scheduled virus scan

[fedexguy247]

Can anyone tell me how to schedule a weekly virus scan using avast4 Home Edition?  I was unable to get this done using Windows Task Scheduler.  The program will open at the scheduled time, but I cannot begin a scan automatically like Norton's Antivirus.

[Eddy]

Create a batch file that runs ashCmd with the switches you want and schedule that batch file to run with the tasksheduler.

Avast Pro has the abillity to schedule scans build in.
There has to be differences between a free and a paid version

[lee16]

Also boot time scan cannot be done on win9x

only win2000/xp

--lee

[fedexguy247]

How do I create a batch file?  It may be something that I have done before, but just don't remember.

[Eddy]

A batch file is basicly a text file with the extension .bat and has code/commands in it you want it to perform. Let's say you want to open www.google.com with Internet Explorer using a batch file. The line in the batch file would look something like:

c:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe www.google.com


Here are two sites with help/explanation on batch files.

http://www.computerhope.com/batch.htm
http://www.ericphelps.com/batch/

[Lisandro]

How do I create a batch file?

You can make a link to C:\Program files\Alwil Software\Avast4\AshQuick.exe

To make 'Windows macros', ie, simulate mouse clicks, programs run, etc., try a look into AutoIt (see 'Links' on my signature). I could not found any better application than it to make 'automated' procedures.

But, like Eddy said, the automated scannings are only in Professional version. It's very easy there  

[Your Fuzzy God]

Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of how I schedule scans with Avast 4 Home.  These scans are not really necessary since Avast is constantly protecting your machine; however, you can never be too safe.  

I am running Windows 2000, so the walkthrough might differ slightly on your PC.


To schedule a scan with Avast 4...

-Go To Scheduled Tasks
     Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Scheduled Tasks

-Click Add Scheduled Task

-Browse to your Avast Directory (it should look something like...)
     C:/Program Files/Alwil Software/Avast 4/

-Click on ashQuick.exe

-Choose how often you would like to perform this task (I scan weekly) and click next

-Choose the time/day/date etc. of when you would like the scan to occur and click next

-Enter your logon password.  If you do not have a logon password, just click next.

-Check the Open Advanced Properties box and click Finish

-Under the Run Command Line, after the quotes, type c:
     It should look something like...
     "C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashQuick.exe" c:
     This tells Avast scan the C: drive

-Click OK and Retype your password if necessary