New to Avast, can't scan some files

system · 2015-11-04T20:45:54.000Z

Hello.

I’m new to Avast. I’ve read through the forum and haven’t found a satisfactory answer to my question. Avast found 4 infected files on my computer and deleted them, but it said there are 205 files it was unable to scan for some reason. I have no clue what these files are, because it doesn’t say. I’ve tried clicking on it to open a window or something telling me what they are, but it isn’t working. I see no other way to figure this out.

Also, I rescanned several hours later and it now says there are only 194 files it can’t scan. It’s possible it’s because I cleaned up my download folder and put some things in the trash, but wouldn’t it still scan the trash? (I haven’t deleted the trash yet.) Can someone please help me? How do I figure what those files are so I can scan them?

Also, once Avast finds infected files or malware, etc., how should I handle it? Is deleting the best option, or quarantine? (I don’t even see a quarantine button)

Thanks bunches.

Eddy · 2015-11-04T21:36:12.000Z

https://blog.avast.com/2014/02/28/how-do-i-handle-files-that-avast-cant-scan/

system · 2015-11-04T22:27:00.000Z

I’ve already read that page, but thank you for trying to help me.

So I watched this video about “your guide to avast 2015” and the program there looked very different from the version I have. I have the free version for mac. But even the main page looks different. I have no “smart scan” function either. What’s up? Do I have a valid copy?

Eddy · 2015-11-04T22:55:17.000Z

Don’t thank me.
The man with that huge gun standing behind me is forcing me ;D

Most video’s show avast for Windows.
avast for mac is with some things (slightly?) different.

I’m not a mac tech, but it can very well be that smart scan is only in the Windows version.

I can’t tell by the info you have provided till now if you have a valid copy or not.
The location from where you got it can tell a lot.
Just some legitimate download locations:
https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Mac-Security-2015/3000-2239_4-75451160.html
http://avast-2015.en.softonic.com/mac

And for the files that couldn’t be scanned…
I would not worry about it if you don’t experience problems with the system.
The amount of files on a system vary all the time.
As you said, cleaning up things, putting things in the trash…
Temporary files that are there when needed and (automatically) removed when they are not needed anymore and such things.

Also, once Avast finds infected files or malware, etc., how should I handle it? Is deleting the best option, or quarantine?

I recommend quarantine. The reason for this is that it is always can be a false positive. If it is you can place the file back from the chest. If after e.g. 2 weeks everything is still working as it should, you can delete the file(s) from the chest. If the file(s) really are harmful, they can't/won't do any damage at all if they are in the chest.

system · 2015-11-04T23:23:12.000Z

Thanks for all the info. It was helpful and is greatly appreciated.

I’m pretty sure I downloaded either from cnet or the avast.com website. Anyway. Maybe I’ll reinstall it or something, just to be sure.

Eddy · 2015-11-04T23:50:05.000Z

You’re welcome.

Only thing I can (and did) is providing information with the knowledge I have.
Nothing more, nothing less (as they say)

I don’t have any indication at all that you don’t have a legitimate version.
If you have downloaded through a browser…
Almost(?) all browsers have a place where you can see the downloads.
I would check there (if possible) to see where you got avast from.
If it is CNet or avast, you don’t have to worry if you have a legitimate version or not.
You will have one.

Just some suggestions…
Go through the settings and look at them.
Learn what they are about, what they do etc.
It may become handy to know these things.
I find this a good practice for all software.
Sure, it will cost you (some?) time to do so, but it can prevent problems

system · 2015-11-05T04:47:47.000Z

How can I tell from the browser where I downloaded from? I tried looking, and I don’t see how to do it. I think I’ve done similar in the past, but I forgot how I did it, and now nothing is working. I looked in my history, and it looks like it came from this page,

https://www.avast.com/en-us/free-mac-security

It seems like a real page. I think where I downloaded it.

Eddy · 2015-11-05T10:47:02.000Z

Check your browser for something called “downloads”.
Almost all browsers have a list with things you downloaded.
Look for something from avast.
You may have to select the file to see more details about it (size, download location etc)

But as I said, I have no indication at all that your version is not legitimate.
Don’t worry.

system · 2018-09-08T15:48:35.000Z

Hi, i have a problem with quick scan. When scan is about 80%, its stops and stays in 80% with hours. Why is that?

Mac · 2018-09-09T01:33:54.000Z

vladobg1 post:9:

Hi, i have a problem with quick scan. When scan is about 80%, its stops and stays in 80% with hours. Why is that?

Hello!

Do you use the Time Machine backup feature? There have been cases where the scans take quite longer than usual going through the large number of files on such drives.

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