Ignore files

[hegedusa]

I have been asked if Avast can be told to selectively ignore certain files if they are detected as viruses, but the user wants to keep them on the system. I can see there's an exclusion list, but is there an easy way of telling Avast to ignore a virus and let the user use that file, if the user chooses to do so, and then set it to always ignore it?

[DavidR]

No there isn't, this has been discussed on a number of occasions and the feeling is that Alwil don't want to make it to easy as a single accidental click could exclude a virus.

I wouldn't recommend keeping detected files on the system unless that detection is confirmed as false by checking the offending/suspect file at: VirusTotal - Multi engine on-line virus scanner and report the findings here.

Then and only then if only avast is detecting it would I exclude the file and then you should send the sample to avast for analysis and correction of the VPS for the benefit of all avast users.

[Lisandro]

I can see there's an exclusion list, but is there an easy way of telling Avast to ignore a virus and let the user use that file, if the user chooses to do so, and then set it to always ignore it?

Indeed there are two Exclusion lists:

For the Standard Shield provider (on-access scanning):
Left click the 'a' blue icon, click on the provider icon at left and then Customize.
Go to Advanced tab and click on Add button...

For the other providers (on-demand scanning such as the screen-saver or the Simple User Interface):
Right click the 'a' blue icon, click Program Settings.
Go to Exclusions tab and click on Add button...

You can use wildcards like * and ?.
But be careful, you should 'exclude' that many files that let your system in danger.

[DavidR]

Tech the key part of the question is, is there another easier way other than the exclusion list.

<snip>
I can see there's an exclusion list, but is there an easy way of telling Avast to ignore a virus and let the user use that file, if the user chooses to do so, and then set it to always ignore it?

[Lisandro]

I can see there's an exclusion list, but is there an easy way of telling Avast to ignore a virus and let the user use that file, if the user chooses to do so, and then set it to always ignore it?

I don't think so.
Always ignore = Exclusion list.
Ignore in this scanning (Home version) = Continue the scanning at the virus warning.