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Below you will find detailed instructions to perform many of the tasks associated with virus protection on your computer. Please select your topic of interest from the menu located to the left, which will jump you to that section. Once there, you may print it using the 'print the following article' link located at the top of each article.


Am I Protected? | back to top | print the following articleClick here to print this article.  Please note this will open a new window

Virusscan's scanning engine is only effective in removing viruses when virus definition files are up-to-date. Ensure that your definitions (DAT) files are current by following the steps below:

  1. Click on Start - Programs - McAfee (older versions may be listed under Network Associates) and select Virusscan Console
  2. Select Help - About...
  3. The Created On date indicates when McAfee first published the update to the public. This is the best way to see if you are current. Generally, the updates are published weekly, every Wednesday at 4:00pm, but also at additional times as required.
  4. If your Virusscan software is not up-to-date, immediately Update your Virusscan


Installing VS 8.5 | back to top | print the following articleClick here to print this article.  Please note this will open a new window

You need to Register and Download the software before completing the following procedure. If you have not done this, please visit the downloads section of this site before continuing.

For Windows Vista, XP, 2000, 2000 Server, and 2003 Server
Important: Any other anti-virus software should be removed before installing VirusScan. While uninstalling VSE 8 or earlier is not required to install VSE 8.5, it is recommended that you uninstall previous versions and reboot your computer before installing VSE 8.5.


Installation Instructions:
  1. Double-click the downloaded VSCAN85.exe file to start the installer.
  2. At the McAfee VirusScan Enterprise Setup screen, click Next.
  3. At the McAfee Licensing screen, spill down the choices under the 'License Expiry Type' and select the Perpetual licensing option. Then select the 'I Accept' radio button at the bottom of the screen, and click OK.
  4. At the 'Select Setup Type' dialog box, leave the default radio button selected to indicate a 'Typical' installation, and then click Next.
  5. In the 'Select Access Protection Level' dialogue box, leave the default radio button selected to indicate 'Standard Protection' and click Next.
  6. At the 'Ready to Install' screen, click 'Install'.
  7. Wait at the Installing McAfee VirusScan Enterprise screen while the files are installed. A status bar will be displayed as shown so you can follow the progress of the installation.
  8. When the installation has completed successfully, click Finish to complete the installation. VirusScan will immediately proceed to run its AutoUpdate cycle to check for the latest virus definition (DAT) files. You will need to be connected to the Internet for this step to complete.
  9. At the 'Update in Progress' screen, wait for the process to finish. Status messages will be displayed in the window.
  10. Once the Updates are completed, you may click the button labeled Close or let it close itself once the timer reaches zero.
  11. At this point the installation process is complete. Your installation is pre-configured to automatically update itself daily, providing your computer is turned on and you have an internet connection. You can also obtain the updates at any time by clicking on the Viruscan icon on choosing 'Update Now..'
  12. Congratulations! You have successfully installed VirusScan Enterprise Edition 8.5!


Infection Removal | back to top | print the following articleClick here to print this article.  Please note this will open a new window

Viruses and worms can infect a computer instantly and usually without you even knowing!

Follow the instructions below to manually scan your computer and remove any known viruses, worms or Trojans:

  1. If you do not already have it, please be sure to download the latest version of the application and install it before proceeding.
  2. If you are running Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home, please disable the system restore feature then boot into safe-mode by right-clicking 'my computer', selecting properties, and going to the system restore tab at the top. Check off the box that says 'turn off system restore on all drives'. Otherwise, simply boot into safe-mode.
  3. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking by restarting your computer and repeatedly hitting the F8 function key at the top of your keyboard every half second. A black and white screen should appear. If a Windows screen appears, reboot your computer and repeat the previous step.
  4. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the menu presented and then select your Operating System (Windows XP, 2000, 98, ME) when prompted. You will now boot into safe mode. Be patient, it may take several minutes to load Windows. If you are unable to boot into Safe Mode, please call 862-4242 for assistance as a scan in "normal" mode may be futile.
  5. Click on Start - Programs - McAfee and select Virusscan Console

  6. Double-click Full Scan

  7. Click Start to begin the scan

  8. Once the scan is complete, click OK or Close to finish

  9. Depending on your disk drive size, this scan may take over 45 minutes to complete. Follow the on-screen instructions as they appear throughout the duration of the scan

  10. If viruses are detected, Virusscan will attempt to remove the infected files. If you encounter any difficulty in removed a virus or another error message, please contact the Help Desk at 862-4242

  11. If no viruses are found, the scan engine will display no viruses found and you may close the window
  12. Be sure to re-enable the system restore feature if you are running Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home at this time and plug the network cable back into the system. Otherwise, simply plug the network cable back in.
  13. Restart the system.



