select "Start | Settings | Control Panel". Start the configuration
panel "Services" with a double-click (under Windows 2000 and Windows XP the services
applet is located in the sub-directory "Administrative Tools"). Find the entry "AntiVir
Windows Workstation Guard". "Automatic" must be entered as the startup type and
"Started" as the service status. If necessary, start the service manually by selecting the
relevant line and the button "Start". If an error message appears, please check the event
display.
The computer is extremely slow when I perform a data back-up.
Cause: During the back-up procedure, AntiVir Guard scans all files being used by the
back-up procedure.
Select Guard :: Scan :: Exceptions in the Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration
(Expert mode) and enter the process names of the back-up software.
My firewall reports AntiVir Guard and AntiVir MailGuard immediately after
activation.
Cause: Communication with AntiVir Guard and AntiVir MailGuard occurs via the TCP/IP
Internet protocol. A firewall monitors all connections via this protocol.
Define a general approval for AntiVir Guard and AntiVir MailGuard. AntiVir
Guard only works with the address 127.0.0.1 (localhost). An Internet connection is not
established. The same applies to AntiVir MailGuard.
AntiVir MailGuard does not work
Please check correct functioning of AntiVir MailGuard with the aid of the following
checklists if problems occur with AntiVir MailGuard.
Checklist
Check whether your mail client communicates with the mail server via IMAP.
This protocol is currently not
Check whether your mail client logs in on the server via Kerberos, APOP or RPA.
These verification methods are currently not
supported.
supported.
Check whether your mail client logs in on the server via SSL (frequently also
known as TSL - Transport Layer Security). AntiVir MailGuard supports SSL, but without
scanning the encrypted emails for viruses and unwanted programs. The condition for
this is that connection is made via port 995 and not via the normal POP3 port 110. This
port is also frequently referred to as "Alternate port". Most email servers also support
SSL via this port.
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FAQ, Tips
Is the AntiVir MailGuard service active? If necessary, enable the service: In the
taskbar, select "Start | Settings | Control Panel". Start the configuration panel "Services"
with a double-click (under Windows 2000 and Windows XP the services applet is located
in the sub-directory "Administrative Tools"). Find the entry "AntiVir Windows
Workstation MailGuard". "Automatic" must be entered as the startup type and "Started"
as the status. If necessary, start the service manually by selecting the relevant line and
the button "Start". If an error message appears, please check the event display. If this is
not successful, you may have to completely deinstall Avira AntiVir Professional via "Start
| Settings | Control Panel | Add or Remove Programs", restart the computer and then
reinstall Avira AntiVir Professional.
General
AntiVir MailGuard does not currently support the so-called IMAP (Internet
Message Access Protocol), i.e. if your email program communicates with the email server
via this protocol, you are not protected against viruses or unwanted programs.
POP3 connections encrypted via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer, also frequently
referred to as TLS (Transport Layer Security)) cannot currently be protected and are
ignored.
Verification to the mail server is currently only supported via "passwords".
"Kerberos" and "RPA" are not currently supported.
Avira AntiVir Professional does not check outgoing emails for viruses and
unwanted programs.
We recommend regularly installing Microsoft updates to close any gaps in
security.
An email sent via a TSL connection has been blocked by MailGuard.
Cause: Transport Layer Security (TLS: encryption protocol for data transfers on the
internet) is not supported by MailGuard at this time. The following options are available
for sending the email:
Use a port other than Port 25 which is used by SMTP. This avoids MailGuard
monitoring.
Disconnect the encrypted TSL connection and disable TSL support in your email
client.
Disable (temporarily) monitoring of outgoing emails by MailGuard in the
configuration under MailGuard::Scan.
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FAQ, Tips
8.3 Shortcuts
Keyboard commands - also called shortcuts - offer a fast possibility to navigate, to
retrieve individual modules and to start actions through Avira AntiVir Professional.
Below we provide you with an overview of the available keyboard commands in Avira
AntiVir Professional. Please find further indications regarding the functionality in the
corresponding chapter of the help.
In dialog boxes
Shortcut
Ctrl + Tab
Ctrl + Page down
Ctrl + Shift + Tab
Ctrl + Page up
Tab Change to the next option or options group.
Shift + Tab Change to the previous option or options group.
← ↑ → ↓
Space
Alt + underlined
letter
Description
Go to next section.
Go to previous section.
Change between the options in a marked drop-down list or
between several options in a group of options.
Activate or deactivate a check box, if the active option is a check
box.
Select option or start command.
Alt + ↓
F4
Esc
Enter Start command for the active option or button.
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Open selected drop-down list.
Close selected drop-down list.
Cancel command and close dialog.
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FAQ, Tips
In the help
Shortcut Description
Alt + Space Display system menu.
Alt + Tab Shift between the help and the other opened windows.
Alt + F4 Close help.
Shitf + F10 Display context menu of the help.
Ctrl + Tab Go to next section in the navigation window.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab Go to previous section in the navigation window.
Page up
Change to the subject, which is displayed above in the contents,
in the index or in the list of the search results.
Change to the subject, which is displayed below the current
Page down
subject in the contents, in the index or in the list of the search
results.
F6 Shift between the navigation and the subject window.
Page up
Page down
Browse through a subject.
In the Control Center
General
Shortcut Description
F1 Display help
Alt + F4 Close Control Center
F5 Refresh
F8 Open configuration
F9 Start update
Scanner section
Shortcut Description
F2 Rename selected profile
F3 Start scan with the selected profile
F4 Create desktop link for the selected profile
Ins Create new profile
Del Delete selected profile
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FAQ, Tips
Quarantine section
Shortcut Description
F2 Rescan object
F3 Restore object
F4 Send object
F6 Restore object to...
Enter Properties
Ins Add file
Del Delete object
Scheduler section
Shortcut Description
F2 Edit job
Enter Properties
Ins Insert new job
Del Delete job
Reports section
Shortcut Description
F3 Display report file
F4 Print report file
Return Display report
Del Delete report(s)
section
Shortcut Description
F3 Export event(s)
Return Display event
Del Delete event(s)
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FAQ, Tips
8.4 Windows Security Centre
- Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher -
General
The Windows Security Center checks the status of a computer for important security
aspects.
If a problem is detected with one of these important points (e.g. an outdated anti-virus
program), the Security Center issues an alert and gives recommendations on how to
protect your computer better.
The Windows Security Center and Avira AntiVir Professional
Virus protection software / Protection against malicious software
You may receive the following information from the Windows Security Center with
regard to your virus protection.
Virus protection NOT FOUND
Virus protection OUT OF DATE
Virus protection ON
Virus protection OFF
Virus protection NOT MONITORED
Virus protection NOT FOUND
This information of the Windows Security Center appears when the Windows Security
Center has not found any anti-virus software on your computer.
Install Avira AntiVir Professional on your computer to protect it against
viruses and other unwanted programs!
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FAQ, Tips
Virus protection OUT OF DATE
If you have already installed Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista and then
install Avira AntiVir Professional or you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows
Vista on a system on which Avira AntiVir Professional has already been installed, you
receive the following message:
In order for the Windows Security Center to recognize Avira AntiVir
Professional as up to date, an update must be carried out after installation.
Update your system by carrying out an Avira AntiVir Professional update.
Virus protection ON
After installation of Avira AntiVir Professional and a subsequent update, you receive the
following message:
Avira AntiVir Professional is now up to date and the AntiVir Guard is enabled.
Virus protection OFF
You receive the following message if you disable the AntiVir Guard or stop the Guard
service.
You can enable or disable AntiVir Guard in the section Overview :: Status of
Avira AntiVir Professional Control Center. You can also see that the AntiVir
Guard is enabled if the red umbrella in your taskbar is open.
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FAQ, Tips
Virus protection NOT MONITORED
If you receive the following message from the Windows Security Center, you have
decided that you want to monitor your anti-virus software yourself.
The Windows Security Center is supported by Avira AntiVir Professional. You
can enable this option at any time via the button "Recommendations...".
Even if you have installed Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista, you
still require a virus protection solution, e.g. Avira AntiVir Professional.
Although Windows XP Service Pack 2 monitors your anti-virus software, it
does not contain any anti-virus functions itself. Therefore you would not be
protected against viruses and other malware without an additional anti-virus
solution!
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Viruses and more
9 Viruses and more
9.1 Extended threat categories
Dialer (DIALERS)
Certain services available in the internet have to be paid for. They are invoiced in
Germany via dialers with 0190/0900 numbers (or via 09x0 numbers in Austria and
Switzerland; in Germany, the number is set to change to 09x0 in the medium term).
Once installed on the computer, these programs guarantee a connection via a suitable
premium rate number whose scale of charges can vary widely.
The marketing of online content via your telephone bill is legal and can be of advantage
to the user. Genuine dialers leave no room for doubt that they are used deliberately and
intentionally by the user. They are only installed on the user’s computer subject to the
user’s consent, which must be given via a completely unambiguous and clearly visible
labeling or request. The dial-up process of genuine dialers is clearly displayed. Moreover,
genuine dialers tell you the incurred costs exactly and unmistakably.
