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
Code provided by third party providers was used for Avira Antivirus Premium. We thank the copyright owners for making the code
available to us.
For detailed information on copyright, please refer to "Third Party Licenses" in the Program Help of Avira Antivirus Premium.
2.2 System requirements .......................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 System requirements ............................................................................................................................. 10
4. Overview of Avira Antivirus Premium .............................................. 28
4.1 User interface and operation .............................................................................................. 28
4.1.1 Control Center .......................................................................................................................................... 28
4.1.2 Game Mode .............................................................................................................................................. 31
4.2.1 Use ............................................................................................................................................................... 37
7.2.1 In dialog boxes ......................................................................................................................................... 72
7.2.2 In the help .................................................................................................................................................. 73
7.2.3 In the Control Center .............................................................................................................................. 74
7.3 Windows Security Center ................................................................................................... 76
7.3.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................... 76
7.3.2 The Windows Security Center and your Avira product ............................................................... 77
7.4 Windows Action Center ....................................................................................................... 79
7.4.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................... 79
7.4.2 The Windows Action Center and your Avira product ................................................................... 80
10.3.1 Web server ............................................................................................................................................. 117
10.4 Web Protection .................................................................................................................. 119
10.5.2 General .................................................................................................................................................... 132
10.6.1 Social Networks .................................................................................................................................... 135
10.7 Mobile Protection ............................................................................................................... 136
Placed before a condition which must be fulfilled prior to
execution of an action.
Placed before an action step that you perform.
Placed before an event that follows the previous action.
Warning
Placed before a warning when critical data loss might occur.
1.Introduction
Your Avira product protects your computer against viruses, worms, Trojans, adware and
spyware and other risks. In this manual these are referred to as viruses or malware
(harmful software) and unwanted programs.
The manual describes the program installation and operation.
For further options and information, please visit our website:
http://www.avira.com
The Avira website lets you:
access information on other Avira desktop programs
download the latest Avira desktop programs
download the latest product manuals in PDF format
download free support and repair tools
access our comprehensive knowledge database and FAQs for troubleshooting
access country-specific support addresses.
This chapter contains all information relevant to the purchase and use of your Avira
product:
see Chapter: Delivery scope
see Chapter: System requirements
see Chapter: Licensing and Upgrade
see Chapter: License Manager
Avira products are comprehensive and flexible tools you can rely on to protect your
computer from viruses, malware, unwanted programs and other dangers.
Please note the following information:
Warning
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.
Note
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
your Avira product is up-to-date with automatic updates. Configure the program
accordingly.
2.1Delivery scope
Your Avira product has the following functions:
Control Center for monitoring, managing and controlling the entire program
Central configuration with user-friendly standard and advanced options and context-
sensitive help
System Scanner (on-demand scan) with profile-controlled and configurable scan for all
known types of virus and malware
Integration into the Windows User Account Control allows you to carry out tasks
requiring administrator rights.
Real-Time Protection (on-access scan) for continuous monitoring of all file access
ProActiv component for the permanent monitoring of program actions (for 32-bit
systems only)
Mail Protection (POP3 Scanner, IMAP Scanner and SMTP Scanner) for the permanent
checking of emails for viruses and malware, including the checking of email
attachments
Avira SearchFree Toolbar, a search toolbar integrated in the web browser providing
quick and convenient search options. It also includes widgets of the most common
Internet functions.
Web Protection for monitoring data and files transferred from the Internet using the
HTTP protocol (monitoring of ports 80, 8080, 3128)
Avira Social Network Protection, a monitoring tool, informs parents of their children's
online activities. It checks their social network accounts for comments, photos etc. that
may influence the child's reputation in a negative way or may indicate that the child is in
danger.
Avira Free Android Security app is not only focused on anti-theft measures. The app
helps you to get back your mobile device once you have misplaced it, or even worse: if
it has been stolen. Furthermore the app allows you to block incoming calls or SMS.
Avira Free Android Security protects cell phones and smartphones running with the
Android operating system.
Integrated quarantine management to isolate and process suspicious files
Rootkits protection for detecting hidden malware installed in your computer system
(rootkits)
(Not available under Windows XP 64 bit)
Direct access to detailed information on the detected viruses and malware via the
Internet
Simple and quick updates to the program, virus definitions, and search engine through
Single File Update and incremental VDF updates via a web server on the Internet
User-friendly licensing in License Manager
Integrated Scheduler for planning one-off or recurring jobs such as updates or scans
Extremely high virus and malware detection via innovative scanning technology (scan
engine) including heuristic scanning method
Detection of all conventional archive types including detection of nested archives and
smart extension detection
High-performance multithreading function (simultaneous high-speed scanning of
multiple files)
2.2System requirements
2.2.1System requirements
Avira Antivirus Premium has the following requirements for successful use of the system:
Windows XP, newest SP (32 or 64 bit) or
Windows 7, newest SP (32 or 64 bit) or
Windows 8, newest SP (32 or 64 bit)
Hardware
Computer with Pentium processor or later, at least 1 GHz
At least 150 MB of free hard disk memory space (more if using quarantine for temporary
storage)
At least 512 MB RAM under Windows XP
At least 1024 MB RAM under Windows 7
Other requirements
For the program installation: Administrator rights
For all installations: Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
Internet connection where appropriate (see Installation)
2.2.2Avira SearchFree Toolbar
The following requirements have to be met for a proper use of the Avira SearchFree
Toolbar:
Operating system
Windows XP, newest SP (32 or 64 bit) or
Windows 7, newest SP (32 or 64 bit) or
Windows 8, newest SP (32 or 64 bit)
Web browser
Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or higher
Google Chrome 18.0 or higher
Note
If necessary, please uninstall any previously installed search toolbars before
you install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar. Otherwise you will not be able to
install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar.
2.2.3Information for users of operating systems since Windows Vista
On 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 introduced the "user account control" (UAC). The user account
control is part of the following operating systems:
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
The user account control offers more protection for users who are logged in as
administrators. Thus an administrator only has the privileges of a normal user at first.
Actions for which administrator rights are required are clearly marked in by the operating
system with an information icon. In addition, the user must explicitly confirm the required
action. Privileges will only then be increased and the administrative task will be performed
by the operating system after this permission has been obtained.
The Avira product requires administrator rights for some actions. These actions are
marked with the following symbol: . If this symbol also 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 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.
2.3Licensing and Upgrade
2.3.1Licensing
In order to be able to use your Avira product, you require a license. You thereby accept the
license terms.
The license is provided in the form of an activation code. The activation code is a code
comprising letters and numbers that you will receive after purchasing the Avira product.
The activation code contains the exact data of your license, i.e. which programs have been
licensed for which period of time.
The activation code will be sent to you by email, if you have purchased your Avira product
on the Internet or it is indicated on the product packaging.
In order to license your program, please enter your activation code to activate the
program. The product activation may be performed during installation. However, you can
also activate your Avira product after the installation in the License Manager, under Help > License management.
2.3.2Extending a license
When your license is about to expire, Avira will send a slide-up reminding you to extend
your license. To do so, you only have to click a link and you will be forwarded to the Avira
online shop. However, it is also possible to extend the license of your Avira product
through the License Manager, under Help > License management
If you have registered in the licensing portal of Avira, you can additionally extend your
license directly online via the License Overview or select the automatic renewal of your
license.
2.3.3Upgrading
In the License Manager, you have the option of launching an upgrade for a product from
the Avira desktop product family. Manual uninstallation of the old product and manual
installation of the new product is not required. When upgrading from the License Manager,
you enter the activation code for the product you want to upgrade into the License
Manager input box. The new product is automatically installed.
To achieve high reliability and security for your computer, Avira sends a pop-up item to
remind you to upgrade your system to the newest version. Just click the Upgrade link on
the pop-up item and you will be guided to your product specific upgrade site.
You have the possibility to upgrade your current product, or you may obtain a more
comprehensive product. The product overview page shows what kind of product you are
using right now and offers the chance to compare your product to other Avira products. If
you need more information click the information icon right beside the product name. If
you want to remain on the same product, click Upgrade and the download of the new
version starts immediately. If you would like to obtain a more comprehensive product, click
the Buy button at the bottom of the product column. You will be automatically forwarded to
the Avira online shop where you can do your purchase order.
Note
Depending on your product and your operating system you may need
administrator rights to perform the upgrade. Login as an administrator before
performing an upgrade.
2.3.4License manager
The Avira Antivirus Premium License Manager enables very simple installation of the Avira
Antivirus Premium license.
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.
Note
The Avira Antivirus Premium 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. In this
case the existing file is overwritten by the new license file.
This chapter contains information relating to the installation and uninstallation of your Avira
product.
see Chapter: Pre-Setup: Requirements, preparing the computer for installation
see Chapter: Express installation: Standard installation according to default settings
see Chapter: Custom installation: Configurable installation
see Chapter: Test product installation
see Chapter: Configuration Wizard
see Chapter: Change installation
see Chapter: Installation modules
see Chapter: Uninstallation: Uninstall
3.1Installation types
During installation you can select a setup type in the installation wizard:
Express
The program files are installed into a default folder in C:\Program Files.
Your Avira product will be installed with default settings. You have the option of defining
custom settings using the configuration wizard.
Custom
You can choose to install individual program components (see Chapter Installation and
uninstallation > Installation modules).
A target 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.
Using the configuration wizard, you can define custom settings for your Avira product
and initiate a short system scan that is performed automatically after installation.
3.2Pre-Setup
Note
Before installation, check whether your computer fulfills all the minimum system
requirements. If your computer satisfies all requirements, you can install the
Close your email program. It is also recommended to end all running applications.
Make sure that no other virus protection solutions are installed. The automatic
protection functions of various security solutions may interfere with each other.
The Avira product will search for any possible incompatible software on your
computer.
If potentially incompatible software is detected Avira generates a list of these
programs.
It is recommended to remove these software programs in order not to endanger
the stability of your computer.
Select from the list the check boxes of all those programs that should be removed
automatically from your computer and click Next.
You have to confirm manually the uninstallation of some programs. Select the
programs and click Next.
The uninstallation of one or more of the selected programs requires a restart of
your computer. After rebooting the installation will continue.
Warning
Your computer will not be protected until the installation of the Avira product is
finished.
Installation
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.
Establish an Internet connection: The Internet connection is necessary for performing
the following installation steps:
Downloading the current program file and scan engine as well as the latest virus
definition files via the installation program (for Internet-based installation)
Activating the program
Where appropriate, carrying out an update after completed installation
Keep the activation code or license file for your Avira product handy when you want
For the Internet-based installation of the program, an installation program is
provided that loads the current program file prior to installation by the Avira
web servers. This process ensures that your Avira product is installed with
the latest virus definition file.