Updating VirusScan | back to top | print the following articleClick here to print this article.  Please note this will open a new window

Just having an antivirus software program installed is not enough to ensure you computer stays healthy. Updating your virus software on a daily basis is strongly recommended. When downloaded from this site, McAfee VirusScan is pre-configured to automatically check for and install new updates at 12:00pm, Monday - Friday when your computer is powered on and connected to the Internet.

If your computer is not powered on or connected to the Internet, the updates will automatically be downloaded and installed the next time your computer is powered and connected.

If you install a version of Virusscan from a CD or have an outdated version of Virusscan, you should manually update your software to the latest virus definition files. Follow the instructions below to manually update your McAfee virusscan software:

  1. Click on Start - Programs - Network Associates and select Virusscan Console

  2. Double-click AutoUpdate

  3. Click on Update Now to begin the update
    NOTE: Virusscan 4.x users click Run Now

  4. Once the update is complete, click OK or Close to finish


Uninstalling | back to top | print the following article

Instructions for removing VirusScan 8, 7.10, 4.5.1, and Virex can be found below. Please be sure to carefully read all instructions for your particular system before attempting any of the steps listed.

For Windows XP, XP Home, 2000, 2000 Server, and 2003 Server
Important: Any other anti-virus software should be removed before installing VirusScan. While uninstalling VS 7.0.0 or 7.1.0 is not required to install VS 8.0.0, it is recommended that you uninstall previous versions and reboot your computer before installing VS 8.0.0.

McAfee Antispyware Enterprise Module: When uninstalling McAfee Virusscan, be sure to remove the McAfee Antispyware Enterprise Module before Virusscan.

To uninstall McAfee Antispyware Enterprise Module:

  1. Click on Start - Control Panel
  2. Double-click on add/remove programs
  3. Find the McAfee Antispyware Enterprise Module and select by single-clicking.
  4. Click the Remove button, located to the right
  5. Once uninstallation is complete, proceed with Virusscan uninstallation following the same steps
  6. Reboot your computer before installing a new version of Virusscan

VirusScan 8 (Windows XP, 2000)

  1. Go to the control panel, by clicking Start, select Settings, click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs control panel.
  3. On the list of programs you will see McAfee VirusScan. (or another installed anti-virus product). Click on it to highlight it, and then click on the Add/Remove button. Follow the instructions on the uninstaller screen.
  4. Click Next, then Finish. If prompted to remove the shared components of McAfee's, you may click Yes to each of them.
  5. Restart your computer.



Running Stinger | back to top | print the following articleClick here to print this article.  Please note this will open a new window

If you are a Windows XP user, it is highly recommended that you turn off Windows System Restore before attempting to remove any viruses.

To turn off Windows System Restore
  1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
  2. Click the System Restore tab.
  3. Check the "Turn off System Restore" or the "Turn off System Restore on all drives" check box.
  4. Click Apply.
  5. Click 'Yes' when asked if you want to turn off System Restore.
  6. Click OK.
After you have finished checking for viruses, you should enable System Restore.

To boot into Safe Mode
(All Windows clients should operate in safe mode when attempting to clean viruses)
  1. Click Start.
  2. Shut Down.
  3. Choose Restart.
  4. While the computer is booting, hold down the F8 key.
  5. Choose 'Safe Mode' from the menu. If you login with a network account, choose 'Safe mode with Network Support' instead.