Unfortunately there are also dialers which install themselves on computers unnoticed,
by dubious means or even with deceptive intent. For example they replace the internet
user’s default data communication link to the ISP (Internet Service Provider) and dial a
cost-incurring and often horrendously expensive 0190/0900 number every time a
connection is made. The affected user will probably not notice until his next phone bill
that an unwanted 0190/0900 dialer program on his computer has dialed a premium rate
number with every connection, resulting in dramatically increased costs.
We recommend you to directly ask your telephone provider to block this number range
to be immediately protected against undesired dialers (0190/0900 dialers).
Avira AntiVir Professional can detect the familiar dialers by default.
If the option Dialers is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under Extended
threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert if a dialer is detected. You can now
simply delete the potentially unwanted 0190/0900 dialer. However, if it is a wanted dialup program, you can declare it an exceptional file and this file is then no longer scanned
in future.
Games (GAMES)
There is a place for computer games - but it is not necessarily at work (except perhaps in
the lunch hour). Nevertheless, with the wealth of games downloadable from the
internet, a fair bit of mine sweeping and Patience playing goes on among company
employees and civil servants. You can download a whole array of games via the Internet.
Email games have also become more popular: numerous variants are circulating, ranging
from simple chess to "fleet exercises" (including torpedo combats): The corresponding
moves are sent to partners via email programs, who answer them.
Studies have shown that the number of working hours devoted to computer games has
long reached economically significant proportions. It is therefore not surprising that
more and more companies are considering ways of banning computer games from
workplace computers.
Avira AntiVir Professional detects computer games. If the Games option is enabled with
a check mark in the configuration under Extended threat categories, you receive a
corresponding alert if Avira AntiVir Professional detects a game. The game is now over in
the truest sense of the word, because you can simply delete it.
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Viruses and more
Jokes (JOKES)
Jokes are merely intended to give someone a fright or provide general amusement
without causing harm or reproducing. When a joke program is loaded, the computer will
usually start at some point to play a tune or display something unusual on the screen.
Examples of jokes are the washing machine in the disk drive (DRAIN.COM) or the screen
eater (BUGSRES.COM).
But beware! All symptoms of joke programs may also originate from a virus or Trojan. At
the very least users will get quite a shock or be thrown into such a panic that they may
themselves may cause real damage.
Thanks to the extension of its scanning and identification routines, Avira AntiVir
Professional is able to detect joke programs and eliminate them as unwanted programs if
required. If the option Jokes is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under
Extended threat categories, a corresponding alert is issued if a joke program is detected.
Security Privacy Risk (SPR)
Software that maybe is able to compromise the security of your system, initiate
unwanted program activities, damage your privacy or spy out your user behavior and
might therefore be unwanted.
Avira AntiVir Professional detects "Security Privacy Risk" software. If the option
Security Privacy Risk is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under
Extended threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert if Avira AntiVir
Professional detects such software.
Backdoor Clients (BDC)
In order to steal data or manipulate computers, a backdoor server program is smuggled
in unknown to the user. This program can be controlled by a third party using backdoor
control software (client) via the internet or a network.
Avira AntiVir Professional detects "backdoor control software". If the option Backdoor
Clients is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under Extended threat
categories, you receive a corresponding alert if Avira AntiVir Professional detects such
software.
Adware/Spyware (ADSPY)
Software that displays advertising pop-ups or software that very often without the user's
consent sends user specific data to third parties and might therefore be unwanted.
Avira AntiVir Professional detects "Adware/Spyware". If the option Adware/Spyware is
enabled with a check mark in the configuration under Extended threat categories, you
receive a corresponding alert if Avira AntiVir Professional detects such software.
Unusual Runtime Compression Tools (PCK)
Files that have been compressed with an unusual runtime compression tool and that can
therefore be classified as possibly suspicious.
Avira AntiVir Professional detects "Unusual runtime Compression Tools". If the option
Unusual runtime Compression Tools is enabled with a check mark in the
configuration under Extended threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert if
Avira AntiVir Professional detects such packers.
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Double Extension Files (HEUR-DBLEXT)
Executable files that hide their real file extension in a suspicious way. This camouflage
method is often used by malware.
Avira AntiVir Professional detects "Double Extension Files". If the option Double
Extension files (HEUR-DBLEXT) is enabled with a check mark in the configuration
under Extended threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert if Avira AntiVir
Professional detects such files.
Phishing
Phishing, also known as brand spoofing is a clever form of data theft aimed at customers
or potential customers of Internet service providers, banks, online banking services,
registration authorities.
When submitting your email address on the Internet, filling in online forms, accessing
newsgroups or websites, your data can be stolen by Internet crawling spiders and then
used without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
Avira AntiVir Professional detects "Phishing". If the option Phishing is enabled with a
check mark in the configuration under Extended threat categories, you receive a
corresponding alert if Avira AntiVir Professional detects such behavior.
Application (APPL)
The term APPL refers to an application which may involve a risk when used or is of
dubious origin.
Avira AntiVir Professional detects "Application (APPL)". If the option Application
(APPL) is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under Extended threat
categories , you receive a relevant alert if Avira AntiVir Professional detects such
behavior.
9.2 Viruses and other malware
Adware
Adware is software that presents banner ads or in pop-up windows through a bar that
appears on a computer screen. These advertisements usually cannot be removed and are
consequently always visible. The connection data allow many conclusions on the usage
behavior and are problematic in terms of data security.
Backdoors
A backdoor can gain access to a computer by going around the computer access security
mechanisms.
A program that is being executed in the background generally enables the attacker
almost unlimited rights. User's personal data can be spied with the backdoor's help, but
are mainly used to install further computer viruses or worms on the relevant system.
The connection data allow many conclusions on the usage behavior and are problematic
in terms of data security.
Boot viruses
The boot or master boot sector of hard disks is mainly infected by boot sector viruses.
They overwrite important information necessary for the system execution. One of the
awkward consequences: the computer system cannot be loaded any more…
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Bot-Net
A bot net is defined as a remote network of PCs (on the Internet), which is composed of
bots that communicate with each other. A Bot-Net can comprise a collection of cracked
machines running programs (usually referred to as worms, Trojans) under a common
command and control infrastructure. Bot-Nets serve various purposes, including Denialof-service attacks etc., partly without the affected PC user's knowledge. The main
potential of Bot-Nets is that the networks can achieve dimensions on thousands of
computers and its bandwidth sum bursts most conventional Internet accesses.
Exploit
An exploit (security gap) is a computer program or script that takes advantage of a bug,
glitch or vulnerability leading to privilege escalation or denial of service on a computer
system. A form of an exploit for example are attacks from the Internet with the help of
manipulated data packages. Programs can be infiltrated in order to obtain higher access.
Hoaxes
The users have obtained virus alerts from the Internet for a few years and alerts against
viruses in other networks that are supposed to spread via email. These alerts are spread
per email with the request that they should be sent to the highest possible number of
colleagues and to other users, in order to warn everyone against the "danger".
Honeypot
A honeypot is a service (program or server) installed in a network. It has the function to
monitor a network and to protocol attacks. This service is unknown to the legitimate
user - because of this reason he is never addressed. If an attacker examines a network for
the weak points and uses the services which are offered by a Honeypot, it is logged and
an alert is triggered.
Macro viruses
Macro viruses are small programs that are written in the macro language of an
application (e.g. WordBasic under WinWord 6.0) and that can normally only spread
within documents of this application. Because of this, they are also called document
viruses. In order to be active, they need that the corresponding applications are activated
and that one of the infected macros has been executed. Unlike "normal" viruses, macro
viruses do consequently not attack executable files but they do attack the documents of
the corresponding host-application.
Pharming
Pharming is a manipulation of the host file of web browsers to divert enquiries to
spoofed websites. This is a further development of classic phishing. Pharming fraudsters
operate their own large server farms on which fake websites are stored. Pharming has
established itself as an umbrella term for various types of DNS attacks. In the case of a
manipulation of the host file, a specific manipulation of a system is carried out with the
aid of a Trojan or virus. The result is that the system can now only access fake websites,
even if the correct web address is entered.
Phishing
Phishing means angling for personal details of the Internet user. Phishers generally send
their victims apparently official letters such as emails that are intended to induce them
to reveal confidential information to the culprits in good faith, in particular user names
and passwords or PINs and TANs of online banking accounts. With the stolen access
details, the phishers can assume the identities of the victims and carry out transactions
in their name. What is clear is that banks and insurance companies never ask for credit
card numbers, PINs, TANs or other access details by email, SMS or telephone.
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Polymorph viruses
Polymorph viruses are the real masters of disguise. They change their own programming
codes - and are therefore very hard to detect.
Program viruses
A computer virus is a program that is capable to attach itself to other programs after
being executed and cause an infection. Viruses multiply themselves unlike logic bombs
and Trojans. In contrast to a worm, a virus always requires a program as host, where the
virus deposits his virulent code. The program execution of the host itself is not changed
as a rule.
Rootkit
A rootkit is a collection of software tools that are installed after a computer system has
been infiltrated to conceal logins of the infiltrator, hide processes and record data generally speaking: to make themselves invisible. They attempt to update already
installed spy programs and reinstall deleted spyware.