Installation with an installation package:
The installation package contains both the installation program and all
necessary program files. No language selection for your Avira product is
available for installation with an installation package. We recommend that
you carry out an update of the virus definition file after installation.
Note
For product activation, your Avira product uses the HTTP protocol and Port
80 (web communication), as well as encryption protocol SSL and port 443, to
communicate with the Avira servers. If you are using a firewall, please
ensure that the required connections and/or incoming or outgoing data are
not blocked by the firewall.
3.3Express installation
Installing your Avira product:
Start the installation program by double-clicking the installation file you have downloaded
from the Internet or insert the program CD.
Internet-based installation
The Welcome screen appears.
Click Next to continue with the installation.
The dialog Language selection appears.
Select the language you want to use to install your Avira product and confirm your
language selection by clicking Next.
The dialog box Download appears. All files necessary for installation are
downloaded from the Avira web servers. The Download window closes after
conclusion of the download.
Installation with an installation package
The window Preparing installation appears.
The installation file is extracted. The installation routine is started.
By default Express installation is preset. All standard components will be
installed which you may not configure. If you would like to execute a customized
installation, please refer to the chapter: Installation and uninstallation > Custom
installation.
The I want to improve my protection by using Avira Proactiv and Protection
Cloud check box (Configuration > General > Advanced Protection) is preset by
default. If you do not wish to participate in the Avira Community, please unmark this
checkbox.
If you confirm your participation in the Avira Community, Avira sends data on
detected suspicious programs to the Avira Malware Research Center. The data
is used only for an advanced online scan and to expand and refine detection
technology. You can click the links ProActiv and Protection Cloud to obtain
more details on the expanded online and cloud scan.
Confirm that you accept the End User License Agreement. For reading the detailed
text of the End User License Agreement, click the corresponding link.
The License Wizard opens and helps you to activate your product.
You have the opportunity to configure a Proxy server right here.
Click, if necessary, Proxy settings for configuration and confirm your settings with
OK.
If you already received an activation code, select Activate product and enter your
activation code.
-OR If you do not have an activation code, click the link purchase an activation code.
You are forwarded to the Avira website.
Alternatively, click the link I already have a valid license file.
The Open File Dialog appears.
Select your .KEY license file and click Open.
The activation code is copied to the License Wizard.
If you would like to test the product, continue reading at chapter Test product
installation.
Click Next.
The installation progress is displayed by a green bar.
Click Next.
The dialog box Join the millions of Avira users who already use Avira
If you do not want to install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar, please unmark the
checkbox with the Avira SearchFree Toolbar and Avira SearchFree Updater End
User License Agreement, and the one that defines Avira SearchFree
(search.avira.com) as your browser homepage.
Note
If necessary, please uninstall any previously installed search toolbars before
you install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar. Otherwise you will not be able to
install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar.
Click Next.
The installation progress of the Avira SearchFree Toolbar is displayed by a green
bar.
The Avira Tray Icon is placed in the taskbar.
In order to ensure effective protection for your computer, the module Updater will
search for possible updates.
The Luke Filewalker window opens and a short system scan is performed. The
status of the scan as well as the results are displayed.
If after the scan you are asked to restart your computer, click Yes to ensure that your
system is fully protected.
After a successful installation, we recommend that you check the program is up-todate in the Status field of the Control Center.
If your Avira product shows that your computer is not secure, click Fix problem.
The dialog Restore protection opens.
Activate the preset options in order to maximize the security of your system.
If appropriate, perform a complete system scan afterwards.
3.4Custom installation
Installing your Avira product:
Start the installation program by double-clicking the installation file you have downloaded
from the Internet or insert the program CD.
Internet-based installation
The Welcome screen appears.
Click Next to continue with the installation.
The dialog Language selection appears.
Select the language you want to use to install your Avira product and confirm your
The dialog box Download appears. All files necessary for installation are
downloaded from the Avira web servers. The Download window closes after
conclusion of the download.
Installation with an installation package
The window Preparing installation appears.
The installation file is extracted. The installation routine is started.
The dialog box Choose installation type appears.
Note
By default Express installation is preset. All standard components will be
installed which you may not configure. If you would like to execute an Express
installation, please refer to the chapter: Installation and uninstallation > Express
installation.
Choose Custom to install individual program components.
The I want to improve my protection by using Avira Proactiv and Protection
Cloud check box is preset by default. If you do not want to participate in the Avira
Community, please unmark this checkbox.
If you confirm your participation in the Avira Community, Avira sends data on
detected suspicious programs to the Avira Malware Research Center. The data
is used only for an advanced online scan and to expand and refine detection
technology. You can click the links ProActiv and Protection Cloud to obtain
more details on the expanded online and cloud scan.
Confirm that you accept the End User License Agreement. For reading the detailed
text of the End User License Agreement, click the corresponding link.
Click Next.
The Choose Destination Folder window opens.
The default folder will be C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\
Click Next to continue.
-OR Use the Browse button to select a different destination folder and confirm by clicking
Next.
The Install components dialog appears.
Select or deselect components from the list and confirm with Next to proceed.
If you chose to install the Protection Cloud component, but you want to confirm
manually, which files should be sent to the Cloud for analysis, you can enable the
option Confirm manually when sending suspicious files to Avira.
In the following dialog box you can decide whether to create a desktop shortcut
and/or a program group in the Start menu.
Click Next.
The License Wizard opens.
You have the following options to activate the program:
Enter an activation code.
By entering your activation code, your Avira product is activated with your
license.
If you do not have an activation code, click the link purchase an activation code.
You are forwarded to the Avira website.
Select the option Test product
If you select Test product an evaluation license to activate the program will be
generated during the activation process. You can test the Avira product with its
complete range of functions for a certain period of time (see Test product
installation).
Note
By using the option I already have a valid license file you can load a valid
license file. During product activation with a valid activation code the license key
is generated and saved in the program directory of your Avira product. Use this
option if you have already activated a product and want to re-install your Avira
product.
Note
In some sales versions of Avira products, an activation code has already been
included in the product. For this reason the activation need not be entered. If
and when necessary, the activation code is displayed in the license wizard.
Note
In order to activate the program, a connection to the Avira servers is
established. Under Proxy settings you can configure the Internet link by a
proxy server.
Select an activation process and click Next to confirm.
If you already own a valid license file, then go directly to the chapter "Select the
A dialog box will be opened in which you can enter your personal data.
Enter your data and click Next.
Your data is transmitted to the Avira servers and scanned. Your Avira product is
activated by means of your license.
Your license data will be displayed in the next window.
Click Next.
Skip the following chapter on "Select the option I already have a valid license file".
Select the option "I already have a valid license file"
A box will be opened for loading the license file.
Select the .KEY license file with your license data for the program, and click Open.
Your license data will be displayed in the next window.
Click Next.
Continuation after completed activation or loading of the license file
The dialog box Join the millions of Avira users who already use Avira
SearchFree appears.
If you do not want to install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar, please unmark the
checkbox with the Avira SearchFree Toolbar and the Avira SearchFree Updater End
User License Agreement, and the one that defines Avira SearchFree
(search.avira.com) as your browser homepage.
Note If necessary, please uninstall any previously installed search toolbars
before you install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar. Otherwise you will not be able
to install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar.
Click Next.
The installation progress of the Avira SearchFree Toolbar is displayed by a green
bar.
The Installation Wizard is closed and the Configuration Wizard will open.
3.5Test product installation
Installing your Avira product:
Start the installation program by double-clicking the installation file you have downloaded
The Welcome screen appears.
Click Next to continue with the installation.
The dialog Language selection appears.
Select the language you want to use to install your Avira product and confirm your
language selection by clicking Next.
The dialog box Download appears. All files necessary for installation are
downloaded from the Avira web servers. The Download window closes after
conclusion of the download.
Installation with an installation package
The window Preparing installation appears.
The installation file is extracted. The installation routine is started.
The dialog box Choose installation type appears.
Note
By default Express installation is preset. All standard components will be
installed which you may not configure. If you would like to execute an Custom
installation, please refer to the chapter: Installation and uninstallation > Custom
installation.
The I want to improve my protection by using Avira Proactiv and Protection
Cloud check box (Configuration > General > Advanced Protection) is preset by
default. If you do not want to participate in the Avira Community, please unmark this
checkbox.
If you confirm your participation in the Avira Community, Avira sends data on
detected suspicious programs to the Avira Malware Research Center. The data
is used only for an advanced online scan and to expand and refine detection
technology. You can click the links ProActiv and Protection Cloud to obtain
more details on the expanded online and cloud scan.
Confirm that you accept the End User License Agreement. For reading the detailed
text of the End User License Agreement, click the corresponding link.
Click Next.
The License Wizard opens and helps you to activate your product.
You have the opportunity to configure a Proxy server right here.
Click Proxy settings for configuration and confirm your settings with OK.
Select the option Test product in the License Wizard and click Next.
Insert your data into the required fields of Registration. Please decide whether to
The installation progress is displayed by a green bar.
The dialog box Join the millions of Avira users who already use Avira
SearchFree Toolbar appears.
If you do not want to install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar, please unmark the
checkbox with the Avira SearchFree Toolbar and the Avira SearchFree Updater End
User License Agreement, and the one that defines Avira SearchFree
(search.avira.com) as your browser homepage.
Note
If necessary, please uninstall any previously installed search toolbars before
you install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar. Otherwise you will not be able to
install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar.
Click Next.
The installation progress of the Avira SearchFree Toolbar is displayed by a green
bar.
You will be asked to restart your system in order to activate your Avira product. Click
Yes to reboot your computer immediately.
The Avira Tray Icon is placed in the taskbar.
Your evaluation license is valid for 31 days.
3.6Configuration Wizard
At the end of a user-defined installation, the configuration wizard is opened. The
configuration wizard enables you to define custom settings for your Avira product.
Click Next in the welcome window of the configuration wizard to begin configuration
of the program.
The Configure AHeAD dialog box enables you to select a detection level for the
AHeAD technology. The detection level selected is used for the System Scanner
(On-demand scan) and Real-Time Protection (On-access scan) AHeAD
technology settings.
Select a detection level and continue the installation by clicking Next.
In the following dialog box Select extended threat categories, you can adapt
the protective functions of your Avira product to the threat categories specified.
Where appropriate, activate further threat categories and continue the installation by
clicking Next.
If you have selected the Avira Real-Time Protection installation module, the
Real-Time Protection start mode dialog box appears. You can stipulate the
Real-Time Protection start time. At each computer reboot, the Real-Time
Protection will be started in the start mode specified.
The specified Real-Time Protection start mode is saved in the registry and
cannot be changed via Configuration.