To run Stinger
  1. Double click the downloaded Stinger file, to bring up the following window.
  2. Before scanning, set the preferences by clicking the blue Preferences icon. Set your Preferences according to the following window, then click OK.
    (Note: This step will create a stinger.opt file, that can be deleted once you have finished using Stinger)
  3. Back at the initial screen, click Scan Now to execute a scan. Please wait while Stinger scans.
  4. If you need assistance with the results of a Stinger scan, please call the CIS Call Center at 2-4242.

To turn on Windows XP System Restore
(If you are a Windows XP user, you need to turn on Windows XP System Restore after removing the virus)
  1. Reboot the system in regular mode.
  2. Right-click My Computer.
  3. Click Properties.
  4. Click the System Restore tab.
  5. Uncheck the 'Turn off System Restore" or the "Turn off System Restore on all drives" check box.
  6. Click Apply.
  7. Click OK.



Windows/Office Updates | back to top | print the following articleClick here to print this article.  Please note this will open a new window

Installing Windows Updates

  1. Open Internet Explorer and select Tools - Windows Update.
  2. Click the Express button for High Priority Updates (Recommended).
  3. After Checking is complete, click the Install Updates button to proceed and begin the installation process.
  4. Updates are now being downloaded and installed.
  5. Once installation is complete, you may need to restart your computer.
  6. After restarting, you must repeat the above steps until there are zero Critical Updates left to install.

Once all Windows Updates are installed, you may setup your computer to automatically install and download any future updates. For more information, please continue below.

Windows Updates can be installed automatically when new updates are available. Installing Critical Updates on a regular basis dramatically lowers your chance of acquiring a virus or other malicious software.

Configure Automatic Windows Updates

  1. Go to the Start Menu and choose Run.
  2. Type Control and then click OK.
  3. For WIN 2000: Open Automatic Updates

    • For WIN XP Home: Open Performance and Maintenance - System - Automatic Updates.
    • For WIN XP Pro: Open System - Automatic Updates.
  4. Check Automatic (Recommended). Please choose a day and time to have Automatic updates begin.

Note: Your machine must be turned on at the time updates take place.
Installing Office Updates

  1. Open Internet Explorer and select Tools - Windows Update.
  2. Click on the Use Administrator options link located on the left hand menu (a new window will be opened - Office Admin Update Center)
  3. Click the Check for Updates link on the right. (If you are prompted to install the Office Updates Engine, select yes to continue)
  4. Now, Click the Check for Updates link in the Office Update section at the top of page.
  5. Do you see Internet Explorer's Info Bar displayed as shown in the picture on this page?

    1. If so, follow the two steps below to install the "Office Update Installation Engine" ActiveX control from Microsoft.
    2. If not, follow the directions on the Office Update ActiveX Control Failed to Load troubleshooting page.
  6. Once you have selected the updates to be installed, click on the 'Start Installation' button.
  7. Once installation is complete you may need to restart your computer.



Password Security | back to top | print the following articleClick here to print this article.  Please note this will open a new window

It is absolutely imperative that you set a password for the Administrator account in order to protect your computer. A common method of intrusion includes scanning for computers that do not have administrator passwords and are connected to an "always-on", high-speed network.

To create or change your administrator password, please follow the instructions below per your operating system:

Windows 2000 & XP Professional & Vista:

  1. Locate your My Computer icon (This icon may be located on your desktop or within your Start menu)
  2. Right-click on My Computer and select Manage
  3. Double-click on Local Users and Groups in the left-side menu
  4. Double-click on Users in the left-side menu
  5. Locate the Administrator or LocalAdmin account in the right-side menu
  6. To change the password, right-click on the administrator or LocalAdmin account and select Set Password
    Note: Be sure your new password is set as a strong password. Strong passwords are not based on dictionary words or common number sequences (i.e. 1234) and should contain a minimum of 2-3 symbols (i.e. $, #, *)
  7. Once your new Administrator or LocalAdmin password is set, reboot your computer.

Windows XP Home:

  1. Restart the computer
  2. Once Windows shuts down, start tapping F8
  3. From the menu, select Safe Mode and hit Enter
  4. The computer will boot. Click on the icon for Administrator
  5. Click on Start
  6. Click on Control Panel
  7. Click on User Accounts
  8. Click on the icon for Administrator
  9. Click on Create Password
  10. Type in your new password and confirm that password.
    Note: Be sure your new password is set as a strong password. Strong passwords are not based on dictionary words or common number sequences (i.e. 1234) and should contain a minimum of 2-3 symbols (i.e. $, #, *). Your UNH email password is an example of a strong password.
  11. Type a password hint
  12. Click Set Password
  13. Close all windows and restart the computer
    Note: If you are rebuilding a computer because it has been compromised, change all Administator passwords on the computer.