Script viruses and worms
Such viruses are extremely easy to program and they can spread - if the required
technology is on hand - within a few hours via email round the globe.
Script viruses and worms use one of the script languages, such as Javascript, VBScript
etc., to insert themselves in other, new scripts or to spread themselves by calling
operating system functions. This frequently happens via email or through the exchange
of files (documents).
A worm is a program that multiplies itself but that does not infect the host. Worms can
consequently not form part of other program sequences. Worms are often the only
possibility to infiltrate any kind of damaging programs on systems with restrictive
security measures.
Spyware
Spyware are so called spy programs that intercept or take partial control of a computer's
operation without the user's informed consent. Spyware is designed to exploit infected
computers for commercial gain.
Trojan horses (short Trojans)
Trojans are pretty common nowadays. We are talking about programs that pretend to
have a particular function, but that show their real image after execution and carry out a
different function that, in most cases, is destructive. Trojan horses cannot multiply
themselves, which differentiates them from viruses and worms. Most of them have an
interesting name (SEX.EXE or STARTME.EXE) with the intention to induce the user to
start the Trojan. Immediately after execution they become active and can, for example,
format the hard disk. A dropper is a special form of Trojan that 'drops' viruses, i.e.
embeds viruses on the computer system.
Zombie
A Zombie-PC is a computer that is infected with malware programs and that enables
hackers to abuse computers via remote control for criminal purposes. On command, the
affected PC starts denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, for example, or sends spam and
phishing emails.
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Info and Service
10 Info and Service
This chapter contains information on how to contact us.
see Chapter: Contact address
see Chapter : Technical support
see Chapter: Suspicious files
see Chapter: Report false positives
see Chapter : Your feedback for more security
10.1 Contact address
If you have any questions or requests concerning the Avira AntiVir Professional product
range, we will be pleased to help you. If you require product information or other
information, you can contact the address given below. General information on us and
our products can also be obtained from our website http://www.avira.com.
Avira GmbH
Lindauer Str. 21
D-88069 Tettnang
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 7542 - 500 0
Fax: +49 (0) 7542 - 525 10
Internet: http://www.avira.com
Email: info@avira.com
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10.2 Technical support
Avira AntiVir Professional support provides reliable assistance in answering your
questions or solving a technical problem.
All necessary information on our comprehensive support service can be obtained from
our website http://www.avira.de/en/support.
If you have questions, we recommend that you contact your local dealer first.
Internet: http://www.avira.de/en/support
Email: support@avira.com
So that we can provide you with fast, reliable help, you should have the following
information ready:
– License information. These can be found in the Avira AntiVir Professional
Control Center under the menu item Help :: About AntiVir Professional :: License
information.
– Version information. You can find this in Avira AntiVir Professional Control
Center under the menu item Help :: About AntiVir Professional :: Version
information.
– Operating system version and any Service Packs installed.
– Installed software packages, e.g. anti-virus software of other vendors.
– Exact messages of the program or of the report file.
10.3 Suspicious file
Viruses that may not yet be detected or removed by our products or suspect files can be
sent to us. We provide you with several ways of doing this.
– In Quarantine manager select the Control Centerfile file and use the context
menu or corresponding button to select the item Send file.
– Send the required file packed (WinZIP, PKZip, Arj etc.) in the attachment of an
email to virus@avira.com. As some email gateways work with anti-virus software,
you should also provide the file(s) with a password (please remember to tell us
the password).
You can also send us the suspect file via our website.
10.4 Report false positive
If you believe that Avira AntiVir Professional reports something about a file that is most
likely "clean", send the required file packed (WinZIP, PKZip, Arj etc.) in the attachment
of an email to virus@avira.com. As some email gateways work with anti-virus software,
you should also provide the file(s) with a password (please remember to tell us the
password).
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10.5 Your feedback for more security
The security of our customers plays a central role at AntiVir Professional. Because of this
reason, we don't only have an in-house expert team who tests the quality and security of
every AntiVir Professional solution before the product is released. We also attach great
importance to the indications regarding security relevant gaps which could develop and
we treat those frankly.
If you think you have detected a security gap in one of our products, please send us an
email to vulnerabilities@avira.com.
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Reference: Configuration
11 Reference: Configuration
The configuration reference documents all configuration options available in Avira
AntiVir Professional.
11.1 Scanner
The Scanner section of the Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration is responsible for
the configuration of the on-demand scan.
11.1.1 Scan
Here you define the basic behavior of the scan routine for an on-demand scan. If you
select certain directories to be scanned with an on-demand scan, depending on the
configuration the Scanner scans:
– with a certain scanning power (priority),
– also boot sectors and main memory,
– certain or all boot sectors and the main memory,
– all or selected files in the directory.
Files
The Scanner can use a filter to scan only those files with a certain extension (type).
All files
If this option is enabled, all files are scanned for viruses or unwanted programs,
irrespective of their content and file extension. The filter is not used.
Smart Extensions
If this option is enabled, the selection of the files scanned for viruses or unwanted
programs is automatically chosen by Avira AntiVir Professional. This means that Avira
AntiVir Professional decides respective of their content, whether the files are scanned or
not. This procedure is somewhat slower than Use file extension list, but more secure,
since not only on the basis of the file extension is scanned. This option is enabled as the
default setting and is recommended.
If All files is enabled, the button File extensions
If Smart Extensions is enabled, the button File extensions
selected.
cannot be selected.
cannot be
Use file extension list
If this option is enabled, only files with a specified extension are scanned. All file types
that may contain viruses and unwanted programs are preset. The list can be edited
manually via the button File extension
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File extensions
With the aid of this button, a dialog window is opened in which all file extensions are
displayed that are scanned in Use file extension list mode. Default entries are set for
the extensions, but entries can be added or deleted.
Additional settings
If this option is enabled and you have deleted all entries from the list with file
extensions, this is indicated with the text "No file extensions" under the
button File extensions
.
Please note that the default list may vary from version to version.
Scan boot sectors of selected drives
If this option is enabled, the Scanner only scans the boot sectors of the drives selected
for the on-demand scan. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Scan master boot sectors
If this option is enabled, the Scanner scans the master boot sectors of the hard disk(s)
used in the system.
Scan memory
If this option is enabled, the Scanner scans the main memory of the workstation with
every on-demand scan. This option is enabled as the default setting and is
recommended.
This function should always be enabled in order to obtain maximum
protection against viruses or unwanted programs. If a virus or unwanted
program is active in the memory, all files that are scanned may be infected.
Ignore offline files
If this option is enabled, the direct scan ignores so-called offline files completely during a
scan. This means that these files are not scanned for viruses and unwanted programs.
Offline files are files that were physically moved by a so-called Hierarchical Storage
Management System (HSMS) from the hard disk onto a tape, for example. This option is
enabled as the default setting.
Follow symbolic links
If this option is enabled, Scanner performs a scan that follows all icon shortcuts in the
scan profile or selected directory and scans the linked files for viruses and malware. This
option is only available for Windows XP and Windows Vista and its default setting is
disabled.
Search for Rootkits before scan
If this option is enabled and a scan is started, Scanner scans the Windows system
directory for active rootkits in a so-called shortcut. This process does not scan your
computer for active rootkits as comprehensively as the scan profile Scan for rootkits,
but it is significantly quicker to perform.
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Under 64 bit systems the rootkit scan is not yet available!
Do not scan files and paths on network drives
If this option is enabled, network drives connected to the computer are excluded from
the on-demand scan. This option is recommended when the servers or other
workstations themselves are protected with antivirus software , for example other
workstation installations of Avira AntiVir Professional. This option is disabled as the
default setting.
Scan process
Allow stopping the Scanner
If this option is enabled, the scan for viruses or unwanted programs can be terminated at
any time with the button Stop
disabled this setting, the button Stop
in the window of the "Luke Filewalker". If you have
in the window "Luke Filewalker" has a gray
background. Premature ending of a scan process is thus not possible! This option is
enabled as the default setting.
Scanner priority
With the on-demand scan, the Scanner distinguishes between priority levels. This is only
effective if several processes are running simultaneously on the workstation. The
selection affects the scanning speed.
Low
The Scanner is only allocated processor time by the operating system if no other process
requires computation time, i.e. as long as only the Scanner is running, the speed is
maximum. All in all, work with other programs is optimal: The computer responds more
quickly if other programs require computation time while the Scanner continues running
in the background. This setting is activated by default and is recommended.
Medium
The Scanner is performed with normal priority. All processes are allocated the same
amount of processor time by the operating system. Under certain circumstances, work
with other applications may be affected.
High
The Scanner has the highest priority. Simultaneous work with other applications is
almost impossible. The Scanner completes its scan at maximum speed, however.
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11.1.1.1. Action for concerning files
Action for concerning files
You can define actions that the Scanner is to carry out when a virus or unwanted
program is detected.