Note
If the default start mode for Real-Time Protection (Normal start) has been
chosen and the logon process upon startup is carried out fast, programs
configured to start automatically upon startup might not be scanned, because
they might be up and running before the Real-Time Protection has been started
completely.
Enable the required option and continue the configuration by clicking Next.
In the following System scan dialog box, a quick system scan can be enabled or
disabled. The quick system scan is performed after the configuration has been
completed and before the computer is rebooted, and scans running programs
and the most important system files for viruses and malware.
Enable or disable the Quick system scan option and continue the configuration by
clicking Next.
In the following dialog box, you can complete the configuration by clicking Finish
The specified and selected settings are accepted.
If you have enabled the Quick system scan option, the Luke Filewalker
window opens. The Scanner performs a quick system scan.
If you are asked to restart your computer after the scan, click Yes to ensure that your
system is fully protected.
After a successful installation, we recommend that you check whether the program is upto-date in the Status field of the Control Center.
If your Avira product shows that your computer is not secure, click Fix problem.
The dialog Restore protection opens.
Activate the preset options in order to maximize the security of your system.
If appropriate, perform a complete system scan afterwards.
3.7Change installation
You have the option of adding or removing individual program components of the current
Avira product installation (see Chapter Installation and uninstallation > Installation
If you wish to add or remove modules of the current installation, you can use the option
Add or Remove Programs in the Windows control panel to Change/Remove
programs.
Select your Avira product and click Change. In the Welcome dialog of the program, select
the option Modify. You will be guided through the installation changes.
3.8Installation modules
In a user-defined installation or a change installation, the following installation modules can
be selected, added or removed.
Avira Antivirus Premium
This module contains all components required for successful installation of your Avira
product.
Real-Time Protection
The Avira Real-Time Protection runs in the background. It monitors and repairs, if
possible, 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), the
Avira product automatically scans the file. Renaming a file does not trigger a scan by
Avira Real-Time Protection.
Mail Protection
Mail Protection is the interface between your computer and the email server from which
your email program (email client) downloads emails. Mail Protection 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.
Rootkits Protection
Avira Rootkits Protection 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.
ProActiv
The ProActiv component monitors application actions and alerts users to suspicious
application behavior. This behavior-based recognition enables you to protect yourself
against unknown malware. The ProActiv component is integrated into Avira Real-Time
Protection.
Protection Cloud
The Protection Cloud component is a module for dynamic online detection of still
unknown malware.
Web Protection
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 Avira Real-Time Protection is not possible. This could allow viruses and
unwanted programs to access your computer system. Web Protection is what is known
as an HTTP proxy which monitors the ports used for data transfer (80, 8080, 3128) and
scans 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.
Shell Extension
The Shell Extension generates an entry Scan selected files with Avira in the context
menu of the Windows Explorer (right-hand mouse button). With this entry you can
directly scan files or directories.
3.9Uninstallation
If you wish to remove the Avira product from your computer, you can use the option Add or Remove Programs to Change/Remove programs in the Windows Control Panel.
To uninstall your Avira product (e.g. in Windows 7):
Open the Control Panel via the Windows Start menu.
Double click on Programs and Features.
Select your Avira product in the list and click Uninstall.
You will be asked if you really want to remove the program.
Click Yes to confirm.
All components of the program will be removed.
Click Finish to complete uninstallation.
Where appropriate, a dialog box appears recommending that your computer be
restarted.
Click Yes to confirm.
The Avira product is now uninstalled and all directories, files and registry entries
for the program are deleted when your computer is restarted.
Note
The Avira SearchFree Toolbar is not included in the uninstallation program and
must be uninstalled separately by following the steps detailed above. To do this
in Firefox the Avira SearchFree Toolbar must be enabled via the Add-On
Manager. After uninstallation the search toolbar is no longer integrated in your
web browser.
This chapter contains an overview of the functionality and operation of your Avira product.
see Chapter User interface and operation
see Chapter Avira SearchFree Toolbar
see Chapter How to...?
4.1User interface and operation
You operate your Avira product via three program interface elements:
Control Center: monitoring and controlling the Avira product
Configuration: Configuring the Avira product
Tray Icon in the system tray of the taskbar: Opening the Control Center and other
functions
4.1.1Control 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 your Avira product.
The Control Center window is divided into three areas: The Menu bar, the Navigation
area and the detail window Status:
Menu bar: In the Control Center menu bar, you can access general program functions
and information on the program.
Navigation area: In the navigation area, you can easily swap between the individual
sections of the Control Center. The individual sections contain information and functions
of the program components and are arranged in the navigation bar according to activity.
Example: Activity PC PROTECTION - Section Real-Time Protection.
Status: The Control Center opens with the Status view, where you can see at a glance,
if your computer is safe, and you have an overview of the active modules, the date of
the last backup and the date of the last system scan. The Status view also contains
buttons for starting features or actions, such as starting or stopping the Real-Time Protection.
Starting and closing of Control Center
To start the Control Center the following options are available:
Double-click the program icon on your desktop
Via the program entry in the Start > Programs menu.
Close the Control Center via the menu command Close in the menu File or by clicking on
the close tab in the Control Center.
Operate Control Center
To navigate in the Control Center
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.
If necessary, click another section to display this in the detail window.
Note
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 open or close menus in the Control Center, or to navigate within the menus,
you can also use the following key combinations: [Alt] + underlined letter in the
menu or menu command. Hold down the [Alt] key if you want to access a
menu, a menu command or a submenu.
To process data or objects displayed in the detail window:
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.
Click the appropriate button in the upper bar of the detail window to edit the object.
Control Center overview
Status: Clicking on the Status bar gives you an overview of the product's functionality
and performance (see Status).
The Status section lets you see at a glance which modules are active and provides
information on the last update performed.
PC PROTECTION: In this section you will find the components for checking the files on
your computer system for viruses and malware.
The System Scanner section enables you to easily configure and start an on-demand
scan. Predefined profiles enable a scan with already adapted 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 (will be saved) or by
creating user-defined profiles.
The Real-Time Protection section displays 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 detected
can be obtained practically "at the push of a button".
INTERNET PROTECTION: In this section you will find the components to protect your
computer system against viruses and malware from the Internet, and against
unauthorized network access.
The Web Protection section displays information on scanned URLs and detected
viruses, 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 detected can be obtained practically "at the push of a button".
The Mail Protection section shows you all the emails scanned by Mail Protection,
their properties and other statistical data.
CHILD PROTECTION: In this section you will find the components to ensure a safe
Internet experience for your children.
Social Networks: This section redirects you to the Social Network Protection
application. Social Network Protection informs parents of their children's activities
online. It checks their social network accounts for comments, photos etc. that may
influence the child's reputation in a negative way or may indicate that the child is in
danger.
MOBILE PROTECTION: From this section you will be redirected to the online access
for Android devices.
Avira Free Android Security manages all your android-based devices.
ADMINISTRATION: In this section 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 that 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
as well as backup jobs and to adapt or delete existing jobs.
The Reports section enables you to view the results of actions performed.
The Events section enables you to view events generated by certain program
modules.
4.1.2Game Mode
If an application is executed in full-screen mode on your computer system, you may
intentionally suspend desktop notifications as pop-up windows and in-product messages
by activating the Game Mode.
You may enable the Game Mode or keep it in automatic mode by clicking the ON/OFF
button. By default the Game Mode is set to automatic and displayed in green color. The
default setting sets the feature to automatic, so that whenever you run an application that
needs the full-screen mode, your Avira product switches automatically to Game Mode.
Click the button on the left next to the OFF button to activate the Game Mode.
The Game Mode is enabled and displayed in yellow color.
Note
We recommend to change the default setting OFF with its automatic full-screen
recognition mode only temporarily, because you won't receive visible desktop
notifications and warnings concerning network events and possible threats.
4.1.3Configuration
You can define settings for your Avira product in the Configuration. After installation, your
Avira product is configured with standard settings, ensuring optimal protection for your
computer system. However, your computer system or your specific requirements for your
Avira product may mean you need to adapt the protective components of the program.
The Configuration opens a dialog box: You can save your configuration settings via the
OK or Apply buttons, delete your settings by clicking the Cancel button or restore your
default configuration settings using the Default values button. You can select individual
configuration sections in the left-hand navigation bar.
Accessing the 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 Tray Icon of your Avira product.
in the Control Center via the menu item Extras > Configuration.
in the Control Center via the Configuration button.
Note
If you are accessing configuration via the Configuration button in the Control
Center, go to the Configuration register of the section which is active in the
Control Center.
Configuration operation
Navigate in the configuration window as you would in Windows Explorer:
Click an entry in the tree structure to display this configuration section in the detail
window.
Click the plus symbol in front of an entry to expand the configuration section and
display configuration subsections in the tree structure.
To hide configuration subsections, click on the minus symbol in front of the
expanded configuration section.
Note
To enable or disable Configuration options and use the buttons, you can also
use the following key combinations: [Alt] + underlined letter in the option name
or button description.
If you want to confirm your Configuration settings:
Click OK.
The configuration window is closed and the settings are accepted.
- OR Click Apply.
The settings are applied. The configuration window remains open.
If you want to finish configuration without confirming your settings:
Click Cancel.
The configuration window is closed and the settings are discarded.
If you want to restore all configuration settings to default values:
All settings of the configuration are restored to default values. All amendments
and custom entries are lost when default settings are restored.
Overview of configuration options
The following configuration options are available:
System Scanner: Configuration of on-demand scan
Scan options
Action on detection
Archive scan options
System scan exceptions
System scan heuristics
Report function setting
Real-Time Protection: Configuration of on-access scan
Scan options
Action on detection
Further actions
On-access scan exceptions
On-access scan heuristics
Report function setting
Update: Configuration of the update settings
Proxy settings
Web Protection: Configuration of Web Protection
Scan options, enabling and disabling the Web Protection
Action on detection
Blocked access: Unwanted file types and MIME types, Web filter for known unwanted
URLS (malware, phishing, etc.)
Web Protection scan exceptions: URLs, file types, MIME types
Web Protection heuristics
Report function setting
Mail Protection: Configuration of Mail Protection
Scan options: Enable the monitoring of POP3 accounts, IMAP accounts, outgoing
emails (SMTP)
Actions on detection
Further actions
Mail Protection scan heuristics
AntiBot function: Permitted SMTP servers, permitted email senders
Mail Protection scan exceptions
Configuration of cache, empty cache
Configuration of the anti-spam training database, empty training database
Report function setting
General:
Threat categories for System Scanner and Real-Time Protection
Advanced protection: Options to enable the ProActiv and Protection Cloud features.
