I am using Win XP SP2. Using Avast! 4.6. When doing a thorough system scan, the process seems to stall for several minutes every time it encounters very large media files (sometimes several gig in size). The result is that the scan seems to take forever. I have lots of big captured video files (.omf) and DVD disk image files (iso, .nrg etc). Is there a way to exclude such files and is it wise to do so?
Welcome Jim1913,
Is there a way to exclude such files
right click the avast “A” ball (next to your system clock) > program settings > Exclusions.
and is it wise to do so?
This is up to you, you need to make a decision based on your system security etc.
You can still right click scan the files manually if there on the exclusion list anyway.
–lee
Thanks very much for the reply.
What I meant to ask (and didn’t make clear enough) is whether it is possible to globally exclude from the scanning process a particular media file extension type e.g. .avi, .omf, .mpg. .iso, .nrg etc. I have two big drives devoted largely, but not exclusively, to big captured video files. I could exclude these drives using the exclude path facility you mention, but I also have video files on other drives as well. It would make better sense to exclude certain types of file extensions rather than whole drives because there are also other files on the media drives as well as video file which probably do need checking.
Yes it is as Lee told you.
It is also explained in the help file.
I suggest you read that and make yourself familiar with Avast and the settings/options it is offering the user.
Many thanks again for your replies. I think that AVAST! is an excellent programme. I have no complaints, only a question.
I have the feeling that it is not me who misunderstands the programme settings in AVAST!, but the people who reply who are misunderstanding (or evading?) the question I am asking.
Let me re-state the question: is there a setting in the programme that, for example, allows one to exclude all .mpg files on all drives on a given computer from scanning? Yes or no?
Yes there is as you have been told several times already.
Go to settings/exclusions/browse and check all the files you don’t want avast! to scan . Or add *.mpg to the exclusions list to exclude all the .mpg files.
I don’t think anyone is trying to evade your question, several have shown you where you may exclude files, folders, partitions or HDDs. You would need an entry for each different type of media you want to exclude.
What would make your job easier is organising your HDD, Partitions or Folders so you only need to exclude one or two folders or a partition, rather than each media type.
That is the exact info I needed–many thanks SDED.
Of course it would be best if we did not have to mess about excluding media file types in the first place. I have never had this problem before with other AV scanners. Hope this problem gets fixed in the next release. I am going to offer my services as a beta tester as a gesture of gratitude.
Hey, Einstein–I am talking to you Eddy–you were a new user once upon a time. Remember? Some advice to you–if you have nothing helpful to say, try minding your own business. And stop making irritable comments that deter new users from clarifying issues.