Standard Scan

[Maratom]

Hi:
 I'm new to AVAST, had it for only one day.
  I ran a standard scan, and when I read results of scan it stated: "Could not scan files"
   Am I doing something wrong?

[DavidR]

No, you aren't doing anything wrong.

Many programs (usually security based ones) password protect their files for legitimate reasons such as AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy, there are others (and avast doesn't know the password or have any way of using it even if it did know it).

When you run scans with the above programs and you delete harmful entries that they detect, a copy is kept (in quarantine/restore/backup) in case you need to reverse what you did. These are usually password protected, you should do some housekeeping and delete old backup/recovery/quarantine entries (older than two weeks or so), this will reduce the numbers of files that can't be scanned.

By examining 1) the reason given by avast! for not being able to scan the files, 2) the location of the files, you can get an idea of what program they relate to. You may need to expand the column headings to see all the text.

Files that can't be scanned are just that, not an indication they are suspicious/infected, just unable to be scanned.

[Maratom]

No, you aren't doing anything wrong.

Many programs (usually security based ones) password protect their files for legitimate reasons such as AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy, there are others (and avast doesn't know the password or have any way of using it even if it did know it).

When you run scans with the above programs and you delete harmful entries that they detect, a copy is kept (in quarantine/restore/backup) in case you need to reverse what you did. These are usually password protected, you should do some housekeeping and delete old backup/recovery/quarantine entries (older than two weeks or so), this will reduce the numbers of files that can't be scanned.

By examining 1) the reason given by avast! for not being able to scan the files, 2) the location of the files, you can get an idea of what program they relate to. You may need to expand the column headings to see all the text.

Files that can't be scanned are just that, not an indication they are suspicious/infected, just unable to be scanned.

    Thanks for the imformation. I just couldn't understand how over 180,000files could not be scanned.
        I'm still using archaic dial -up which can corrupt files if I run two updates at the same time.
         Before AVAST I was using AVG. I was running a media player up date, when AVG automatic update kicked in. It corrupted the files and I was never able to use AVG again. This is why I have to delete all automatic updates.
         For some reason or other I can't remove AVG from add/remove. Every time I click remove box will pop up stating that instillation failed. I'm going to leave it alone.
      I ran Avast scan again only to see unable to scan AR...
             Thanks again.

[DavidR]

If you can give some common examples of the files and locations of theses files that can't be scanned.

I suggest a google search for manual removal AVG antivirus and see what that brings. Or check the Grisoft site for a manual removal tool or instructions.

[Maratom]

If you can give some common examples of the files and locations of theses files that can't be scanned.

I suggest a google search for manual removal AVG antivirus and see what that brings. Or check the Grisoft site for a manual removal tool or instructions.

When I try to uninstall AVG I get this.

"C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free" failed.
        General failure.

[mauserme]

Download and run the AVG Installer, but choose the Uninstall Product option in the Select Setup Type dialog

http://www.grisoft.cz/FAQEN/02_inst/021_ws/02109.htm

[DavidR]

If you can give some common examples of the files and locations of theses files that can't be scanned.

When I try to uninstall AVG I get this.
"C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Free" failed.
        General failure.

The files I refer to are those that can't be scanned by avast not the error trying to uninstall AVG. Because you have not uninstalled AVG or remnants it is possible that these files might be password protected, but I can't see that resulting in 180,000 not being scanned.

I just couldn't understand how over 180,000files could not be scanned.
        I'm still using archaic dial -up which can corrupt files if I run two updates at the same time.

Though it is entirely possible that AVG is blocking the avast scan, so for the time being the priority is removing AVG than run the scan again.

Dial-up shouldn't result in corruption, just because two updates are in progress, just that it would take a long time as what lowly connection/download speed has to be shared. I use dial-up with none of these issues, though I don't update more than one program at a time (or at least try to avoid it).