Interactive
When this option is enabled, on detection of a virus or unwanted program during an ondemand scan, a dialog window appears in which you can select what is to be done with
the affected file. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Permissible actions
In this display area you can select the actions which are displayed in the dialogue window
when a virus or unwanted program is detected. You need to activate the corresponding
options.
repair
Scanner repairs the infected file if possible.
rename
Scanner renames the file. Direct access to these files (e.g. with double-click) is therefore
no longer possible. The file can be repaired at a later time and renamed again.
quarantine
The Scanner moves the file to the Quarantine. The file can be recovered from quarantine
manager if it has an informative value or - if necessary - sent to the Avira Malware
Research Center. Depending on the file, further selection options may be available in the
Quarantine Manager.
delete
The file is deleted, but it can be restored if necessary with relevant tools (e.g. Avira
UnErase). The virus pattern can still be detected again. This process is much faster than
"overwrite and delete".
ignore
The file is to be ignored.
overwrite and delete
The Scanner overwrites the file with a default pattern and then deletes it. It cannot be
restored.
Default
With the aid of this button you can select the action that is enabled by default in the
dialogue window when a virus is detected. Mark the action that is to be enabled by
default and click on the button Default.
The action repair cannot be selected as the default action.
Further information is available here.
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Automatic
If this option is enabled and a virus or unwanted program is detected, no dialogue
appears in which an action can be selected. The Scanner reacts according to the settings
made by you in this section.
Copy file to quarantine before action
If this option is enabled, the Scanner creates a back-up copy before carrying out the
requested primary or secondary action. The back-up copy is saved in quarantine, where
the file can be restored if it is of informative value. You can also send the back-up copy to
the Avira Malware Research Center for further investigation.
Display detection alerts
If this option is activated, then for each detection of a virus or unwanted program a
warning message appears showing the actions being executed.
Primary action
Primary action is the action carried out when the Scanner finds a virus or an unwanted
program. If the option repair is selected but a repair of the file involved is not possible,
the action selected under Secondary action is carried out.
The option Secondary action can only be selected if the setting repair was
selected under Primary action.
repair
If this option is enabled, the Scanner repairs affected files automatically. If the Scanner
cannot repair an affected file, it carries out the action selected under Secondary action.
An automatic repair is recommended, but means that the Scanner modifies
files on the workstation.
delete
If this option is enabled, the file is deleted, but can be restored if necessary with relevant
tools (e.g. Avira UnErase). This means that the virus pattern could be detected again.
This process is much faster than "overwrite and delete".
overwrite and delete
If this option is enabled, the Scanner overwrites the file with a default pattern and then
deletes it. It cannot be restored.
rename
If this option is enabled, the Scanner renames the file. Direct access to these files (e.g.
with double-click) is therefore no longer possible. Files can later be repaired and given
their original names again.
ignore
If this option is enabled, access to the file is allowed and the file is left as it is.
The affected file remains active on your workstation! It may cause serious
damage on your workstation!
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quarantine
If this option is enabled, the Scanner moves the file to the quarantine. These files can
later be repaired or - if necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research Center.
Secondary action
The option Secondary action can only be selected if the setting Repair was selected
under Primary action. With this option it can now be decided what is to be done with
the affected file if it cannot be repaired.
delete
If this option is enabled, the file is deleted, but it can be restored if necessary with
relevant tools (e.g. Avira UnErase). This means the virus pattern could be detected again.
This process is much faster than "overwrite and delete".
overwrite and delete
If this option is enabled, the Scanner overwrites the file with a default pattern and then
deletes (wipes) it. It cannot be restored.
rename
If this option is enabled, the Scanner renames the file. Direct access to these files (e.g.
with double-click) is therefore no longer possible. Files can later be repaired and given
their original names again.
ignore
If this option is enabled, access to the file is allowed and the file is left as it is.
The affected file remains active on your workstation! It may cause serious
damage on your workstation!
Quarantine
If this option is enabled, the Scanner moves the file to the quarantine. These files can
later be repaired or - if necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research Center.
11.1.1.2. Further actions
Acoustic alert
Acoustic alert
If this option is enabled, Scanner plays a sequence of notes in the event of a detection.
This option is activated by default.
Wave file
In this input box you can enter the name and the associated path of an audio file of your
choice. If this box is empty, the default alert sound is played.
The button opens a window in which you can select the required file with the aid of the
file explorer.
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Test acoustic alert
This button is used to test the selected wave file.
Launch program following detection
After the on-demand scan, the Scanner can open a file of your choice (for example a
program) if at least one virus or unwanted program has been detected, for example an
email program, so that you can inform other users or the administrator.
For security reasons it is only possible to start a program after a detection
when a user is logged on the computer. The file is then opened with the
rights that apply to the logged on user. If no user is logged on, this option is
not carried out.
Program name
In this input box you can enter the name and the relevant path of the program that the
Scanner should start after a detection.
This button opens a window in which you can select the desired program with the aid of
the file selection dialog.
Arguments
In this input box you can enter command line parameters for the program to be started
if necessary.
When scanning archives, the Scanner uses a recursive scan: Archives in archives are also
unpacked and scanned for viruses and unwanted programs. The files are scanned,
decompressed and scanned again.
Scan archives
If this option is enabled, the selected archives in the archive list are scanned. This option
is enabled as the default setting.
All archive types
If this option is enabled, all archive types in the archive list are selected and scanned.
Smart extensions
If this option is enabled, the Scanner detects whether a file is a packed file format
(archive), even if the file extension differs from the usual extensions, and scans the
archive. However, for this every file must be opened - which reduces the scanning speed.
For example, if a *.zip archive has the file extension *.xyz, the Scanner also unpacks this
archive and scans it. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Only those archive types are supported, which are marked in the archive list.
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Limit recursion depth
Unpacking and scanning deeply interlaced archives can require a great deal of computer
time and resources. If this option is enabled, you limit the depth of the scan in multipacked archives to a certain number of packing levels (maximum recursion depth). This
saves time and computer resources.
In order to find a virus or an unwanted program in an archive, the Scanner
must scan up to the recursion level in which the virus or the unwanted
program is located.
Maximum recursion depth
In order to enter the maximum recursion depth, the option Limit recursion depth must
be enabled.
You can either enter the required recursion depth directly or alter it with the arrow keys
to the right of the input box.
Default values
The button restores the pre-defined values for scanning archives.
11.1.1.3. Archive list
In this display area you can set which archives the Scanner should scan. For this, you
must select the relevant entries.
11.1.1.4. Exceptions
File objects to be omitted for the Scanner
The list in this window contains files and paths that should not be included by the
Scanner in the scan for viruses or unwanted programs.
Please enter as few exceptions as possible here and really only files that, for whatever
reason, should not be included in a normal scan. We recommend that you always scan
these files for viruses or unwanted programs before they are included in this list!
The entries on the list must not result more than 6000 characters in total.
These files are not included in a scan!
The files included in this list are entered in the report file. Please check the
report file from time to time for unscanned files, as perhaps the reason you
excluded a file here no longer exists. In this case you should remove the name
of this file from this list again.
Input box
In this input box you can enter the name of the file object that is not included in the ondemand scan. No file object is entered as the default setting.
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The button opens a window in which you can select the required file or the required
path.
When you have entered a file name with its complete path, only this file is not scanned
for infection. If you have entered a file name without a path, all files with this name
(irrespective of the path or drive) are not scanned.
Add
With this button, you can add the file object entered in the input box to the display
window.
Delete
The button deletes a selected entry in the list. This button is not active if no entry is
selected.
11.1.1.5. Heuristic
This configuration section contains the settings for the heuristic of the Avira AntiVir
Professional search engine.
Avira AntiVir Professional contains very powerful heuristic, which can also detect
unknown (new) viruses, worms or Trojans. This is done with a comprehensive analysis
and examination of the relevant codes for functions that are typical of viruses, worms or
Trojans. If the code examined fulfils these characteristic criteria, it is reported as being
suspect. However, this does not necessarily mean that the code is in actual fact a virus, a
worm or a Trojan; it may also be a false alert. The user has to decide what to do with the
relevant code, for example based on his/her knowledge of whether the source containing
the suspect code is reliable.
Macrovirus heuristic
Macrovirus heuristic
Avira AntiVir Professional contains a very powerful macrovirus heuristic. If this option is
enabled, all macros are deleted in the event of a repair, alternatively suspect documents
are only reported, i.e. you receive an alert. This option is enabled as the default setting
and is recommended.
Win32 file heuristic
Avira AntiVir Professional contains a very powerful heuristic for Windows file viruses,
worms and Trojans, which can also detect unknown viruses, worms and Trojans. If this
option is enabled, here you can set how "aggressive" this heuristic should be. This option
is enabled as the default setting.
Low detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Professional detects fewer viruses, worms or
Trojans, the risk of false alerts is low in this case.
Medium detection level
This option is enabled as the default setting if you have selected application of this
heuristic.
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High detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Professional detects a large number of unknown
viruses, worms or Trojans, but you must also expect false positives.
11.1.2 Report
The Scanner has a comprehensive reporting function. You thus obtain precise
information on the results of an on-demand scan. The report file contains all entries of
the system as well as alerts and messages of the on-demand scan.
Reporting
Off
If this option is enabled, the Scanner does not report the actions and results of the ondemand scan.
Default
When this option is activated, the Scanner logs the names of the files concerned with
their path. In addition, the configuration for the current scan, version information and
information on the licensee is written in the report file.
