I’m a relatively new user of Avast personal anti-virus.
Why can’t I scan “archive files” - is that a feature of only the paid version? Also, is there anyway to schedule scans with the free version instead of having to run them manually?
Many thanks for any help.
Gail
Hello and Welcome to the forums 
Both versions of avast! can scan archive files. Archive scanning can be enabled when starting the scan - after choosing the scan sensitivity, check the option “Scan archive files” in the scan options window 
Well, scheduling scans is only available in the Pro version of the program.
You can scan archives as XMAS said, you just have to select them (see image, I assume you are using the Silver Panel skin), personally I think the risk from archives is low.
Archive (zip, etc.) files are by their nature are inert, you need to extract the files and then you have to run them to be a threat. Long before that happens avast’s Standard Shield should have scanned them and before an executable is run that is scanned.
Check this work around out - HOWTO: Scheduled Automatic Scans avast! Home Version!
The major disadvantage with the task scheduler trick of using ashquick.exe is, it will scan every file of the hdd, partition, folder or file that you set it to scan; even those files not considered a potential threat, this can take a long time. It is possible to add certain folders to the exclusions list for say your media files, etc. This could leave you vulnerable if that folder got infected as it wouldn’t be scanned by the on-demand scanner as you have excluded it.
The Pro version gives a lot more flexibility and the scan would follow the settings and exclusions, etc. of the regular scan.
With the different levels of protection of and the fall back of the Standard Shield, I find the need for daily scheduled scans lessened. I prefer to do a manual scan with my regular weekly maintenance tasks.
Many, many thanks, XMAS, and DavidR. I really appreciate the info you gave me.
Peace,
Gail
You are welcome
Glad we could help Gail, welcome to the forums.
Stick around and browse the forums, especially the sticky topics at the top of each of the forums. They provide a wealth of information to help you get the best from avast.
Thank you, again! And thank you for the heads up on reading the sticky topics, DavidR; I will do that.
With appreciation,
Gail