How To Use Windows Defender and Virus Scan

Windows Defender

Windows Defender is a free anti-spyware available those who are running genuine Windows XP or Vista. This is integrated into Windows to help provide a safer environment. Definitions are available from Microsoft by running Windows Update. 

To use Windows Defender properly you should schedule scans of your hard drive about once a week and also update the definitions.

1. Install Windows Defender using the recommended settings, and then launch it from the start menu.
2. To set the automatic scan time choose Tools and then Options.
3. In the automatic scanning choose the time, day, and type (A daily and full system scan will add more protection and keep you more secure).
4. In the Default Actions section choose remove for both High and Medium alerts, and quarantine for Low alert items.
5. Leave all other options at the defaults, and save your settings.
6. If you wish to invoke a manual scan Open Windows Defender and choose Scan from the top menu.  If you want to scan a certain destination or folder you suspect to be infected click the arrow next to scan and do a custom scan.

Windows Defender Errors!

Windows Defender was released as a beta for Windows XP and Windows 2000, and expired on December 31 2006.  This means that some users receive a Windows Defender error when they start their computer.  To correct this error you must first uninstall the beta version of Windows Defender and then install the final copy available from microsoft.  It is important that you uninstall the old version before installing the final version to prevent problems.  Because Windows 2000 support was discontinued in July 2005 it is not possible to obtain a final version of Windows Defender for that operating system.  Windows Defender is only supported for Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center, and Windows Vista.

Virus Scan 8.0i

Virus Scan 8.0i is provided to all Ripon College students who use the Windows Operating System and is configured to not need user intervention, but it is still capable of on-demand scans, updates and other features.

To access the Virus Scan Console you can use either the start menu or the task bar.  In the task bar right click on the V-Shield and choose Virus Scan Console.  From the Start Menu choose All Programs > Network Associates > Virus Scan Console.

 

 

Manually Update

To manually update the virus definitions you can either use the Virus Scan console or the V-Shield.  On the V-Shield right click and choose Update Now.  In the Virus Scan Console right click on AutoUpdate and choose start.

Virus Scan

To start a scan of your computer you again can choose to use the V-Shield or the Virus Scan Console.  Right click on the V-Shield and choose On-Demand Scan to start a manual scan with the V-Shield.  To use the Virus Scan Console you can right click on the “Scan All Fixed drives” and choose start.

 

If you find a virus on your computer you will get a screen similar to the one pictured below, but don't fret because they can be removed and your computer restored to good health.

 

To remove the viruses highlight them then go to Detection and select Delete.  Then restart your computer and rescan it using the steps above to check and ensure that it is gone.  If you still are having trouble please call the Student Helpdesk at x327.