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Resolved Question

Non-recognition of Anti-virus function of Avast

Dec 11, 2011 1:59AM PST

Why does McAfee not recognize Avast anti-virus when scanning my computer for security status?

Discussion is locked

RonBRea has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Just a quick note.
Dec 11, 2011 2:03AM PST

The prevailing advice is to use only one antivirus and one firewall.

More than one and you see issues. I fear there are no plans to fix having more than one installed at a time.
Bob

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RonBRea replies
Dec 11, 2011 2:21AM PST

Thanks for prompt response to my question. I am not sure of the installation of the McAfee function on my computer. McAfee seems to function only to inform me of the safety level of my computer.

The description of the program is "McAfee Security Scan Plus". The scan is completed in about 30 seconds. It seems to be a very limited scan to determine if I have security programs installed.

It's only functions seems to be
1. to determine if I have security risks and a Firewall (I always have no security risks and do have a firewall) and
2. to determine if I have an installed anti-virus program. (It always reports that I do not have an anti-virus program installed and reports that I should download McAfee).

My Free Avast requires a couple of minutes or more to run and it rarely finds and reports a virus or privacy problems. I wonder if more informed computer users are satisfied with Avast.

Ron

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I just wonder
Dec 11, 2011 3:20AM PST

if you installed this McAfee Security Scan Plus as a type of 'Add-on' to some other software you installed, for example I know that Adobe Flash updates often offer additional tools that you can either accept or op out of.

In fact that example is confirmed here; http://techie-buzz.com/softwares/mcafee-security-scan-plus.html

If so, then while these add-on options can be useful, often they are thought of as intrusions and, if I may say, sneaky, We don't always see the offer during the installation procedure, or in the case of Adobe, we don't often see the small option box on the web page, and more often than not, these options are already ticked and so they are not opt-in options but opt-out options. We have to opt-out if we don't want or require the extras, and that is what we miss.

What I am asking really is this. Did you specifically want this utility to help you manage the security of your system, or did you suddenly find it installed and so decided to use it? It's an important question because if you specifically wanted it, then fine. But if it was installed without your knowledge and you were, previously, satisfied with your computer's security regime, has this utility placed doubts in your mind?

And that leads to the same question in a different way. Are you satisfied with your existing security tools at present? If so why do you need this added tool?

You say that this McAfee utility doesn't seem to recognise your Avast anti-virus scanner. I assume you are using Windows, and if so, does the Control Panel > Security Center show Avast as installed? If so then I would personally trust Windows, and not this tool.

Mark

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Reply to MarkFlax
Dec 11, 2011 11:40PM PST

I did not request the McAfee utility and think that it may have been an add on that I did not opt-out. It does not provide protection and seems to be more of an attempt to get me to download McAfee and to distrust Avast.

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Yep, that is the thinking of many
Dec 12, 2011 3:46AM PST

These unwanted 'options' are often a nuisance, and the suspicion is that they are not included entirely for our benefit.

How to delete "McAfee Security Scan Plus"? My first bet would be to uninstall it from Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs, (XP, or Control Panel > Programs & Features for Vista and Win 7).

If this is not listed there, come back here and we will think again.

Good luck.

Mark

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Reply to MarkFlax
Dec 12, 2011 5:09AM PST

I will let you know if I am unsuccessful in deleting the McAfee program.

Ron