Up2Date Utility | back to top | print the following article

ePolicy Orchestrator (EPO)
As part of the University of New Hampshire’s security initiative, CIS is providing Network Associates ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO). ePO is an AntiVirus policy management system which keeps your antivirus software up-to-date, reports on virus activity, and enforces VirusScan protection and policies. CIS can deploy the latest version of VirusScan, instantly deploy the latest virus definitions (DATs), and find system vulnerabilities.

ePO consists of a client-based application designed to communicate with the ePO server on regular intervals to check for policy changes, DAT updates, and automate the deployment of new versions of VirusScan. In addition to VirusScan updates, the ePO agent can scan for specific Microsoft Windows vulnerabilities, allowing CIS to proactively close potential security vulnerabilities.

The ePO agent is provided free of charge to UNH faculty, staff and students whose computers or laptops reside on the campus network and have VirusScan installed.

System requirements:
-any system with Windows 2000/XP/Vista or Windows 2000/03 server

Once the agent is installed, the latest version of VirusScan will automatically install. Any upgrades or updates are transparent to the user, and the update will not affect their work.

If you are subscribed to both this service and the Ecora service and your desktop receives a virus, there will be no fee to clean your system if it is brought to the CIS Computer Service Center in Hewitt Annex. If you are interested in subscribing to ePO, please click here, or contact the CIS Call and Dispatch Center at 862-4242.

Ecora Patch Manager
As part of the University of New Hampshire’s security initiative, CIS is providing Ecora Patch Manager. This patch management software keeps your Windows operating system up-to-date with the latest patches. The University of New Hampshire has a BETA agreement with Ecora (www.ecora.com), which permits free licensing of Ecora Patch Manager for UNH desktops and servers in exchange for CIS system administrators testing beta software and providing feedback to Ecora. In addition, Ecora may ask clients running Ecora Patch Manager to provide feedback on the product. All Microsoft patches released are pre-tested by Ecora, which reduces the effort required by UNH staff to manually research and test patches prior to deployment. In the event an unforeseen conflict develops, the Patch Rollback feature automatically removes the selected patch.

The Ecora Patch Manager service is provided free of charge to UNH faculty, staff and students whose computers or laptops reside on the campus network.

System requirements:
-any system with Windows 2000/XP/Vista or Windows 2000/03 server

Ecora Patch Manager completely automates the entire patch analysis and remediation cycle, saving valuable time and keeping the IT infrastructure secure. UNH is taking advantage of this automation, and is offering this free service to any UNH faculty, staff, or student who wishes to subscribe. If you are subscribed to both this service and the ePO service and your desktop receives a virus, there will be no fee to clean your system if it is brought to the CIS Computer Service Center in Hewitt Annex.

If you are interested in subscribing to Ecora, please click here to signup for UNH's Automatic Windows Update program, or contact the CIS Call and Dispatch Center at 862-4242.


Up2Date Utility and Windows XP Service 2 (SP2) |back to top | print the following article


Ecora Patch Manager
Due to the mechanism Ecora Patch manager uses to push patches you will need to make slight changes to the Firewall built in to the new Windows XP SP2. In order for us to push patches, you must enable "File and Printer Sharing" in the exceptions tab in the Windows Firewall setting. To do this follow the instructions below.

1. Click on the "Start" button and select "Control Panel"
2. In the window that opens double-click on "Security Center".
3. When Security Center opens, click on "Windows Firewall" under "Manage security settings for:"
4. If the Windows Firewall is turned on, select the "Exceptions" tab.
5. In the "Exceptions" tab check "File and Printer Sharing" (if it is not already) and click "OK"
6. You're now ready to receive patches via Ecora Patch Manager.

ePolicy Orchestrator (EPO)
ePO is not affected by installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 and no further action is required.






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