Verifying You Are Running the Latest Version of McAfee VirusScan Software and Virus Definitions

Virus definitions are the anti-virus component of McAfee VirusScan that must be updated each time a new virus threat has been identified so VirusScan can protect you. McAfee also refers to them as the DAT file. Each version is identified by a number, such as 4319. Your software can be configured to update them automatically, but occasionally you may learn of a new virus threat earlier than your auto update feature will run, in which case you should update them manually.

Verifying/Enabling Automatic Windows McAfee VirusScan Updates

To verify your Windows McAfee VirusScan software is automatically being updated with the latest virus definitions, or to enable automatic updates to your anti-virus software:

•   Click on Start, Programs, Network Associates, VirusScan Console.

•     Find AutoUpdate in the list of Descriptions.

•  Right-click on AutoUpdate, and click on Properties.

•  Click on the Schedule tab.

•     Verify the Enable box is checked: if the Enable box is not checked, click on the box to turn it on.

•     Verify the software is set up to run daily: if the Daily button is not on, click on the button to turn it on.

•     Verify the updates are running at your preferred time: if they are not, click on your preferred time or  click on Enable Randomization to allow updates at random times.

•     If you have updated your VirusScan configuration, click on OK to save your changes.

Manually Updating McAfee VirusScan Virus Definitions

To manually update your virus definitions in McAfee VirusScan:

•   Click on Start, Programs, Network Associates, VirusScan Console.

•   Click on Task, Update Now to initiate the update

•   Click on the Close button after receiving the "Update Finished" message.

Verifying Your Computer Is Free Of Viruses

If the version of McAfee VirusScan that is recommended for your operating system is installed on your Windows computer, you can verify your computer is free of viruses at any time by doing the following:

•   Click on Start, Programs, Network Associates, VirusScan.

•      Click on Scan Now to scan your computer for viruses.