how to stop startup scans?

[shegeek72]

Before I start digging into my computer's innards (probably with autoruns) how can I stop computer startup scans? I've gone around the block with their 'chat support' to no avail. In configure/computer & files, virus scanning is set to off, virus protection is disabled. Under scheduled scan, enable scheduled scanning is off. I also have disabled McAfee in msconfig. Yet, a scan auto-starts everytime the computer starts. :mad:

my computer:
Acer Aspire 6920 laptop
Vista Home Premium X64
Intel Core2 Duo T5750
4 gigs RAM
250 gb HD

[exbrit]

Double-click the taskbar icon to open Security Center then click "About" (bottom right) - tell us the version numbers of all your installed products. You may have to hit the down arrow at the bottom right of the SC screen to see them all.

Are you storing emails in your inbox? Spamkiller (now Anti-Spam) scans you inbox at startup, so it is wise to move emails to tailor-made folders rather than store them there.

Are you positive that it is McAfee VirusScan that is scanning? Have you checked you Event Viewer in Computer Management to see if there is any clue there?

Disabling items in msconfig or Services can lead to failure and possible infection so it isn't a very wise thing to do.

[shegeek72]

Until I find out how to stop the scanning it stays disabled. Thanks for your help. :cool:

[exbrit]

Check for spyware using the free version of this tool: http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html

Try a cleanup and reinstallation.


1. Uninstall all McAfee programs through "Add or Remove Programs" in Windows "Control Panel".
2. Use the MCPR tool, see this article: How to remove supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MC... This will remove all McAfee remnants from your computer. (you must have Windows Vista, XP or 2000 SP4 to use this tool)
3. Launch Windows Explorer and delete all McAfee files in "Program Files" but especially in "C:\Document and Settings\<user>\Application Data" and "C:\Document and Settings\All Users\Application Data". You have to set Windows Explorer to show all hidden files and folders (Tools > Folder Options > View tab). Just delete the McAfee folders even if they are empty in all the "Application Data" folders. Can be more than one!
In Vista: C:\Program Files, C:\ProgramData and C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Roaming
4. Reboot and redownload/reinstall your McAfee products directly from your account at the McAfee web site, not from any CD that you may have.