After running a scan, the report said archives could not be scanned because they were protected by a password. I have no passwords installed on my computer - what does this mean and how do I fix it? Thanks
You might not but other applications do.
See http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=35347.msg297170#msg297170 this topic for more information on why files can’t be scanned.
Files that can’t be scanned are just that, not an indication they are suspicious/infected, just unable to be scanned.
So other programs could have passwords? I am using a new laptop and have not installed passwords on anything - Thanks for your help David.
As I told you it has nothing to do with you setting passwords, did you read the information in the link I gave ?
That tells you that some security programs protect ‘their’ files or quarantine, what you have to do is see if the program and location might be one that would be legitimately protected, as in the information on the link I gave.
You could also provide some examples of common programs/folders where these are located.