So that you can establish what actions the Scanner has carried out when
viruses or unwanted programs have been detected, a report file should always
be created.
Extended
When this option is activated, the Scanner logs alerts and tips in addition to the default
information.
Complete
When this option is activated, the Scanner also logs all scanned files. In addition, all files
involved as well as alerts and tips are included in the report file.
If you have to send us a report file at any time (for troubleshooting), please
create this report file in this mode.
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11.2 Guard
The Guard section of the Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration is responsible for the
configuration of the on-access scan.
11.2.1 Scan
You will normally want to monitor your system constantly. To this end, use the Guard (=
on-access scanner). You can thus scan all files that are copied or opened on the computer
"on the fly", for viruses and unwanted programs.
Scan mode
Here the time for scanning of a file is defined.
Scan when reading
If this option is enabled, the Guard scans the files before they are read or executed by the
application or the operating system.
Scan when writing
If this option is enabled, the Guard scans a file when writing. You can only access the file
again after this process has been completed.
Scan when reading and writing
If this option is enabled, the Guard scans files before opening, reading and executing and
after writing. This option is enabled as the default setting and is recommended.
To obtain maximum security, you should have enabled this option. However,
please note that this may reduce the computer performance, as files may be
scanned more than once.
Files
The Guard can use a filter to scan only files with a certain extension (type).
All files
If this option is enabled, all files, irrespective of their content and their file extension,
are scanned for viruses or unwanted programs, i.e. the filter is not used.
If All files is enabled, the button File extensions
cannot be selected.
Smart Extensions
If this option is enabled, the selection of the files scanned for viruses or unwanted
programs is automatically chosen by Avira AntiVir Professional. This means that Avira
AntiVir Professional decides whether the files are scanned or not based on their content.
This procedure is somewhat slower than Use file extension list, but more secure, since
not only on the basis of the file extension is scanned.
If Smart Extensions is enabled, the button File extensions
selected.
cannot be
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Use file extension list
If this option is enabled, only files with a pre-defined extension are scanned. All file
types that may contain viruses and unwanted programs are pre-defined. The list can be
edited manually via the button File extension
. This option is enabled as the default
setting and is recommended.
If this option is enabled and you have deleted all entries from the list with file
extensions, this is indicated with the text "No file extensions" under the
button File extensions
.
File extensions
With the aid of this button, a dialog window is opened in which all file extensions are
displayed that are scanned in the Use file extension list mode. Default entries are set
for the extensions, but entries can be added or deleted.
Please note that the file extension list may vary from version to version.
Archives
The Guard can monitor files that have been compressed with run-time packers.
Unpacking run-time compressed files
If this option is enabled, the files are scanned, decompressed and scanned again. Viruses
and unwanted programs hidden in these files can also be found in this way. This option
is enabled as the default setting and is recommended.
Scan archive
If this option is enabled, then archives will be scanned. Compressed files are scanned,
then decompressed and scanned again. This option is deactivated by default. Additional
settings are available for restricting the scanning of archives and for setting the
recursion depth of the scanning. This is recommended if you activate the archive scan.
This option is deactivated by default, since the process puts heavy demands
on the computer's performance. It is generally recommended that archives be
checked using an on-demand scan.
Maximum depth of recursion
When scanning the archives, Guard can use a recursive scan. This unpacks archives that
packed inside other archives and checks them for viruses and unwanted programs. You
can define the recursion depth. Active this option to do so. Permitted values are 1 to 20.
The default value for the recursion depth is 1 and is recommended: all archives that are
directly located in the main archive are unpacked and scanned.
Maximum number of files
If this option is enabled, you can restrict the scan to a maximum number of files in the
archive. Permissible values are between 1 and 99. The default value of 10 files to be
scanned is recommended.
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Maximum size (KB)
If this option is enabled you can restrict the scanner to unpacking only archives below a
defined maximum size. Permissible values are between 1 and 9999 KB. The standard
value of 1000 KB is recommended.
Drives
Local drives
If this option is enabled, only files on local drives, such as hard disks, CD and disk drives,
MO and ZIP drives, etc. are monitored. This option is enabled as the default setting and
is recommended.
Network drives
If this option is enabled, files on network drives (mapped drives) such as server volumes,
peer drives etc. are scanned.
In order not to reduce the performance of your computer too much, the
option Network drives should only be enabled in exceptional cases.
If this option is disabled, the network drives are not monitored. You are no
longer protected against viruses or unwanted programs!
11.2.1.1. Action for concerning files
Action for concerning files
You can define actions that the Guard is to carry out when a virus or unwanted program
is detected.
Interactive
If this option is enabled, a dialog window appears during the on-access scan when a virus
or unwanted program is detected in which you can choose what is to be done with the
file concerned. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Permissible actions
In this display box you can specify those actions that are to be displayed in the dialog box
in the event of that a virus or unwanted program is detected. You need to activate the
corresponding options.
repair
Guard repairs the infected file if possible.
rename
Guard renames the file. Direct access to these files (e.g. with double-click) is therefore no
longer possible. The file can be repaired at a later time and renamed again.
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quarantine
Guard moves the file to the quarantine folder. The file can be restored from within the
Quarantine Manager if it is of informative value or - if necessary - sent to the Avira
Malware Research Center. Depending on the file, further selection options may be
available in the Quarantine Manager.
delete
The file is deleted, but it can be restored if necessary with relevant tools (e.g. Avira
UnErase). The virus pattern could then be detected again. This process is much faster
than "overwrite and delete".
ignore
Access to the file is still permitted and the file is ignored.
overwrite and delete
Guard overwrites the file with a default pattern before deleting it. It cannot be restored.
deny access
Access is denied to the file. Guard logs the detection to the report file if the report
function is activated. In addition, the Guard writes an entry into the Event log if this
option is enabled.
Default
This button allows you to select the action that is activated in the dialog box by default
when a virus is detected. Select the action that should be activated by default and click
on the Default button.
The repair action cannot be selected as the default action.
Further information is given here.
Automatic
If this option is enabled, then no dialog box for selecting an action appears following the
detection of a virus or unwanted program. The Guard reacts according to the settings
made by you in this section.
Copy file to quarantine before action
If this option is enabled, the Guard creates a backup copy before carrying out the
requested primary or secondary action. The backup copy is saved in quarantine. It can be
be restored via the Quarantine manager if it is of informative value. You can also send
the back-up copy to the Avira Malware Research Center. Depending on the object, there
are more selection possibilities in the quarantine manager.
Display detection alerts
If this option is activated, then for each detection of a virus or unwanted program a
warning message appears stating the actions being executed.
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Primary action
Primary action is the action carried out when the Guard finds a virus or an unwanted
program. If the option Repair is selected but a repair of the file involved is not possible,
the action selected under Secondary action is carried out.
The option Secondary action can only be selected if the option Repair was
selected under Primary action.
repair
If this option is enabled, the Guard repairs affected files automatically. If the Guard
cannot repair an affected file, it carries out the action selected under Secondary action.
An automatic repair is recommended, but means that the Guard modifies
files on the workstation.
delete
If this option is enabled, the file is deleted, but can be restored if necessary with relevant
tools (e.g. Avira UnErase). This means that the virus patterns could be detected again.
This process is much faster than "overwrite and delete".
overwrite and delete
If this option is enabled, the Guard overwrites the file with a default pattern and then
deletes it. It cannot be restored.
rename
If this option is enabled, the Guard renames the file. Direct access to these files (e.g. with
double-click) is therefore no longer possible. Files can later be repaired and given their
original names again.
ignore
If this option is enabled, access to the file is allowed and the file is left as it is.
The affected file remains active on your workstation! It may cause serious
damage on your workstation!
deny access
If this option is enabled, the Guard only enters the detection in the report file if the
report function is enabled. In addition, the Guard writes an entry in the event log, if this
option is enabled.
quarantine
If this option is enabled, the Guard moves the file to the quarantine. The files in this
directory can later be repaired or - if necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research
Center.
Secondary action
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The option Secondary action can only be selected if the option Repair was selected
under Primary action. With this option it is possible to decide what should be done
with the affected file if it cannot be repaired.
delete
If this option is enabled, the file is deleted, but can be restored if necessary with relevant
tools (e.g. Avira UnErase). This means that the virus patterns could be detected again.
This process is much faster than "overwrite and delete".
overwrite and delete
If this option is enabled, the Guard overwrites the file with a default pattern and then
deletes it. It cannot be restored.
rename
If this option is enabled, the Guard renames the file. Direct access to these files (e.g. with
double-click) is therefore no longer possible. Files can later be repaired and given their
original names again.
ignore
If this option is enabled, access to the file is allowed and the file is left as it is.
The affected file remains active on your workstation! It may cause serious
damage on your workstation!
deny access
If this option is enabled, the Guard only enters the detection in the report file if the
report function is enabled. In addition, the Guard writes an entry in the event log, if this
option is enabled.
quarantine
If this option is enabled, the Guard moves the file to the quarantine. The files can later
be repaired or - if necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research Center.
11.2.1.2. Other actions
Notifications
Use event log
When this option is enabled, an entry is added to the event log for every detection. The
administrator can identify detections and react accordingly. This option is enabled by
default.