Application filter: Block or allow applications
Password protection for access to the Control Center and the Configuration
Security: block autostart function, product protection, protect Windows hosts file
WMI: Enable WMI support
Event log configuration
Configuration of report functions
Setting of directories used
Configuration of acoustic alerts when malware is detected
4.1.4Tray icon
After installation, you will see the tray icon of your Avira product in the system tray of the
taskbar:
The tray icon displays the status of the Real-Time Protection service.
Central functions of your Avira product can be quickly accessed via the context menu of
the tray icon. To open the context menu, click the tray icon with the right-hand mouse
button.
Entries in the context menu
Enable Real-Time Protection: Enables or disables the Avira Real-Time Protection.
Enable Mail Protection: Enables or disables the Avira Mail Protection.
Enable Web Protection: Enables or disables the Avira Web Protection.
Start Avira Antivirus Premium: Opens the Control Center.
Configure Avira Antivirus Premium: Opens the Configuration.
My messages: Opens a slide-up with the current information about your Avira product.
My communication settings: Opens the Product Message Subscription Center
Start update Starts an update.
Help: opens the Online Help.
Experts Market - Ask for help: opens the Experts Market - Ask for help website where
you can ask for help or offer your help to other users.
About Avira Antivirus Premium: Opens a dialog box with information on your Avira
product: Product information, Version information, License information.
Avira on the Internet: Opens the Avira web portal on the Internet. The condition for this
is that you have an active connection to the Internet.
Note
The User Account Control (UAC) will ask for your permission to enable or
disable the Real-Time Protection, Web Protection and Mail Protection services
in operating systems as of Windows Vista.
4.2Avira SearchFree Toolbar
Avira SearchFree Toolbar includes two main components: Avira SearchFree and the
Toolbar.
The Avira SearchFree Toolbar is installed as an add-on. When the browser is first
accessed (in Firefox and Internet Explorer) a message will pop-up, asking you for
permission to install the toolbar. You will have to accept in order to complete a successful
installation of Avira SearchFree Toolbar.
Avira SearchFree is a search engine and contains a clickable Avira logo linked to the Avira
website and web, image and video channels. This allows Avira users a safer Internet
navigation.
The toolbar, integrated in your web browser, consists of a search box, an Avira logo linked
to the Avira website, two status displays, three widgets and the Options menu.
Search toolbar
Use the search toolbar for free to quickly search the Internet using the Avira search
engine.
Status display
The status displays provide information on the status of the Web Protection and the
current update status of your Avira product and helps you identify which actions you
need to take to protect your PC.
Widgets
Avira offers you three widgets to the most important Internet-related functions. With one
click you have direct access to Facebook and your email, or you can ensure safe web
browsing (Firefox and Internet Explorer only).
If you move the cursor over the icon, the
following message appears: Avira Web Protection is active. Your browsing is protected.
No further action is necessary.
Web Protection is
inactive
If you move the cursor over the icon, the
following message appears: Avira Web
Protection is off. Click to find out how to turn it
on.
You will be redirected to one of our
Knowledge Base articles.
Options
You can use the Options menu to access the toolbar options, clear the history, find
toolbar help and information and also uninstall the Avira SearchFree Toolbar directly via
the web browser (Firefox and Internet Explorer only).
4.2.1Use
Avira SearchFree
You can use Avira SearchFree to define any number of terms to browse the Internet.
Enter the term in the search box and press the Enter key or click on Search. The Avira
SearchFree engine then searches the Internet for you and displays all hits in the browser
window.
To find out how to custom configure Avira SearchFree in Internet Explorer, Firefox and
Chrome, go to Options.
Status display
Web Protection
You can use the following icons and messages to identify which actions you need to take
to protect your PC:
If you move the cursor over the icon, one of the
following messages appears:
You do not have Avira Web Protection installed. Click to find
out how to protect your browsing.
This message will appear if you install
incorrectly or uninstall the Avira Antivirus.
Web Protection is included for free with Avira Antivirus. Click
to find out how to install it.
This message will appear if you do not install
Web Protection or if you uninstall it.
In both cases, you will be redirected to
the Avira homepage, where you can
download the Avira product .
Error
If you move the cursor over the icon, the
following message appears: Avira reported an error. Click to contact Support for help.
Click the gray icon or text to go to the Avira
Support page.
Widgets
Avira SearchFree contains three widgets with the most important functions for the
nowadays Internet web browsing: Facebook, E-mail and Browser Security.
Facebook
This function allows you to receive all the messages from Facebook and to be always
updated.
Email
If you click the email symbol in the toolbar, a dropdown list will be shown. You can choose
between the most commonly used email providers.
Browser Security
This widget has been conceived to offer you in one click all the Internet security options
A yellow exclamation mark for websites
representing a low risk.
High risk
A red stop sign for websites representing a high
risk to your security.
Unknown
A grey question mark will appear when the status
is unknown.
Verifying
This sign will appear while verifying the status of
a website.
you may need on daily basis. This option is only available for Firefox and Internet Explorer.
Also the names of the functions sometimes change from one browser to another:
Pop-up Blocker
If this option is activated, all pop-up windows will be blocked.
Block Cookies
If you activate this option, no cookies will be saved on your computer.
Enable this option if you do not want to leave any personal information on the Internet
while you surf. This option is not available for Internet Explorer 7 and 8.
Clear Recent History (Firefox) / Delete Browsing History (Internet Explorer)
With this option you will erase all traces of your Internet activities.
Website Safety Advisor
The Website Safety Advisor offers you a safety ranking while navigating.
You can assess the reputation of the website you are visiting, and check if it poses a low
or a high risk to your security.
This widget also provides further information on the website, like who is the domain owner,
or why the website has been categorized as safe or risky.
The status of the Website Safety Advisor is displayed in the Toolbar and in your search
results, as an Avira tray icon in combination with other icons:
Browser Tracking Blocker
With the Browser Tracking Blocker you can stop trackers from collecting information about
you while you are surfing.
The widget allows you to choose which trackers to block and which ones to allow.
The tracking companies are classified in three categories:
Social Networks
Ad Networks
Other companies
4.2.2Options
Avira SearchFree Toolbar is compatible with Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google
Chrome and can be configured in the three web browsers:
Internet Explorer configuration options
Firefox configuration options
Google Chrome configuration options
Internet Explorer
In Internet Explorer, the following configuration options for the Avira SearchFree Toolbar
are available in the Options menu:
Toolbar options
Search
Avira search engine
In the Avira search engine menu, you can select which search engine to use for the
search. Search engines are available for the USA, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Europe,
France, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Open searches in
In the Open searches in option menu, you can select where the search result should
be displayed; in the Current window, in a New window or on a New tab.
Display recent searches
If the Display recent searches option is enabled, you can display previous search
terms under the text entry box of the search toolbar.
Auto clear recent search history when I close the browser
Enable the option Auto clear recent search history when I close the browser if you
do not want to save previous searches and want to clear the history when you close
the web browser.
Under Select toolbar language you can select the language in which Avira
SearchFree Toolbar is displayed. The toolbar is available in English, German,
Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.
Note
Where possible, the default Avira SearchFree Toolbar language corresponds to
that of your program. If the toolbar is not available in your language, the default
language is English.
Show button text labels
Disable the Show button text labels option if you want to hide the text next to the
Avira SearchFree Toolbar icons.
Clear history
Enable the Clear history option if you do not want to save previous searches and
want to clear the history immediately.
Help
Click on Help to access the website containing frequently asked questions (FAQs)
relating to the toolbar.
Uninstall
You can also uninstall Avira SearchFree Toolbar directly in Internet Explorer:
Uninstallation via the web browser
About
Click on About to display which version of Avira SearchFree Toolbar is installed.
Firefox
In the Firefox web browser, the following configuration options for the Avira SearchFree
Toolbar are available in the Options menu:
In the Avira search engine menu, you can select which search engine to use for the
search. Search engines are available for the USA, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Europe,
France, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Display recent searches
If the Display recent searches option enabled, you can display previous search terms
by clicking on the arrow in the search toolbar. Select a term if you want to display the
search result again.
Auto clear recent search history when I close the browser
Enable the option Auto clear recent search history when I close the browser if you
do not want to save previous searches and want to clear the history when you close
the web browser.
Display Avira search results when I type keywords or invalid URLs into the
browser address bar
If this option is enabled, a search is initiated and the search result displayed every time
you enter keywords or an invalid URL into the web browser's address bar.
More options
Select toolbar language
Under Select toolbar language you can select the language in which Avira
SearchFree Toolbar is displayed. The toolbar is available in English, German,
Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.
Note
Where possible, the default Avira SearchFree Toolbar language corresponds to
that of your program. If the toolbar is not available in your language, the default
language is English.
Show button text labels
Disable the Show button text labels option if you want to hide the text next to the
Avira SearchFree Toolbar icons.
Clear history
Enable the Clear history option if you do not want to save previous searches and
want to clear the history immediately.
Click on Help to access the website containing frequently asked questions (FAQs)
relating to the toolbar.
Uninstall
You can also uninstall Avira SearchFree Toolbar directly in Firefox: Uninstallation via
the web browser.
About
Click on About to display which version of Avira SearchFree Toolbar is installed.
Google Chrome
In the Chrome web browser, the following configuration options for Avira SearchFree
Toolbar are available under the menu of the red Avira umbrella:
Help
Click on Help to access the website containing frequently asked questions (FAQs)
relating to the toolbar.
Uninstall instructions
Here you will be linked to the articles that contain all the information you need to
uninstall the toolbar.
About
Click on About to display which version of the Avira SearchFree Toolbar is installed.
Show/ Hide the Avira SearchFree Toolbar
Click here to hide or show Avira SearchFree Toolbar on your web browser.
4.2.3Uninstallation
To uninstall your Avira SearchFree Toolbar (e.g. in Windows 7):
Open the Control Panel via the Windows Start menu.
Double click on Programs and Features.
Select the Avira SearchFree Toolbar plus Web Protection in the list and click
Uninstall.
You will be asked if you really want to uninstall this product.
Avira SearchFree Toolbar plus Web Protection is uninstalled and all directories,
files and registry entries for the Avira SearchFree Toolbar plus Web Protection
are deleted when your computer is restarted.
Uninstallation via the web browser
You also have the option of uninstalling the Avira SearchFree Toolbar directly in the
browser. This option is only available for Firefox and Internet Explorer:
In the search toolbar open the Options menu.
Click Uninstall.
If you have opened your web browser, you will now be asked to close it.
Close the web browser and click OK.
Avira SearchFree Toolbar plus Web Protection is uninstalled and all directories,
files and registry entries for the Avira SearchFree Toolbar plus Web Protection
are deleted when your computer is restarted.
Note
Note that to uninstall the Avira SearchFree Toolbar, the toolbar must be
enabled in the Add-On Manager.
