Answers > Does an Antivirus Program Have a Better Chance of Detecting a Virus if It Has a Boot-Time Scanner?

The_Wee_Ham August 17, 2010 at 7:31 pm

It depends on the type of virus.

Many viruses “hide” from windows once it is running and therefore boot-time scanners can find them more easily. That said, windows needs to partially start before the boot-time scanner can run. To be honest, good virus scanners are very sophisticated and should be able to detect viruses even if they are running on the computer actively when it scans.

The Reaper August 17, 2010 at 7:40 pm

I don’t think it will, it might only slow your computer down because a scanner takes a lot of loading time. Once the anti-virus runs at the windows startup this will slow your computer down, if you use a good anti-virus it can detect any virus easily, so there’ll be no boot time scanner needed. If you think you have a virus which your scanner doesn’t detect you can check it for yourself very easily.

Most virusses connect to the internet so if you close any programm that makes internet contact like msn, skype etc. etc. wait 5 minutes ( this is essential because your computer needs time to close the programms in its memory ) , then go to start -> run -> cmd -> netstat,
count the amount of tcp’s, if it’s under 6 or 7 you are not infected, if it’s higher well, wait a bit and repeat the step again. If it remains the same I think you should look for another anti-virus.
I hoped I help a bit

coolvicky August 17, 2010 at 8:12 pm

yes,cause some viruses cannot be deleted in windows.
it is a wonderful feature.

pack4an August 17, 2010 at 9:08 pm

i think it do and thats why im glad i use Avast its the best to me

Giedrius August 17, 2010 at 9:38 pm

Not necessarily. On boot scanner helps against some rootkits (aka processes that hide themselves from system) or trojans that try to disable antivirus scanners. Against most of other infections it is nor worser nor better.

Neal S August 17, 2010 at 9:56 pm

Yes No doubt about it
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