Acoustic alert
When this option is enabled, Guard plays a sequence of notes when a detection is made.
This setting is enabled by default.
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11.2.1.3. Exceptions
With these options you can configure exception objects for the Guard (on-access scan).
The relevant objects are then not included in the on-access scan. The Guard can ignore
file accesses to these objects during the on-access scan via the list of processes to be
omitted. This is useful, for example, with databases or back-up solutions.
Processes to be omitted for the Guard
All file accesses of processes in this list are excluded from monitoring by the Guard.
Input box
In this box you can enter the name of the process that is not included in the on-access
scan. No process is entered as the default setting. The names of the individual process
can most easily be obtained via the task manager. You can find the names of all currently
active processes under the index card "Processes" of the task manager. Select "your"
process and enter its name (found under "Image Name").
You can enter up to 20 processes.
Only the first 15 characters of the process name (including the file extension)
are considered. If there are 2 processes with the same name, Guard excludes
both processes from the monitoring.
Please note that all file accesses by processes recorded in the list are excluded
from the scan for viruses and unwanted programs! The Windows Explorer
and the operating system itself cannot be excluded. A corresponding entry in
the list is ignored.
Add
With this button, you can add the process entered in the input box to the display
window.
Delete
With this button you can delete a selected process from the display window.
File objects to be omitted for the Guard
All file accesses to objects in this list are excluded from monitoring by the Guard.
The entries on the list must not contain more than 6000 characters in total.
Input box
In this box you can enter the name of the file object that is not included in the on-access
scan. No file object is entered as the default setting.
The button opens a window in which you can select the file object to be excluded.
Add
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With this button, you can add the file object entered in the input box to the display
window.
Delete
With this button you can delete a selected file object from the display window.
Please observe the following points:
– The file name can only contain the wildcards * (any number of characters) and
?nbsp;(a single character).
– Directory names must end with a backslash \, otherwise a file name is assumed.
– The list is processed from top to bottom.
– Individual file extensions can also be excluded (inclusive wildcards).
– If a directory is excluded, all its sub-directories are automatically also excluded.
– The longer the list is, the more processor time is required for processing the list
for each access. Therefore, keep the list as short as possible.
– In order to also exclude objects when they are accessed with short DOS file
names (DOS name convention 8.3), the relevant short file name must also be
entered in the list.
A file name that contains wildcards may not be terminated with a backslash.
For example:
C:\Program Files\Application\applic*.exe\
This entry is not valid and not treated as an exception!
Examples:
C:
C:\
C:\*.*
C:\*
*.exe
*.xl?
*.*
C:\Program Files\Application\application.exe
C:\Program Files\Application\applic*.exe
C:\Program Files\Application\applic*
C:\Program Files\Application\applic?????.e*
C:\Program Files\
C:\Program Files
C:\Program Files\Application\*.mdb
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11.2.1.4. Heuristic
This configuration section contains the settings for the heuristic of the Avira AntiVir
Professional search engine.
Avira AntiVir Professional contains very powerful heuristic, which can also detect
unknown (new) viruses, worms or Trojans. This is done with a comprehensive analysis
and examination of the relevant codes for functions that are typical of viruses, worms or
Trojans. If the code examined fulfils these characteristic criteria, it is reported as being
suspect. However, this does not necessarily mean that the code is in actual fact a virus, a
worm or a Trojan; it may also be a false positive. The user has to decide what to do with
the relevant code, for example based on his/her knowledge of whether the source
containing the suspect code is reliable.
Macrovirus heuristic
Macrovirus heuristic
Avira AntiVir Professional contains a very powerful macrovirus heuristic. If this option is
enabled, all macros are deleted in the event of a repair, alternatively suspect documents
are only reported, i.e. you receive an alert. This option is enabled as the default setting
and is recommended.
Win32 file heuristic
Avira AntiVir Professional contains a very powerful heuristic for Windows file viruses,
worms and Trojans, which can also detect unknown viruses, worms and Trojans. If this
option is enabled, here you can set how "aggressive" this heuristic should be. This option
is enabled as the default setting.
Low detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Professional detects fewer viruses, worms or
Trojans, the risk of false alerts is low in this case.
Medium detection level
This option is enabled as the default setting if you have selected application of this
heuristic.
High detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Professional detects a large number of unknown
viruses, worms or Trojans, but you must also expect false positives.
11.2.2 Report
The Guard has a comprehensive reporting function that can provide the user or the
administrator with precise information on the type of malware detected.
Reporting
The scope of content of the report file is defined in this group.
Off
If this option is enabled, the Guard does not create a report.
Only refrain from enabling reporting in exceptional cases, for example if you carry out
test runs with many viruses or unwanted programs.
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Default
If this option is enabled, the Guard adds important information (on the found, alerts
and errors) to the report file, less important information is ignored in order to provide a
clear overview. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Extended
If this option is enabled, the Guard also includes less important information in the
report file.
Complete
If this option is enabled, the Guard includes all information - also that on file size, file
type, date etc. - in the report file.
Limit report file
Limit size to n MB
If this option is enabled, the report file can be limited to a certain size; possible values: 1
to 100 MB. This option is enabled as the default setting, with a value of 1 MB. A
tolerance of approximately 50 kilobytes is included in order to minimize load of the
computer. If the size of the report file exceeds the pre-defined size by 50 kilobytes, old
entries are automatically deleted until the pre-defined size -50 kilobytes has been
reached.
Backup report file before shortening
If this option is enabled, the report file is backed up before being shortened in the report
directory. For backup location, see Configuration :: General :: Directories :: Report
directory.
Write configuration in report file
If this option is enabled, the configuration of the on-access scan used is written in the
report file.
Display user who accesses the file
You can select whether the name of the user who accesses the infected file is to be
written into the report file. This logging function can be disabled, enabled or used with
restrictions with the option 'Only for altered files'.
This option is only available with minifilter. After reinstallation of AntiVir
Professional, an IFS filter is installed by default. For further information,
please contact technical support (see ch.: Technical Support).
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11.3 MailGuard
The MailGuard section of the Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration is responsible for
the configuration of the MailGuard.
11.3.1 Scan
Use MailGuard to scan incoming emails for viruses and malware . Outgoing emails can
be scanned for viruses and malware by MailGuard. Outgoing emails which are spam sent
from an unknown bot on your computer can be blocked by MailGuard.
Scan
Scan incoming emails (POP3)
If this option is enabled, incoming emails are scanned for viruses, malware and spam.
Scan outgoing emails (SMTP)
If this option is enabled, outgoing emails are scanned for viruses and malware. Emails
which are spam sent by unknown bots are blocked.
11.3.1.1. Action for concerning files
This configuration section contains settings for actions performed when MailGuard
finds a virus or unwanted program in an email or in an attachment.
These actions are performed both when a virus is detected in incoming
emails and when a virus is detected in outgoing emails.
Action for concerning files
Interactive
If this option is enabled, a dialog window appears when a virus or unwanted program is
detected in an email or attachment in which you can choose what is to be done with the
email or attachment concerned. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Further information is given here.
Show progress bar
If this option is enabled, the MailGuard shows a progress bar during downloading of
emails. This option can only be enabled if the option Interactive has been selected.
Automatic
If this option is enabled, you are no longer notified when a virus or unwanted program is
found. The MailGuard reacts according to the settings made by you in this section.
Primary action
Primary action is the action carried out when the MailGuard finds a virus or an
unwanted program in an email. If the option Ignore email is selected, it is also possible
to select under Affected attachments what is to be done if a virus or unwanted
program is detected in an attachment.
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Delete email
If this option is enabled, the email concerned is automatically deleted if a virus or
unwanted program is found. The body of the email is replaced by the default text given
below. The same applies to all attachments included; these are also replaced by a default
text.
Isolate email
If this option is enabled, the complete email including all attachments is placed in
Quarantine if a virus or unwanted program is found. If required, it can later be restored.
The affected email itself is deleted. The body of the email is replaced by the default text
given below. The same applies to all attachments included; these are also replaced by a
default text.
Ignore email
If this option is enabled, the email concerned is ignored despite detection of a virus or
unwanted program. However, you can decide what is to be done with the affected
attachment:
Affected attachments
The option Affected attachments can only be selected if the setting Ignore email has
been selected under Primary action. With this option it is now possible to decide what
is to be done if a virus or unwanted program is found in an attachment.
delete
If this option is enabled, the affected attachment is deleted if a virus or unwanted
program is found and replaced by a default text.
isolate
If this option is enabled, the affected attachment is placed in quarantine and then
deleted (replaced by a default text). If required, it can later be restored.
ignore
If this option is enabled, the attachment is ignored despite detection of a virus or
unwanted program and delivered.
11.3.1.2. Other actions
This configuration section contains other settings for actions performed when
MailGuard finds a virus or unwanted program in an email or in an attachment.
If you select this option, you have no protection against viruses and
unwanted programs by the MailGuard. Only select this point if you know
exactly what you are doing. Disable the preview in your email program, never
open attachments by double-clicking!
These actions are performed exclusively when a virus is detected in incoming
emails.
Default text for deleted and moved emails
The text in this box is inserted in the email as a message instead of the affected email.