Uninstallation as add-on
Because the toolbar is installed as an add-on, it can obviously also be uninstalled as one:
Firefox
Click Tools > Add-ons > Extensions. From there you can manage the Avira Add-on:
activate or deactivate the toolbar and uninstall.
Internet Explorer
Go to Manage Add-ons > Toolbars und Extensions. Here you can either activate and
deactivate your Avira SearchFree Toolbar, or uninstall it.
Google Chrome
Click Options > Extensions and manage easily your toolbar: activate, deactivate or
The chapters "How to...?" offer short instructions about license and product activation as
well as information on the most important functions of your Avira product. The selected
short articles serve as an overview about the functionality of your Avira product. They do
not substitute the detailed information of each section of this help center.
4.3.1Activate license
To activate your Avira product’s license:
Activate your license for your Avira product with the .KEY license file. You can obtain the
license file by email from Avira. The license file contains the license for all products that
you have ordered in one order process.
If you have not yet installed your Avira product:
Save the license file to a local directory on your computer.
Install your Avira product.
During installation, enter the save location of the license file.
If you have already installed your Avira product:
Double-click the license file in File Manager or in the activation email and follow the
on-screen instructions when License Manager opens.
- OR -
In your Avira product’s Control Center, select the menu item Help > License
management
Note
As of Windows Vista the User Account Control dialog box appears. Log in as
administrator if appropriate. Click Continue.
Highlight the license file and click Open.
A message appears.
Click OK to confirm.
The license is activated.
If necessary, restart your system.
4.3.2Activate product
To activate your Avira product, you have the following options:
To activate the program with a full license, you need a valid activation code, which
holds data of the license you have purchased. You have received the activation code
from us either by email or it has been printed on the product packaging.
Activation with an evaluation license
Your Avira product is activated with an automatically generated evaluation license,
with which you can test the Avira product with its complete range of function for a
limited period of time.
Note
For product activation or for a test license you need an active Internet link.
If no connection can be established to the servers of Avira, please check the
settings of the firewall used: Connections via the HTTP protocol and port 80
(web communication) and via the encryption protocol SSL and port 443 are
used for product activation. Make sure that your firewall does not block
incoming and outgoing data. First of all check whether you can access web
pages with your web browser.
The following describes how to activate your Avira product:
If you have not yet installed your Avira product:
Install your Avira product.
During the installation process you will be asked to select an activation option
Activate product: Activation with a valid full license
Test product: Activation with an evaluation license
Enter the activation code for an activation with a full license.
Acknowledge the selection of the activation procedure by clicking Next.
If and when necessary, enter your personal data for registration and acknowledge by
clicking Next.
Your license data will be displayed in the next window. Your Avira product has
been enabled.
Continue to install.
If you have already installed your Avira product:
In the Control Center, select the menu item Help > License management.
The license wizard opens, in which you can select an activation option. The next
steps of product activation are identical with the procedure described above.
Your newly created job appears on the start page of the ADMINISTRATION >
Scheduler section with the status enabled (check mark).
Where appropriate, deactivate jobs that are not to be performed.
Use the following icons to further define your jobs:
View properties of a job
Edit job
Delete job
Start job
Stop job
4.3.4Start a manual update
You have various options for starting an update manually: When an update is started
manually, the virus definition file and scan engine are always updated.
To start an update of your Avira product manually:
With the right-hand mouse button, click the Avira tray icon in the taskbar.
A context menu appears.
Select Start update.
The Updater dialog box appears.
- OR In the Control Center, select Status.
In the Last update field, click on the Start update link.
The Updater dialog box appears.
- OR In the Control Center, in the Update menu, select the menu command Start update.
We recommend regular automatic updates. The recommended update interval
is: 2 hours.
Note
You can also carry out a manual update directly via the Windows security
center.
4.3.5Using 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:
This icon starts the scan via a scan profile.
As of Windows Vista:
As of Microsoft Windows Vista, the Control Center only has limited rights at the
moment, e.g. for access to directories and files. Certain actions and file accesses
can only be performed in the Control Center 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
the operating system 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:
Go to Control Center and select the section PC PROTECTION > System Scanner.
4.3.6Scan for viruses and malware using drag & drop
To scan for viruses and malware systematically using drag & drop:
The Control Center of your Avira product has been opened.
Highlight the file or directory you want to scan.
Use the left-hand mouse button to drag the highlighted file or directory into the
Control Center.
The Luke Filewalker window appears and a system scan is started.
When the scan is completed, the results are displayed.
4.3.7Scan for viruses and malware via the context menu
To scan for viruses and malware systematically via the context menu:
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 directory you want to scan.
The Windows Explorer context menu appears.
Select Scan selected files with Avira in the context menu.
The Luke Filewalker window appears and a system scan is started.
When the scan is completed, the results are displayed.
4.3.8Automatically scan for viruses and malware
Note
After installation, the scan job Full system scan is created in the Scheduler: A
complete system scan is automatically performed at a recommended interval.
To create a job to automatically scan for viruses and malware:
In the Control Center, select the section ADMINISTRATION > Scheduler.
Click the icon .
The dialog box Name and description of job appears.
Give the job a name and, where appropriate, a description.
Click Next.
The dialog box Type of job appears.
Select Scan job.
Click Next.
4.3.9Targeted scan for Rootkits and active malware
To scan for active rootkits, use the predefined scan profile Scan for Rootkits and active malware.
To scan for active rootkits systematically:
Go to Control Center and select the section PC PROTECTION > System Scanner.
Predefined scan profiles appear.
Select the predefined scan profile Scan for Rootkits and active malware.
Where appropriate, highlight other nodes and directories to be scanned by clicking
the check box of the directory level.
Click the icon (Windows XP: or as of Windows Vista: ).
The Luke Filewalker window appears and a system scan is started.
When the scan is completed, the results are displayed.
4.3.10React to detected viruses and malware
For the individual protection components of your Avira product, you can define how your
Avira product reacts to a detected virus or unwanted program in the Configuration under
the section Action on detection.
No configurable action options are available for the ProActiv component of the Real-Time
Protection: Notification of a detection is always given in the Real-Time Protection: Suspicious application behavior window.
Action options for the System Scanner:
Interactive
In interactive action mode, the results of the System Scanner scan are displayed in a
dialog box. This option is enabled as the default setting.
In the case of System Scanner scan, you will receive an alert with a list of the
affected files when the scan is complete. You can use the content-sensitive menu to
select an action to be executed for the various infected files. You can execute the
standard actions for all infected files or cancel the System Scanner.
In automatic action mode, when a virus or unwanted program is detected the action
you selected in this area is executed automatically.
Action options for the Real-Time Protection:
Interactive
In interactive action mode, data access is denied and a desktop notification is
displayed. In the desktop notification you can remove the malware detected or transfer
the malware to the System Scanner component using the Details button for further
virus management. The System Scanner opens a window containing notification of the
detection, which gives you various options for managing the affected file via a context
menu (see Detection > System Scanner):
Automatic
In automatic action mode, when a virus or unwanted program is detected, the action
you selected in this area is executed automatically.
Action options for Mail Protection, Web Protection:
Interactive
In interactive action mode, 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
In automatic action mode, when a virus or unwanted program is detected the action
you selected in this area is executed automatically.
In interactive action mode, you can react to detected viruses and unwanted programs by
selecting an action for the infected object in the alert and executing the selected action by
clicking Confirm.
The following actions for handling infected objects are available for selection:
Note
Which actions are available for selection depends on the operating system, the
protection components (Avira Real-Time Protection, Avira System Scanner,
Avira Mail Protection, Avira Web Protection) reporting the detection, and the
type of malware detected.
Actions of the System Scanner and the Real-Time Protection (not ProActiv detections):
Repair
The file is repaired.
This option is only available if the infected file can be repaired.
Rename
The file is renamed with a *.vir extension. Direct access to these files (e.g. with doubleclick) is therefore no longer possible. Files can be repaired and given their original
name at a later time.
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.
Delete
The file will be deleted. This process is much quicker than Overwrite and delete. If a
boot sector virus is detected, this can be deleted by deleting the boot sector. A new
boot sector is written.
Ignore
No further action is taken. The infected file remains active on your computer.
Overwrite and delete
The file is overwritten with a default template and then deleted. It cannot be restored.
Warning
This could result in loss of data and damage to the operating system! Only
select the Ignore option in exceptional cases.
Always ignore
Action option for Real-Time Protection detections: No further action is taken by RealTime Protection. Access to the file is permitted. All further access to this file is
permitted and no further notifications will be provided until the computer is restarted or
the virus definition file is updated.
Copy to quarantine
Action option for a rootkits detection: The detection is copied to quarantine.
Action options when infected boot sectors are detected: A number of options are
available for repairing infected diskette drives. If your Avira product is unable to
perform the repair, you can download a special tool for detecting and removing boot
sector viruses.
Note
If you carry out actions on running processes, the processes in question are
terminated before the actions are performed.
Actions of the Real-Time Protection for detections made by the ProActiv component
(notification of suspicious actions of an application):
Trusted program
The application continues to run. The program is added to the list of permitted
applications and is excluded from monitoring by the ProActiv component. When
adding to the list of permitted applications, the monitoring type is set to Content. This
means that the application is only excluded from monitoring by the ProActiv
component if the content remains unchanged (see Application filter: Applications to be
skipped).
Block program once
The application is blocked, i.e. the application is terminated. The actions of the
application continue to be monitored by the ProActiv component.
Always block this program
The application is blocked, i.e. the application is terminated. The program is added to
list of blocked applications and can no longer be run (see Application filter:
Applications to be blocked).
Ignore
The application continues to run. The actions of the application continue to be
monitored by the ProActiv component.
Mail Protection actions: Incoming emails
Move to quarantine
The email including all attachments is moved to quarantine. The affected email is
deleted. The body of the text and any attachments of the email are replaced by a
default text.
Delete mail
The affected email is deleted. The body of the text and any attachments of the email
are replaced by a default text.
The infected attachment is replaced by a default text. If the body of the email is
affected, it is deleted and also replaced by a default text. The email itself is delivered.
Move attachment to quarantine
The infected attachment is placed in quarantine and then deleted (replaced by a
default text). The body of the email is delivered. The affected attachment can later be
delivered via the quarantine manager.
Ignore
The affected email is delivered.
Warning
This could allow viruses and unwanted programs to access your computer
system. Only select the Ignore option in exceptional cases. Disable the preview
in your mail client, never open any attachments with a double click!
Mail Protection actions: Outgoing emails
Move mail to quarantine (do not send)
The email, together with all attachments, is copied to Quarantine and is not sent. The
email remains in the outbox of your email client. You receive an error message in your
email program. All other emails sent from your email account will be scanned for
malware.
