Multiple antivirus program questions

[humdrummer]

Two questions.

I've installed 2 antivirus programs onto my computer. I want one to be used as the primary running program, while the other to be an on demand scanner/remover only.

So, first, how do I shut down Avast completely and have it run only when I want to open it?

Second, when I'm running Avast, is it sufficient to just disable all the shields under Real Time Shields in order to prevent any type of conflict with the second antivirus program, or do I need to disable any further features?

Thanks.

[galooma]

as I understand Avast wont install properly as a secondary . What program are you using as your primary?

Bit defender once had a free option which worked as on demand only but beyond that I think you will have problems.

good luck

[alghorabaaa]

Don't install two antivirus to avoid any conflict ...

[humdrummer]

Don't install two antivirus to avoid any conflict ...

I heard that running 2 antivirus programs at the same time can create conflicts, but is this still the case even if one is an active program while the other is simply used for on demand scanning?

as I understand Avast wont install properly as a secondary . What program are you using as your primary?

Bit defender once had a free option which worked as on demand only but beyond that I think you will have problems.

good luck

What were the problems associated with running Avast as a secondary?

[galooma]

the problem with trying to install avast is that it will detect the other program in the installation phase and stop. It is designed to do this .
 Much better to have secondary scanners like MBAM os SAS as their free options are on demand only and designed to compliment an antivirus.

good luck

ps: here is a link to the BD free option that is on demand only http://www.filehippo.com/download_bitdefender/

[Pondus]

Two Antivirus programs
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?s=f8637b12b57e824a2213067504948337&showtopic=260844&view=findpost&p=1441638

Multiple Antivirus Apps on One PC?
http://tech.yahoo.com/blog/null/39904

Clash Of The Antivirus Apps
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/2003/s1407/38s07/38s07.asp




So if you want a second opinion, use an online scanner or in the cloud scanner like HitmanPro
Hitman Pro 3 - Second Opinion Malware Scanner http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

Hitman Pro offers you a Free Scan for a second opinion. It is designed to check if your security measures work. If nothing is found (and we sincerely hope so), then you will never need a license. When a virus is found, then you will receive a free 30-day license to remove the threat.

[norel]

avast! was really designed to run as a resident scanner rather than on demand. You can shut down all the processes but it's complicated and I'm still not sure if that would prevent a conflict. Alwil used to have instructions for shutting everything down in the Knowledgebase but I don't know if it's still there. I know it's been discussed before in the Forum if you feel like tracking it down.

[DavidR]

There would still be low level drivers loaded even if you disabled resident scanners and it is these that hook the files so they can scan them, these low level drivers can still conflict and at worst lock your system.

avast is designed as a resident antivirus scanner and I would suggest that you should leave it that way and use a specific on-demand AV as secondary or use on-line scanners as a second scan means.