Please note that you can also format the text in this edit box. You can enter a maximum
of 500 characters.
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You can use the following key combination for formatting:
Default
The button inserts a pre-defined default text in the edit box.
Default text for deleted and moved attachments
The text in this box is inserted in the email as a message instead of the affected
attachment. Please note that you can also format the text in this edit box. You can enter
a maximum of 500 characters.
You can use the following key combination for formatting:
Default
The button inserts a pre-defined default text in the edit box.
11.3.1.3. Heuristic
inserts a line break.
inserts a line break.
This configuration section contains the settings for the heuristic of the Avira AntiVir
Professional search engine.
Avira AntiVir Professional contains very powerful heuristic, which can also detect
unknown (new) viruses, worms or Trojans. This is done with a comprehensive analysis
and examination of the relevant codes for functions that are typical of viruses, worms or
Trojans. If the code examined fulfils these characteristic criteria, it is reported as being
suspect. However, this does not necessarily mean that the code is in actual fact a virus, a
worm or a Trojan; it may also be a false alert. The user has to decide what to do with the
relevant code, for example based on his/her knowledge of whether the source containing
the suspect code is reliable.
Macrovirus heuristic
Macrovirus heuristic
Avira AntiVir Professional contains a very powerful macrovirus heuristic. If this option is
enabled, all macros are deleted in the event of a repair, alternatively suspect documents
are only reported, i.e. you receive an alert. This option is enabled as the default setting
and is recommended.
Win32 file heuristic
Avira AntiVir Professional contains a very powerful heuristic for Windows file viruses,
worms and Trojans, which can also detect unknown viruses, worms and Trojans. If this
option is enabled, here you can set how "aggressive" this heuristic should be. This option
is enabled as the default setting.
Low detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Professional detects fewer viruses, worms or
Trojans, the risk of false alerts is low in this case.
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11.3.1.4. AntiBot
Medium detection level
This option is enabled as the default setting if you have selected application of this
heuristic. This option is enabled as the default setting and is recommended.
High detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Professional detects a large number of unknown
viruses, worms or Trojans, but you must also expect false positives.
The AntiBot function of MailGuard prevents you computer from becoming part of a socalled bot-net and being used to send out spam emails: to send spam via a bot-net an
attacker usually infects a number of computers with a bot, which then connects to an
IRC server, opens a particular channel and waits for the command to send the spam
emails. To distinguish spam emails from an unknown bot from genuine emails,
MailGuard checks if the SMTP server and email sender for an outgoing email are
included in the lists of permitted servers and senders. If this is not the case, the outgoing
emails are blocked, i.e. the email is not sent. A dialog box appears in which you can
choose what to do with the email.
The AntiBot function can only be used, if the MailGuard scan of outgoing
emails is enabled (see the option Scan outgoing emails under MailGuard ::
Scan).
Permitted servers
All servers in this list are authorized to send emails: emails sent to these servers are not
blocked by MailGuard. If no servers are included in the list, the SMTP server used to
send outgoing emails is not scanned. If the list is populated, MailGuard blocks emails
sent to any SMTP server not included in the list.
Input box
Enter the host name or IP address of the SMTP server you use to send your emails in this
box.
You can find details of the SMTP server used by your email program to send
emails in your email program under the date the user account was created.
Add
You can use this button to include servers specified in the input box in the list of
permitted servers.
Delete
This button deletes a highlighted entry from the list of permitted servers. This button is
inactive if no entry is selected.
Delete all
This button deletes all entries from the list of permitted servers.
Permitted senders
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All senders in this list are authorized by MailGuard to send emails: emails sent from this
email address are not blocked by MailGuard. If no senders are included the list, the email
address used to send outgoing emails is not scanned. If the list is populated, MailGuard
blocks emails from senders not included in the list.
Input box
Enter your email sender address(es) in this box.
Add
You can use this button to include senders specified in the input box in the list of
permitted senders.
Delete
This button deletes a highlighted entry from the list of permitted senders. This button is
inactive if no entry is selected.
Delete all
This button deletes all entries from the list of permitted senders.
11.3.2 General
11.3.2.1. Exceptions
Email addresses not scanned
This table shows you the list of email addresses excluded from scanning by AntiVir
MailGuard (white list).
The list of exceptions is used exclusively by MailGuard with regard to
incoming emails.
Status
Icon
Description
This email address will no longer be scanned for malware.
Email address
Email that is no longer to be scanned.
Malware
When this option is enabled, the email address is no longer scanned for malware.
Up
You can use this button to move a highlighted email address to a higher position. If no
entry is highlighted or the highlighted address is at the first position in the list, this
button is not enabled.
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Down
You can use this button to move a highlighted email address to a lower position. If no
entry is highlighted or the highlighted address is at the last position in the list, this
button is not enabled.
Input box
In this box you enter the email address that you want to add to the list of email
addresses not to be scanned. Depending on your settings, the email address will no
longer be scanned in future by the MailGuard.
Add
With this button you can add the email address entered in the input box to the list of
email addresses not to be scanned.
Delete
This button deletes a highlighted email address from the list.
Import Outlook address book
You can use this button to import email addresses from the address book of the MS
Outlook email program into the list of exceptions. Imported email addresses are not
scanned for spam.
Import Outlook Express address book
You can use this button to import email addresses from the address book of the MS
Outlook Express email program into the list of exceptions. Imported email addresses are
not scanned for spam.
–
11.3.2.2. Cache
Cache
The MailGuard cache contains data regarding the scanned emails that is displayed as
statistical data in Control Center under MailGuard.
Maximum number of emails to be stored in the cache
This field is used to set the maximum number of emails that are stored by MailGuard in
the cache. Emails are deleted oldest first.
Maximum storage period of an email in days
The maximum storage period of an email in days is entered in this box. After this time,
the email is removed from the cache.
Empty cache
Click on this button to delete the emails stored in the cache.
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11.3.3 Report
MailGuard includes an extensive logging function to provide the user or administrator
with exact information on the type of detection.
Logging
This group allows for the content of the report file to be determined.
Off
If this option is enabled, MailGuard does not create a log.
Only turn off the logging function in exceptional cases, such as if you are executing test
runs with multiple viruses or unwanted programs.
Default
If this option is enabled, MailGuard records important information (concerning
detections, alerts and errors) in the report file, with less important information ignored
for improved clarity. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Extended
If this option is enabled, MailGuard also logs less important information in the report
file.
Complete
If this option is enabled, MailGuard logs all available information in the report file,
including file size, file type, date, etc.
Limit report file
Limit size to n MB
If this option in enabled, the report file is restricted to a specific size. Permitted values
are between 1 and 100 MB. This option is activated by default with a value of 1 MB. Up
to 50 kilobytes of extra space are allowed to minimize the use of system resources. If the
size of the log file exceeds the indicated size by more than 50 kilobytes, then old entries
are then deleted until the indicated size minus 50 kilobytes is attained.
Backup report file before shortening
If this option is enabled, the abbreviated report file is saved. Save location see
Configuration :: General :: Directories :: Report directory.
Write configuration in report file
If this option is enabled, the MailGuard configuration is recorded in the report file.
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11.4 WebGuard
The WebGuard section of Avira AntiVir Professional Configuration is used to configure
WebGuard.
11.4.1 Scan
11.4.1.1. Action for concerning files
Action for concerning files
You can define the actions to be carried out by WebGuard when a virus or unwanted
program is detected.
Interactive
If this option is enabled, a dialog window appears when a virus or unwanted program is
detected during an on-demand scan, in which you can choose what is to be done with the
affected file. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Permitted actions
In this display box you can specify those actions that are to be displayed in the dialog box
in the event that a virus or unwanted program is detected. You must activate the
corresponding options for this.
Deny access
The website requested by the web server and/or the transferred data and files are not
sent to your web browser. An error message about the denial of access is displayed in the
web browser. WebGuard logs the detection to the report file if the report function is
activated. WebGuard also appends an entry to the event log if the relevant option is
enabled.
Quarantine
In the event of a virus or malware being detected, the website requested from the web
server and/or the transferred data and files are moved into quarantine. The infected file
can be be restored via the Quarantine Manager if it is of informative value or - if
necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research Center.
ignore
The website requested by the web server and/or the transferred data and files are
forwarded on by WebGuard to your web browser.
Default
This button allows you to select an action that is activated in the dialog box by default
when a virus is detected. Select the action that is to be activated by default and click on
the "Default" button.
Click here for more information.
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Display progress bar
If this option is enabled, a desktop notification appears with a download progress bar if a
download of website content exceeds a 20 second timeout. This desktop notification is
designed in particular for downloading websites with larger data volumes: If you are
surfing with WebGuard, website contents are not downloaded incrementally in the
internet browser, as they are scanned for viruses and malware before being displayed in
the internet browser. This option is disabled as the default setting.
Automatic
If this option is enabled, then no dialog box for selecting an action appears following the
detection of a virus or unwanted program. WebGuard reacts according to the settings
you define in this section.
Display warning messages
If this option is activated, then for each detection of a virus or unwanted program a
warning message appears showing the actions being executed.
Primary action
The primary action is the action carried out when WebGuard finds a virus or an
unwanted program.