Block sending of mails (do not send)
The email is not sent and remains in the outbox of your email client. You receive an
error message in your email program. All other emails sent from your email account
will be scanned for malware.
Ignore
The affected email is sent.
Warning
Viruses and unwanted programs can penetrate the computer system of the
email recipient in this way.
The website requested from the web server and/or any data or files transferred are not
sent to your web browser. An error message to notify you that access has been denied
is displayed in the web browser.
Move to quarantine
The website requested from the web server and/or any data or files transferred are
moved to quarantine. The affected file can be recovered from quarantine manager if it
has an informative value or - if necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research
Center.
Ignore
The website requested from the web server and/or the data and files that were
transferred are forwarded on by Web Protection to your web browser.
Warning
This could allow viruses and unwanted programs to access your computer
system. Only select the Ignore option in exceptional cases.
Note
We recommend that you move any suspicious file that cannot be repaired to
quarantine.
Note
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.com/sample-upload
You can identify files reported by the heuristic from the designation HEUR/ or
HEURISTIC/ that prefixes the file name, e.g.: HEUR/testfile.*.
4.3.11Handling quarantined files (*.qua)
To handle quarantined files:
In the Control Center, select the section ADMINISTRATION > Quarantine section.
Check which files are involved, so that, if necessary, you can reload the original back
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 virus definition file of your Avira product 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.
Highlight the file and click on .
The file is scanned for viruses and malware using the system scan settings.
After the scan, the dialog Rescan statistics appears which displays statistics on
the status of the file before and after the rescan.
To delete a file:
Highlight the file and click on .
You have to confirm your choice with Yes.
If you want to upload the file to a Avira Malware Research Center web server for analysis:
Highlight the file you want to upload.
Click on .
A dialog opens with a form for inputting your contact data.
Enter all the required data.
Select a type: Suspicious file or Suspicion offalse positive.
Select a response format: HTML, Text, HTML & Text.
Click OK.
The file is uploaded to a Avira Malware Research Center web server in
compressed form.
Note
In the following cases, analysis by the Avira Malware Research Center is
recommended:
Heuristic hits (Suspicious file): During a scan, a file has been classified as
suspicious by your Avira product and moved to quarantine: Analysis of the file
by the Avira Malware Research Center has been recommended in the virus
detection dialog box or in the report file generated by the scan.
Suspicious file: You consider a file to be suspicious and have therefore moved
this file to quarantine, but a scan of the file for viruses and malware is negative.
Suspicion of false positive: You assume that a virus detection is a false
positive: Your Avira product reports a detection in a file, which is very unlikely to
have been infected by malware.
Note
The size of the files you upload is limited to 20 MB uncompressed or 8 MB
compressed.
Note
You can only upload one file at a time.
If you want to export the properties of a quarantined object to a text file:
Highlight the quarantined object and click on .
The text file quarantaene - Notepad opens containing the data from the selected
quarantined object.
Save the text file.
You can also restore the files in quarantine (see Chapter: Quarantine: Restore the files in
quarantine).
4.3.12Restore the files in quarantine
Different icons control the restore procedure, depending on the operating system:
In Windows XP:
This icon restores the files to their original directory.
This icon restores the files to a directory of your choice.
As of Windows Vista:
As of Microsoft Windows Vista, the Control Center only has limited rights at the
moment, e.g. for access to directories and files. Certain actions and file accesses
can only be performed in the Control Center 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.
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.
File rescanned and repaired.
In the Control Center, select the section ADMINISTRATION > Quarantine section.
Note
Emails and email attachments can only be restored using the option if the
file extension is *.eml.
To restore a file to its original location:
Highlight the file and click the icon (Windows XP: , as of Windows Vista ).
This option is not available for emails.
Note
Emails and email attachments can only be restored using the option if the
file extension is *.eml.
A message appears asking if you want to restore the file.
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:
Highlight the file and click on .
A message appears asking if you want to restore the file.
Click Yes.
The Windows default window Save As for selecting the directory appears.
Select the directory to restore the file to and confirm.
In the Control Center, select the section ADMINISTRATION> Quarantine section.
Click on .
The Windows default window for selecting a file appears.
Select the file and confirm with Open.
The file is moved to quarantine.
You can scan files in quarantine with the Avira System Scanner (see Chapter: Quarantine:
Handling quarantined files (*.qua)).
4.3.14Amend 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):
In the Control Center, go to the PC PROTECTION > System Scanner section.
With the right-hand mouse button, click on the scan profile you want to edit.
A context menu appears.
Select File filter.
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.
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:
Highlight the file type and click Delete.
If you want to add a file type to the scan:
Highlight a file type.
Click Insert 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 ?)
You can start a system scan directly from your desktop via a desktop shortcut to a scan
profile without accessing your Avira product’s Control Center.
To create a desktop shortcut to the scan profile:
In the Control Center, go to the PC PROTECTION > System Scanner section.
Select the scan profile for which you want to create a shortcut.
Click the icon .
The desktop shortcut is created.
4.3.16Filter events
Events that have been generated by program components of your Avira product are
displayed in the Control Center under ADMINISTRATION > Events (analogous to the
event display of your Windows operating system). The program components, in
alphabetical order, are the following:
Helper Service
Mail Protection
Real-Time Protection
Scheduler
System Scanner
Updater
Web Protection
The following event types are displayed:
Information
Warning
Error
Detection
To filter displayed events:
In the Control Center, select the section ADMINISTRATION > Events.
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
- OR Uncheck the event type box to hide these events.
4.3.17Exclude email addresses from scan
To define which email addresses (senders) are excluded from the Mail Protection scan
(white listing):
Go to Control Center and select the section INTERNET PROTECTION > Mail
Protection.
The list shows incoming emails.
Highlight the email you want to exclude from the Mail Protection scan.
Click the icon to exclude the email from the Mail Protection scan:
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 .
Warning
Only exclude email addresses from the Mail Protection scan if the senders are
completely trustworthy.
Note
In the Configuration, under Mail Protection > General > Exceptions, you can
add other email addresses to the exclusion list or remove email addresses from
the exclusion list.
With the System Scanner component, you can carry out targeted scans (on-demand
scans) for viruses and unwanted programs. The following options are available for
scanning for infected files:
System scan via context menu
The system scan via the context menu (right-hand mouse button - entry Scan selected files with Avira) 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 Control Center
for a system scan via the context menu.
System scan via drag & drop
When a file or directory is dragged into the program window of the Control Center, the
System Scanner scans the file or directory and all sub-directories it contains. This
procedure is recommended if you wish to scan individual files and directories that you
have saved, for example, on your desktop.
System 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.
System scan via the Scheduler
The Scheduler enables you to carry out time-controlled scans.
Special processes are required when scanning for rootkits, boot sector viruses, and when
scanning active processes. The following options are available:
Scan for rootkits via the scan profile Scan for Rootkits and active malware
Scan active processes via the scan profile Active processes
Scan for boot sector viruses via the menu command Boot records scan... in the menu
The effectiveness of anti-virus software depends on how up-to-date the program is, in
particular the virus definition file and the scan engine. To carry out regular updates, the
Updater component is integrated into your Avira product. The Updater ensures that your
Avira product is always up-to-date and able to deal with the new viruses that appear every
day. Updater updates the following components:
Virus definition file:
The virus definition file contains the virus patterns of the harmful programs which are
used by your Avira product to scan for viruses and malware and repair infected
objects.
Scan engine:
The scan engine contains the methods used by your Avira product 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, the scan engine and the product are upto-date and if necessary, implements an update. After a product update, you may have to
restart your computer system. If only the virus definition file and scan engine are updated,
the computer does not have to be restarted.
When a product update requires a reboot, you can decide whether to continue with the
update or to be reminded again later about the update. If you continue with the product
update immediately, you are still able to choose when the reboot should take place.
If you want to be reminded about the update later on, the virus definition file and the scan
engine will be updated anyway, but the product update will not be done.
Note
The product update will not be completed until a reboot has occurred.
Note
For security reasons, the Updater checks whether the Windows hosts file of
your computer was altered, whether the Update URL, for example, was
manipulated by malware and is diverting the Updater to unwanted download
sites. If the Windows hosts file has been manipulated, this is shown in the
Updater report file.
An update is automatically performed in the following interval: 2 hours.
In the Control Center under Scheduler, you can create additional update jobs that are
performed by Updater at the specified intervals. You also have the option to start an
update manually:
in the 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 Web server of the manufacturer. The
existing network connection is the default connection to the download servers of Avira.
You can change this default setting under Configuration > Update.
This chapter contains important information on troubleshooting and further tips on using
your Avira product.
see Chapter Help in case of a problem
see Chapter Shortcuts
see Chapter Windows Security Center (Windows XP) or Windows Action Center (as of
Windows 7)
7.1Help in case of a problem
Here you will find information on causes and solutions of possible problems.
The error message The license file cannot be opened appears.
The error message Connection failed while downloading the file ... appears when
attempting to start an update.
Viruses and malware cannot be moved or deleted.
The status of the tray icon is disabled.
The computer is extremely slow when I perform a data back-up.
My firewall reports Avira Real-Time Protectionand Avira Mail Protectionimmediately after
activation.
Avira Mail Protection does not work.
An email sent via a TLS connection has been blocked by Mail Protection.
Webchat is not operational: Chat messages will not be displayed
The error message The license file cannot be opened appears.
Reason: 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.
The error message Connection failed while downloading the file ... appears when
attempting to start an update.
Reason: Your Internet connection is inactive. No connection to the web server on the
Internet can therefore be established.
Test whether other Internet services such as WWW or email work. If not, re-establish
Check whether the login for the proxy server has changed and adapt it to your
configuration if necessary.
Reason: 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 Configuration under PC Protection > Update.
Viruses and malware cannot be moved or deleted.
Reason: The file was loaded by windows and is active.
Update your Avira product.
If you use the Windows XP operating system, deactivate System Restore.
Start the computer in Safe Mode.
Start the Configuration of your Avira product .
Select System 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.
The status of the tray icon is disabled.
Reason: Avira Real-Time Protection is disabled.
In the Control Center click Status and enable the Real-Time Protection in the PC
Protection area .
-OR Open the context menu with a right-click on the Tray Icon. Click Real-Time
Protection enable.
Reason: Avira Real-Time Protection is blocked by a firewall.
Define a general approval for Avira Real-Time Protection in the configuration of your
firewall. Avira Real-Time Protection only works with the address 127.0.0.1
(localhost). An Internet connection is not established. The same applies to Avira Mail
Protection.
Check the startup type of the Avira Real-Time Protection 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 XP the services
applet is located in the sub-directory Administrative Tools). Find the entry Avira Real-Time Protection. 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.
