General
Windows: Symantec AntiVirus User Instructions
Symantec AntiVirus is a virus-detection/prevention program. Symantec automatically checks for viruses in your computer once per week (usually on Thursday), as well as receives the latest virus updates via the internet. Users normally do not have to do anything to maintain or update this program. This documentation explains how to perform additional virus checks and how to monitor the virus-checking results. Additional information about viruses and/or virus hoaxes is available from the LTS Help Desk Virus Information site and on the Internet at, Computer Virus Myths.
To identify computers with Symantec Anti-Virus already installed, look in the bottom right hand corner of your monitor next to the time display. The Symantec Anti-Virus icon looks like a yellow shield. If you do not see this icon, please contact the LTS Help Desk at 836-5711 to request that Symantec Anti-Virus be installed on your computer. The following topics are discussed in this web page:
- Starting Symantec
- Performing a Virus Scan
- Displaying the Event Log
- Verifying Symantec Updates
- Updating Symantec
Starting Symantec
The Symantec AntiVirus dialog box is important for navigating through the Symantec program. All of Symantec's functions can be accessed through the dialog box. Each section in this document will assume that you have opened the Symantec AntiVirus dialog box.
Starting Symantec: Task bar Option
- In the bottom right corner of the task bar next to the time, double click the SYMANTEC ANTIVIRUS icon
The Symantec AntiVirus dialog box appears.
Starting Symantec: Menu Option
These are general instructions for accessing Symantec. The placement of Symantec may vary according to the setup of your computer.
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Click the START button
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From the Start menu, select All Programs » Utilities » Symantec Client Security » Symantec AntiVirus
The Symantec AntiVirus dialog box appears.
Performing a Virus Scan
When performing a scan, it is possible to choose a specific drive, file, path, or folder to scan.
NOTE: Manually scanning computers for viruses on the UW-Eau Claire campus network drive (e.g., H: drive) is slow, takes up unnecessary time, may not catch many viruses and provides false positives (telling you there is no virus when there in fact may be one). LTS has provided good virus protection for the computers and a scan may not be necessary; however, scanning local drives (e.g., A: and D: drives) is successful.
Selecting a Drive: Local vs. Network
When choosing the drive you wish Symantec to scan, you have two choices: a local drive or one of the network drives. The network drives are campus-wide drives, such as the Dept Dir drive on the SGS2. Your local drives are accessible only from your personal computer or through your Windows profile.
Local drives include the following:
Drive |
Description |
|---|---|
| C: | Local Drive |
| D: (usually) | DVD-RW Drive |
| E: (usually) | CD-Rom Drive |
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From the Scan menu, select Custom Scan
OR
From the navigation bar to the left, under Scan click Custom Scan
The window refreshes with the drives present on your computer. -
Choose the drive(s) you wish to scan by selecting the checkboxes next to the drive letters.
A check mark will appear in the boxes you select. -
When you have selected the drives you wish to scan, click SCAN
Selecting Files, Folders, and Paths
You can use Symantec to scan a particular file, folder, or path.
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From the Scan menu, select Custom Scan
OR
From the navigation bar to the left, under Scan click Custom Scan -
Select the file(s), folder(s), or path(s) you would like to scan
A check mark will appear in the boxes you select.
HINT: Clicking the plus signs next to a folder expands your options. -
Click SCAN
Displaying the Event Log
Symantec provides an Event Log which presents you with a history of the program’s activities. You can also refine your search by using the Filter option to specify which virus activities will be searched.
Displaying the Event Log
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From the Histories menu, select Event Log
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To export the event log, click EXPORT
The Save As dialog box appears. -
Select the appropriate location and click SAVE
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When you are finished working with the activity log, click CLOSE
Displaying the Event Log: Filter Button
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From the Event Log dialog box, click FILTER EVENTS
The Filter Event Log dialog box appears.
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Select the events to display
A check mark will appear next to those events to be viewed. -
Click OK
Verifying Symantec Updates
Symantec is set up to update automatically but you may want to verify that Symantec has been updated recently.
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In the bottom right corner of the task bar next to the time, double click the SYMANTEC ANTIVIRUS icon
OR
From the Start menu, select All Programs » Utilities » Symantec Client Security » Symantec AntiVirus
The Symantec AntiVirus dialog box appears. -
To check the date when Symantec was last updated, under Virus Definitions File, next to Version, check the date
If it has not been updated recently, to manually update, continue with Updating Symantec.
Updating Symantec
Symantec is set up to update automatically based on the Symantec website which updates approximately every 9 days or so. The UW-Eau Claire computers check the Symantec website for updates every day but rely on Symantec's current virus detection. While using Symantec, it is important to understand how to update this program in order to protect your computer. Updating Symantec ensures that you have the most current virus definition files, allowing Symantec to detect the latest viruses to protect your computer. LTS suggests that you develop a routine to run this update often (e.g., bi-weekly). Also, if you have heard of a recent virus outbreak you may want to manually update Symantec.
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From the File menu, select LiveUpdate...
OR
Under Virus Definition Files, click LIVEUPDATE
The LiveUpdate dialog box appears.
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Click NEXT
Alert boxes will appear showing the updated components. -
After LiveUpdate is complete, from the LiveUpdate dialog box, click FINISH