Deny access
The website requested by the web server and/or the transferred data and files are not
sent to your web browser. An error message about the denial of access is displayed in the
web browser. WebGuard logs the detection to the report file if the report function is
activated. WebGuard also appends an entry to the event log if this option is enabled.
isolate
In the event of a virus or malware being detected, the website requested from the web
server and/or the transferred data and files are moved into quarantine. The infected file
can be be restored via the Quarantine Manager if it is of informative value or - if
necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research Center.
ignore
The website requested by the web server and/or the transferred data and files are
forwarded on by WebGuard to your web browser. Access to the file is permitted and the
file is ignored.
The affected file remains active on your workstation! It may cause serious
damage on your workstation!
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11.4.1.2. Locked requests
In Locked requests you can specify the file types and MIME types (content types for
the transferred data) to be blocked by WebGuard. The Web filter lets you block known
phishing and malware-URLs. WebGuard prevents the transfer of data from the internet
to your computer system.
File types / MIME types to be blocked by WebGuard (user-defined)
All file types and MIME types (content types for the transferred data) in the list are
blocked by WebGuard.
Input box
In this box, enter the names of the MIME types and file types you want WebGuard to
block. For file types, enter the file extension, e.g. .htm. For MIME types, indicate the
media type and, where applicable, sub-type. The two statements are separated from one
another by a single slash, e.g. video/mpeg or audio/x-wav.
Files which are already stored on your computer system as temporary
internet files and blocked by WebGuard can however by downloaded locally
from the internet by your computer's internet browser. Temporary internet
files are files saved on your computer by the internet browser so that
websites can be accessed more quickly
The list of blocked file and MIME types is ignored if they are entered in the
list of excluded file and MIME types under WebGuard::Scan::Exceptions.
No wildcards (* for any number of characters or ? nbsp for a single character)
can be used when entering file types and MIME types.
MIME types: Examples for media types:
– text = for text files
– image = for graphics files
– video = for video files
– audio = for sound files
– application = for files linked to a particular program
Examples: Excluded file and MIME types
– application/octet-stream = application/octet-stream MIME type files
(executable files *.bin, *.exe, *.com, *dll, *.class) are blocked by WebGuard.
– application/olescript = application/olescript MIME type files (ActiveX
script-files *.axs) are blocked by WebGuard.
– .exe = All files with the extension .exe (executable files) are blocked by
WebGuard.
– .msi = All files with the extension .msi (Windows Installer files) are blocked by
WebGuard.
Add
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With this button, you can add the MIME OR file type entered in the input box to the
display window.
Delete
This button deletes an entry highlighted in the list. This button is inactive if no entry is
selected.
Web filter
The Web filter is based on an internal database, updated daily, that classifies URLs
according to content.
Block phishing and malware URLs
If this option is enabled, known phishing and malware URLs are blocked by WebGuard.
11.4.1.3. Exceptions
These options allow you to set exceptions based on MIME types (content types for the
transferred data) and file types for URLs (internet addresses) for scanning by WebGuard.
The MIME types and URLs specified are ignored by WebGuard, i.e. that data is not
scanned for viruses and malware when it is transferred to your computer system.
The Web filter is ignored for entries in the list of excluded URLs under
WebGuard::Scan::Exceptions.
MIME types skipped by WebGuard
In this field you can select the MIME types (content types for the transferred data) to be
ignored by WebGuard during scanning.
File types/MIME types skipped by WebGuard (user-defined)
All MIME types (content types for the transferred data) in the list are ignored by
WebGuard during scanning.
Input box
In this box you can input the name of the MIME types and file types to be ignored by
WebGuard during scanning. For file types, enter the file extension, e.g. z.B. .htm. For
MIME types, indicate the media type and, where applicable, sub-type. The two
statements are separated from one another by a single slash, z.B. video/mpeg or
audio/x-wav.
No wildcards (* for any number of characters or ?nbsp for a single character)
can be used when entering file types and MIME types.
All file types and content types on the exclusion list are downloaded into the
internet browser without further scanning of the blocked access (List of file
and MIME types to be blocked in WebGuard::Scan::Blocked access) or by
WebGuard: For all entries on the exclusion list, the entries on the list of file
and MIME types to be blocked are ignored. No scan for viruses and malware
is carried out.
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MIME types: Examples for media types:
– text = for text files
– image = for graphics files
– video = for video files
– audio = for sound files
– application = for files linked to a particular program
Examples: Excluded file and MIME types
– audio/ = All audio media type files are excluded from WebGuard scans
– video/quicktime = All Quicktime sub-type video files (*.qt, *.mov) are
excluded from WebGuard scans
– .pdf = All Adobe PDF files are excluded from WebGuard scans.
Add rule
The button allows you to copy MIME and file types from the input field into the display
window.
Delete
The button deletes a selected entry from the list. This button is inactive if no entry is
selected.
URLs skipped by WebGuard
All URLs in this list are excluded from WebGuard scans.
Input box
In this box you can input URLs (internet addresses) to be excluded from WebGuard
scans, e.g. www.domainname.com/. Indicate websites with any top-level domain (.com
or .net) with a concluding dot: domainname.. If you indicate a string without a leading
or concluding dot, the string is interpreted as a top-level domain, e.g. net for all NETDomains (www.domain.net).
No wildcards (* for any number of characters or ?nbsp for a single character)
can be used when entering URLs.
All websites on the list of excluded URLs are downloaded into the internet
browser without further scanning by the web filter or WebGuard: For all
entries in the list of excluded URLs, the entries in the web filter (see
WebGuard::Scan::Blocked access) are ignored. No scan for viruses and
malware is carried out. Only trusted URLs should therefore be excluded from
WebGuard scans. Make sure not strings are entered with a concluding dot, as
all URLs with a corresponding top-level domain are excluded from WebGuard
scans.
Add rule
The button allows you to copy URLs (internet addresses) from the input field into the
display window.
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Delete
The button deletes a selected entry from the list. This button is inactive if no entry is
selected.
Examples: Excluded URLs
11.4.1.4. Heuristic
This configuration section contains the settings for the heuristic of the Avira AntiVir
Professional search engine.
– www.domainname.com = All pages from the URL, such as
www.domain.com/page/ are excluded from WebGuard scans.
– domainname.com = All pages of the URL and all subdomains of the URL are
excluded from WebGuard scans; www.domain.com/page/,
www.subdomain.domain.com/
– avira. = All websites with the second-level domain avira are excluded from
WebGuard scans: www.avira.de, www.avira.com
– net = All websites with the .net top-level domain are excluded from WebGuard
scans: www.name1.net, www.name2.net
Avira AntiVir Professional contains very powerful heuristics that can uncover even
unknown (new) viruses, worms and Trojans. This occurs through an extensive analysis
and investigation of the affected codes for functions typical of viruses, worms or Trojan
horses. If the code being scanned exhibits these characteristic features, it is reported as
being suspicious. This does not necessarily mean that the code is in fact a virus, worm or
Trojan horse. False positives do sometimes occur. The decision on how to handle
affected code is to be made by the user, e.g. based on his or her knowledge of whether
the source of the code is trustworthy or not.
Macrovirus heuristic
Macrovirus heuristic
Avira AntiVir Professional contains a highly powerful macro virus heuristic. If this
option is enabled, all macros are deleted if repair is possible. Alternatively, suspect
documents may simply be reported, i.e. you will receive an alert. This option is enabled
as the default setting and is recommended.
Win32 file heuristic
Avira AntiVir Professional contains a very powerful heuristic for detecting viruses,
worms and Trojan horses in Windows. It is also able to detect unknown viruses, worms
and Trojans. If this option is activated, you can define how "aggressive" this heuristic
should be. This option is activated by default.
Low detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Professional identifies fewer viruses, worms and
Trojan horses, but there is less risk of potential false positives.
Medium detection level
This setting is activated by default if you have selected the use of this heuristic.
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High detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Professional identifies a large number of
unknown viruses, worms and Trojan horses, but you must also accept that there are
likely to be false positives.
11.4.2 Report
WebGuard includes an extensive logging function to provide the user or administrator
with exact notes about the type and manner of a detection.
Logging
This group allows for the content of the report file to be determined.
Off
If this option is enabled, then WebGuard does not create a log.
It is recommended that you should turn off the logging function only in exceptional
cases, such as if you are executing trials with multiple viruses or unwanted programs.
Default
If this option is enabled, WebGuard records important information (concerning
detections, alerts and errors) in the report file, with less important information ignored
for improved clarity. This option is activated by default.
Extended
If this option is enabled, WebGuard logs less important information to the report file as
well.
Complete
If this option is enabled, WebGuard logs all available information in the report file,
including file size, file type, date, etc.
Limit report file
Limit size to n MB
If this option in enabled, the report file is restricted to a specific size. Permitted values
are between 1 and 100 MB. This option is activated by default with a value of 1 MB. Up
to 50 kilobytes of extra space are allowed to minimise the use of system resources. If the
size of the log file exceeds the indicated size by more than 50 kilobytes, then old entries
are then deleted until the indicated size minus 50 kilobytes is attained.
Write configuration in report file
If this option is enabled, the configuration of the on-access scan is recorded in the report
file.
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