The computer is extremely slow when I perform a data back-up.
Reason: During the backup procedure, Avira Real-Time Protection scans all files being
used by the backup procedure.
Select Real-Time Protection > Scan > Exceptions in the Configuration and enter
the process names of the back-up software.
My firewall reports Avira Real-Time Protection and Avira Mail Protection immediately
after activation.
Reason: Communication with Avira Real-Time Protection and Avira Mail Protection occurs
via the TCP/IP Internet protocol. A firewall monitors all connections via this protocol.
Define a general approval for Avira Real-Time Protection and Avira Mail Protection.
Avira Real-Time Protection only works with the address 127.0.0.1 (localhost). An
Internet connection is not established. The same applies to Avira Mail Protection.
Avira Mail Protection does not work.
Please check correct functioning of Avira Mail Protection with the aid of the following
checklists if problems occur with Avira Mail Protection.
Checklist
Check whether your mail client logs in to the server via Kerberos, APOP or RPA.
These verification methods are currently not supported.
Check whether your mail client reports to the server through SSL (also often called
TLS – Transport Layer Security). Avira Mail Protection does not support SSL and
therefore terminates any encrypted SSL connections. If you want to use encrypted
SSL connections without having them protected by Mail Protection, you will have to
use a port that is not monitored by Mail Protection for the connection. The ports
monitored by Mail Protection can be configured in the configuration under Mail
Protection > Scan.
Is the Avira Mail Protection 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 XP the services applet is located in the
sub-directory Administrative Tools). Find the entry Avira Mail Protection. 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 uninstall the Avira product via Start > Settings > Control Panel
> Add or Remove Programs, to restart the computer and then to reinstall your Avira
product.
General
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 currently not supported.
Your Avira product does not check outgoing emails for viruses and unwanted programs.
Note
We recommend regularly installing Microsoft updates to close any gaps in
security.
An email sent via a TLS connection has been blocked by Mail Protection.
Reason: Transport Layer Security (TLS: encryption protocol for data transfers on the
Internet) is not supported by Mail Protection 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 will bypass monitoring by
Mail Protection.
Turn off the TLS encrypted connection and disable TLS support in your email client.
Disable (temporarily) the monitoring of outgoing emails by Mail Protection in the
configuration under Mail Protection > Scan.
Webchat is not operational: Chat messages are not displayed; data are being loaded in
the browser.
This phenomenon may occur during chats, which are based on the HTTP protocol with
'transfer-encoding: chunked’.
Reason: Web Protection checks the sent data completely for viruses and undesired
programs first, before the data are loaded into the web browser. During a data transfer
with ‘transfer-encoding: chunked’, Web Protection cannot determine the message length
or the data volume.
Enter the configuration of the URL of the web chats as an exception (see
Configuration: Web Protection > Scan > Exceptions).
Navigation in the Control Center
Go to next section.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab
Ctrl + Page up
Navigation in the Control Center
Go to previous section.
Navigation in the configuration sections
First, use the mouse to set the focus on a configuration section.
Change between the options in a marked drop-down list or
between several options in a group of options.
Tab
Change to the next option or options group.
Shift + Tab
Change to the previous option or options group.
Space
Activate or deactivate a check box, if the active option is a
check box.
Alt + underlined
letter
Select option or start command.
Alt + ↓F4
Open selected drop-down list.
7.2Shortcuts
Keyboard commands - also called shortcuts - offer a fast possibility to navigate through the
program, to retrieve individual modules and to start actions.
Below we provide you with an overview of the available keyboard commands. Please find
further indications regarding the functionality in the corresponding chapter of the help.
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.
7.3.2 The Windows Security Center and your Avira product
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.
Note
Install your Avira product on your computer to protect it against viruses and
other unwanted programs!
Virus protection OUT OF DATE
If you have already installed Windows XP Service Pack 2 and then install your Avira
product or you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 on a system on which your Avira
product has already been installed, you will receive the following message:
In order for the Windows Security Center to recognize your Avira product as upto-date, an update must be performed after installation. Update your system by
carrying out an update.
Virus protection ON
After installing your Avira product and performing a subsequent update, you will receive
the following message:
Your Avira product is now up-to-date and the Avira Real-Time Protection is enabled.
Virus protection OFF
You receive the following message if you disable the Avira Real-Time Protection or stop
the Real-Time Protection service.
Note
You can enable or disable Avira Real-Time Protection in the Status section of
the Control Center. You can also see that the Avira Real-Time Protection is
enabled if the red umbrella in your taskbar is open.
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.
Note
The Windows Security Center is supported by your Avira product. You can
enable this option at any time via the Recommendations button.
Note
Even if you have installed Windows XP Service Pack 2, you still require a virus
protection solution. Although Windows 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!
7.4Windows Action Center
- Windows 7 and Windows 8 -
7.4.1General
Note:
Starting from Windows 7 the Windows Security Center has been renamed to
Windows Action Center. Under this section you will find the status of all your
security options.
The Windows Action Center checks the status of a computer for important security
aspects. You can access it directly by clicking the little flag in your taskbar or under
Control Panel > Action Center.
If a problem is detected with one of these important points (e.g. an outdated anti-virus
program), the Action Center issues an alert and gives recommendations on how to protect
your computer better. This means, that if everything works correctly, you won't be bothered
with messages. You still can have a look at the security status of your computer in the
Windows Action Center, under the Security item.
The Windows Action Center also gives you the option of managing the installed
programs and to choose between them (e.g. View installed antispyware programs).
You can even turn off the warning messages under Change Action Center settings (e.g.
Turn off messages about spyware and related protection).
7.4.2The Windows Action Center and your Avira product
Virus protection
You may receive the following information from the Windows Action Center with regard to
your virus protection:
Avira Desktop reports that it is up to date and virus scanning is on.
Avira Desktop reports that it is turned off.
Avira Desktop reports that it is out of date.
Windows did not find antivirus software on this computer.
Avira Desktop has expired.
Avira Desktop reports that it is up to date and virus scanning is on
After installation of your Avira product and a subsequent update, you will not receive any
messages from the Windows Action Center. But if you go to Action Center > Security
you can see: Avira Desktop reports that it is up to date and virus scanning is on. This
means that your Avira product is now up-to-date and the Avira Real-Time Protection is
enabled.
Avira Desktop reports that it is turned off
You receive the following message if you disable the Avira Real-Time Protection or stop
the Real-Time Protection service.
Note
You can enable or disable Avira Real-Time Protection in the Status section of
the Avira Control Center. You can also notice that the Avira Real-Time
Protection is enabled by the opened red umbrella in your taskbar. It is also
possible to activate the Avira product by clicking the Turn on now button on the
Windows Action Center message. You will receive a notification asking your
permission to run Avira. Click on Yes, I trust the publisher and want to run this program and Real-Time Protection will be enabled again.
Avira Desktop reports that it is out of date
If you just installed Avira or if for some reason the virus definition file, the scan engine or
the program files of your Avira product have not been updated automatically (e.g. if you
have made an upgrade from an older Windows operating system, on which your Avira
product is already installed), you will receive the following message:
Note
In order for the Windows Action Center to recognize your Avira product as upto-date, an update must be performed after installation. Update your Avira
Product by carrying out an update.
Windows did not find antivirus software on this computer
This information of the Windows Action Center appears, when the Windows Action Center
has not found any anti-virus software on your computer.
Note
Please note that this option will not appear in Windows 8, as Windows Defender
is now also the pre-set virus protection function.
Note
Install your Avira product on your computer to protect it against viruses and
other unwanted programs!
This information of the Windows Action Center appears when the license of your Avira
product has expired.
If you click on the button Renew subscription, you will be redirected to the website of
Avira, where you can buy a new license.
Note
Please note that this option is only available for Windows 8.
Spyware and unwanted software protection
You may receive the following information from the Windows Action Center with regard to
your spyware protection:
Avira Desktop reports that it is turned on.
Windows Defender and Avira Desktop both report that they are turned off.
Avira Desktop reports that it is out of date.
Windows Defender is out of date.
Windows Defender is turned off.
Avira Desktop reports that it is turned on
After the installation of your Avira product and a subsequent update, you will not receive
any messages from the Windows Action Center. But if you go to Action Center > Security, you can see: Avira Desktop reports that it is turned on. This means that your
Avira product is now up-to-date and the Avira Real-Time Protection is enabled.
Windows Defender and Avira Desktop both report that they are turned off
You receive the following message if you disable the Avira Real-Time Protection or stop
the Real-Time Protection service.
Note
You can enable or disable Avira Real-Time Protection in the Status section of
the Avira Control Center. You can also notice that the Avira Real-Time
Protection is enabled by the opened red umbrella in your taskbar. It is also
possible to activate the Avira product by clicking the Turn on now button on the
Windows Action Center message. You will receive a notification asking your
permission to run Avira. Click on Yes, I trust the publisher and want to run this program and Real-Time Protection will be enabled again.
Avira Desktop reports that it is out of date
If you just installed Avira or if for some reason the virus definition file, the scan engine or
the program files of your Avira product have not been updated automatically (e.g. if you
have made an upgrade from an older Windows operating system, on which your Avira
product is already installed), you will receive the following message:
Note
In order for the Windows Action Center to recognize your Avira product as upto-date, an update must be performed after installation. Update your Avira
Product by carrying out an update.
Windows Defender is out of date
You may receive the following message if Windows Defender is activated. If you have
already installed the Avira product, this message should not appear. Please check if the
installation went OK.
Note
Windows Defender is the pre-set spyware and virus protection solution from
Windows.
This information of the Windows Action Center appears when the Windows Action Center
has not found any other anti-virus software on your computer than the one that the
operating system integrates by default: Windows Defender. If you have had some antivirus software installed on your computer before, this application has been disabled. If you
have already installed the Avira product, this message should not appear: Avira should be
automatically detected. Please check if the installation went OK.
Avira Antivirus Premium not only detects viruses and malware, it can also protect you from
other threats. In this chapter you can find an overview of different kinds of malware and
other threats describing their background, behavior and the unpleasant surprises they
have in store for you.
Related topics:
Threat categories
Viruses and other malware
8.1 Threat categories
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.
Your Avira product detects Adware. If the Adware option is enabled with a check mark in
the configuration under Threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert if your Avira
product detects adware.
Adware/Spyware
Software that displays advertising or software that sends the user’s personal data to a third
party, often without their knowledge or consent, and for this reason may be unwanted.
Your Avira product recognizes "Adware/Spyware". If the option Adware/Spyware is
enabled with a check mark in the configuration under Threat categories, you receive a
corresponding alert if your Avira product detects adware or spyware.
Application
The term APPL, respectively application, refers to an application which may involve a risk
when used or is of dubious origin.
