I have been asked if Avast can be told to selectively ignore certain files if they are detected as viruses, but the user wants to keep them on the system. I can see there’s an exclusion list, but is there an easy way of telling Avast to ignore a virus and let the user use that file, if the user chooses to do so, and then set it to always ignore it?
No there isn’t, this has been discussed on a number of occasions and the feeling is that Alwil don’t want to make it to easy as a single accidental click could exclude a virus.
I wouldn’t recommend keeping detected files on the system unless that detection is confirmed as false by checking the offending/suspect file at: VirusTotal - Multi engine on-line virus scanner and report the findings here.
Then and only then if only avast is detecting it would I exclude the file and then you should send the sample to avast for analysis and correction of the VPS for the benefit of all avast users.
Indeed there are two Exclusion lists:
For the Standard Shield provider (on-access scanning):
Left click the ‘a’ blue icon, click on the provider icon at left and then Customize.
Go to Advanced tab and click on Add button…
For the other providers (on-demand scanning such as the screen-saver or the Simple User Interface):
Right click the ‘a’ blue icon, click Program Settings.
Go to Exclusions tab and click on Add button…
You can use wildcards like * and ?.
But be careful, you should ‘exclude’ that many files that let your system in danger.
Tech the key part of the question is, is there another easier way other than the exclusion list.
I can see there's an exclusion list, but is there an easy way of telling Avast to ignore a virus and let the user use that file, if the user chooses to do so, and then set it to always ignore it?I don't think so. Always ignore = Exclusion list. Ignore in this scanning (Home version) = Continue the scanning at the virus warning.