Symantec AntiVirus (SAV) client scanning for hours

Symantec AntiVirus scans take too long (hours) to complete. When you try to view them at the History screen, you are unable to do so.

 

Solution:
A solution that works in these cases is to delete the log files in the Logs folder. This folder's location will depend upon the Operating System in use. When you delete the log files, you will also "lose" any Event log, Virus History, and Virus Sweep History as well. This will have no effect on the operations of Symantec AntiVirus.

---

---

Show Hidden files and folder option

For Windows 2000/XP users to see the Application Data folder, you will need to turn on the Show Hidden files and folder option.

1. Open My Computer.
2. From the Tools menu, click Folder Options, and then click the View tab.
3. Under Advanced Settings, click to select the Show hidden files and folders check box.
4. Click OK.
   

top of page

---

Log File Locations and Deletion

Before you install Symantec AntiVirus, uninstall any existing anti-virus software on your Windows computer, including previous versions of Symantec AntiVirus and LiveUpdate.

1. Exit Symantec AntiVirus if it is open.

2. Open the following folders to access the Logs folders.
        Windows 2000/XP:
             C:\
                 Documents and Settings
                       All Users
                           Application Data
                              Symantec
                                  Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition
                                        7.5
                                           Logs
        Windows 9x:
             C:\
                 Program Files
                     Norton AntiVirus
                           Logs

3. Select all the files in the Logs folder and delete them.
4. Close the folders. If you had tuned on the Show hidden files and folders, you should re-hide the hidden files and folders.
5. Restart the computer.
   
   NOTE: If your Symantec icon in the lower right still has a yellow alert, download the daily update to SAV.

---

Download and Install the Daily Symantec Intelligent Updater

1. Go to the following web address:
         http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/defs.download.html
2. Scroll down. In the list of products, select the version of Symantec AntiVirus for which you wish to download the Intelligent Updater.
   * NOTE: College of Ag Sciences users should select "Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition."
3. Click Download Updates.
   * A list of virus updates will display. DO NOT download the .XDB version. This is the first downloadable file listed. Scroll down to the second file lists. It should end in .EXE.
4. Click on the yyyymmdd-version-x86.exe file link (where yyyymmdd-version indicates the date and version of the definition file).
5. Click Save.
6. Choose where you wish to save the file. Click Save.
7. The file will download. In the Download Complete dialog box, click Open.
   * This will launch the definition's installer.
8. Click Yes.
   * The Updater will run.
9. When the Updater has finished, click OK.
   * You may delete the yyyymmdd-version-x86.exe file from your computer if desired.
10. Restart the computer. The yellow alert should not be displayed.