Your Avira product recognizes "Application (APPL)". If the option Application is enabled
with a check mark in the configuration under Threat categories, you receive a
corresponding alert if your Avira product detects such behavior.
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.
Your Avira product recognizes "Backdoor control software". If the Backdoor control software option is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under Threat categories,
you receive a corresponding alert if your Avira product detects such software.
Dialer
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 costincurring 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 that you ask your telephone provider to block this number range directly
for immediate protection against undesired dialers (0190/0900 dialers).
Your Avira product can detect the familiar dialers by default.
If the option Dialers is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under 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 dial-up
program, you can declare it an exceptional file and this file is then no longer scanned in
future.
Double Extension Files
Executable files that hide their real file extension in a suspicious way. This camouflage
method is often used by malware.
Your Avira product recognizes "Double Extension Files". If the option Double Extension
files is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under Threat categories, you
receive a corresponding alert if your Avira product detects such files.
Fraudulent software
Also known as "scareware" or "rogueware", it is a fraudulent software that pretends that
your computer is infected by viruses or malware. This software looks deceptively similar to
professional antivirus software but is meant to raise uncertainty or to scare the user. Its
purpose is to make the victims feel threatened of imminent (unreal) danger and to make
them pay to eliminate it. There are also cases when the victims are lead to believe they
were attacked and they are instructed to carry out an action, which in reality is the real
attack.
Your Avira product detects scareware. If the option Fraudulent software is enabled with a
check mark in the configuration Threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert if
your Avira product detects such files.
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.
Your Avira product recognizes computer games. If the Games option is enabled with a
check mark in the configuration under Threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert
if your Avira product detects a game. The game is now over in the truest sense of the
word, because you can simply delete it.
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
themselves may cause real damage.
Thanks to the extension of its scanning and identification routines, your Avira product 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 Threat categories, a
corresponding alert is issued if a joke program is detected.
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.
Your Avira product recognizes "Phishing". If the option Phishing is enabled with a check
mark in the configuration under Threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert if
your Avira product detects such behavior.
Programs that violate the private domain
Software that may be able to compromise the security of your system, initiate unwanted
program activities, damage your privacy or spy on your user behavior and could therefore
be unwanted.
Your Avira product detects "Security Privacy Risk" software. If the option Programs that violate the private domain is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under
Threat categories, you receive a corresponding alert if your Avira product detects such
software.
Unusual Runtime Packers
Files that have been compressed with an unusual runtime packer and that can therefore
be classified as potentially suspicious.
Your Avira product recognizes "Unusual runtime packers". If the option Unusual runtime packers is enabled with a check mark in the configuration under Threat categories, you
receive a corresponding alert if your Avira product detects such packers.
8.2Viruses 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.
A backdoor can gain access to a computer by bypassing 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.
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…
Bot-Net
A bot-net is defined as a remote network of PCs (on the Internet) that 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 denial-ofservice attacks etc., usually without the affected PC user's knowledge. The main potential
of bot-nets is that the networks can achieve grow to thousands of computers and their total
bandwidth exceeds 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. One form of exploitation for example is an attack from the Internet with the help of
manipulated data packages. Programs can be infiltrated in order to obtain higher access.
Fraudulent software
Also known as "scareware" or "rogueware", it is a fraudulent software that pretends that
your computer is infected by viruses or malware. This software looks deceptively similar to
professional Antivirus software but is meant to raise uncertainty or to scare the user. Its
purpose is to make the victims feel threatened of imminent (unreal) danger and to make
them pay to eliminate it. There are also cases when the victims are lead to believe they
were attacked and they are instructed to carry out an action, which in reality is the real
attack.
For several years, Internet and other network users have received alerts about viruses that
are purportedly spread via email. These alerts are spread via 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. Its function is to monitor
a network and log 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 consequently
do 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.
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 of attaching 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 its virulent code. The program execution of the host itself is not changed as
a rule.
Rootkits
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 cannot
consequently 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. Trojans include 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.
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
9.1Contact address
If you have any questions or requests concerning the Avira product range, we will be
pleased to help you. For our contact addresses, please refer to the Control Center under
Help > About Avira Antivirus Premium.
9.2Technical support
Avira 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.com/premium-support
So that we can provide you with fast, reliable help, you should have the following
information ready:
License information. You can find this information in the program interface under the
menu item Help > About Avira Antivirus Premium > License information. See
License information.
Version information. You can find this information in the program interface under the
menu item Help > About Avira Antivirus Premium > Version information. See
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.
Suspect files or viruses that may not yet be detected or removed by our products can be
sent to us. We provide you with several ways of doing this.
Identify the file in the quarantine manager of the Control Center and select the item
Send file via the context menu or the corresponding button.
Send the required file packed (WinZIP, PKZip, Arj, etc.) in the attachment of an email to
the following address:
virus-premium@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 suspicious file via our website: http://www.avira.com/sample-
upload
9.4Reporting false positives
If you believe that your Avira product is reporting a detection in a file that is most likely
"clean", send the relevant file packed (WinZIP, PKZip, Arj, etc.) as an email attachment to
the following address:
virus-premium@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).
9.5Your feedback for more security
At Avira, our customers’ security is paramount. For this reason, we don't just have an inhouse expert team that tests the quality and security of every Avira solution before the
product is released. We also attach great importance to the indications regarding security
relevant gaps that could develop and we treat those seriously.
If you think you have detected a security gap in one of our products, please send us an
email to the following address:
The configuration reference documents all available configuration options.
10.1System Scanner
The System Scanner section of configuration is responsible for the configuration of the
on-demand scan.
10.1.1Scan
You can define the behavior of the on-demand scan routine. If you select certain
directories to be scanned, depending on the configuration, the System Scanner scans:
with a certain scanning priority,
also boot sectors and main memory,
all or selected files in the directory.
Files
The System 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.
Note
If All files is enabled, the button File extensions cannot be selected.
Use smart extensions
If this option is enabled, the selection of the files scanned for viruses or unwanted
programs is automatically chosen by the program. This means that your Avira program
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. This option is enabled as the default setting and
is recommended.
Note
If Use smart extensions is enabled, the button File extensions cannot be
selected.
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".
Note
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 box 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.
Note
Please note that the default list may vary from version to version.
Additional settings
Scan boot sectors of selected drives
If this option is enabled, the System Scanner scans the boot sectors of the drives
selected for the system scan. This option is enabled as the default setting.
Scan master boot sectors
If this option is enabled, the System Scanner scans the master boot sectors of the
hard disk(s) used in the system.
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.
Integrity checking of system files
When this option is enabled, the most important Windows system files are subjected to
a particularly secure check for changes by malware during every on-demand scan. If
an amended file is detected, this is reported as suspect. This function uses a lot of
computer capacity. That is why the option is disabled as the default setting.
This option is only available with Windows Vista and higher.
Note
This option should not be used if you are using third-party tools that modify
system files and adapt the boot or start screen to your own requirements.
Examples of such tools are skinpacks, TuneUp utilities or Vista Customization.
Optimized scan
When the option is enabled, the processor capacity is optimally utilized during a
System Scanner scan. For performance reasons, an optimized scan is only logged on
standard level.
Note
This option is only available on multi-processor systems.
Follow symbolic links
If this option is enabled, System Scanner performs a scan that follows all symbolic
links in the scan profile or selected directory and scans the linked files for viruses and
malware.
Note
The option does not include any shortcuts, but refers exclusively to symbolic
links (generated by mklink.exe) or Junction Points (generated by junction.exe)
that are transparent in the file system.
Search for Rootkits before scan
If this option is enabled and a scan is started, the System 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. This option only changes the
settings of profiles created by you.
Note
The rootkits scan is not available for Windows XP 64 bit
If this option is enabled, the Registry is scanned for references to malware. This option
only changes the settings of profiles created by you.
Ignore 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 are themselves protected with anti-virus software. 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" in the "Luke Filewalker" window. If you have
disabled this setting, the Stop button in the "Luke Filewalker" window 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 System 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 System Scanner is only allocated processor time by the operating system, if no
other process requires computation time, i.e. as long as only the System 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
System Scanner continues running in the background.
normal
The System Scanner is executed with normal priority. All processes are allocated the
same amount of processor time by the operating system. This option is enabled as the
default setting and is recommended. Under certain circumstances, work with other
applications may be affected.
high
The System Scanner has the highest priority. Simultaneous work with other
applications is almost impossible. However, the System Scanner completes its scan at
maximum speed.
Action on detection
You can define the actions to be performed by System Scanner when a virus or unwanted
program is detected.
If this option is enabled, the results of the System Scanner scan are displayed in a
dialog box. When carrying out a scan with the System Scanner, you will receive an
alert with a list of the affected files at the end of the scan. You can use the contentsensitive menu to select an action to be executed for the various infected files. You
can execute the standard actions for all infected files or cancel the System Scanner.
Note
The action Quarantine is preselected by default in the System Scanner
notification. Further actions can be selected via a context menu.
Automatic
If this option is enabled, no dialog box in case of a virus detection appears. The
System Scanner reacts according to the settings you predefine in this section as
primary and secondary action.
Copy file to quarantine before action
If this option is enabled, the System Scanner creates a backup 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 backup copy to the Avira Malware Research Center for further investigation.
Primary action
Primary action is the action performed when the System Scanner finds a virus or an
unwanted program. If the option "Repair" is selected but the affected file cannot be
repaired, the action selected under "Secondary action" is performed.
Note
The option Secondary action can only be selected if the setting Repair was
selected under Primary action.
Repair
If this option is enabled, the System Scanner repairs affected files automatically. If the
System Scanner cannot repair an affected file, it carries out the action selected under
Secondary action.
Note
An automatic repair is recommended, but means that the System Scanner
modifies files on the workstation.
If this option is enabled, the System 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.
Quarantine
If this option is enabled, the System Scanner moves the file to the quarantine. These
files can later be repaired or - if necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research
Center.
Delete
If this option is enabled, the file is deleted. This process is much faster than "overwrite
and delete".
Ignore
If this option is enabled, access to the file is allowed and the file is left as it is.
Warning
The affected file remains active on your workstation! It may cause serious
damage on your workstation!
Overwrite and delete
If this option is enabled, the System Scanner overwrites the file with a default pattern
and then deletes it. It cannot be restored.
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.
Rename
If this option is enabled, the System 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.
Quarantine
If this option is enabled, the System Scanner moves the file to Quarantine. These files
can later be repaired or - if necessary - sent to the Avira Malware Research Center.
Delete
If this option is enabled, the file is deleted. This process is much faster than "overwrite
and delete".
Ignore
If this option is enabled, access to the file is allowed and the file is left as it is.