Looking for a free virus scan tool

[Link19]

DOes anyone know of an up to date tool that can scan files for viruses? I mean something that is most effective at catching viruses in files on your non-OS drive. It seems that almost all virus removal tools I find just remove viruses that are implanted in Windows opertaing system registry or system files. A simple format and clkean reinstall gets rid of any of those type of viruses.

WHat I am looking for is a tool that detects any files (like files you download online and save to a different HDD) that are infected with a virus.

Any up to date tools I can download that do just that?

 

[TGS]

Avast ye matey, arrrhhh.

 

[Link19]

Originally posted by: TGS
Avast ye matey, arrrhhh.

So, the avast free self scanning utility does a good job at detecting any files on your PC that may contain a virus, and it doesn't just scan for and detect all those Windows 2000/XP system startup and registry worm variants like Blaster, Sasser, Beagle, and etc...?

Because those worm variants are easily gotten rid of by a format and clean install of Windows XP w/SP2 and all updates slipstreamed.

 

[pennylane]

I prefer antivir over Avast. Check here.

Both are full anti-virus software packages just like Norton or McAfee or whatever. Except they're both free. You probably can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Link19]

Originally posted by: fanerman91
I prefer antivir over Avast. Check here.

Both are full anti-virus software packages just like Norton or McAfee or whatever. Except they're both free. You probably can't go wrong with either one.

I'm looking for a self scanner utility, not a full anti virusd resident software package. That, I already have. I just want to do a great and detailed scan of all files on my system after I do a format and reinstall of Windows.

 

[pennylane]

Originally posted by: Link19

Originally posted by: fanerman91
I prefer antivir over Avast. Check here.

Both are full anti-virus software packages just like Norton or McAfee or whatever. Except they're both free. You probably can't go wrong with either one.

I'm looking for a self scanner utility, not a full anti virusd resident software package. That, I already have. I just want to do a great and detailed scan of all files on my system after I do a format and reinstall of Windows.

Both can do that (I'm sure AntiVir can at least). I've done full scans before. Schadenfroh says AntiVir has a better detection rate so I use that one.

 

[mechBgon]

Log on as an Admin-class user, fire up Internet Explorer, and try some free web-based scanners.

 

[TGS]

Are you looking for a virus scanner, port scanner, or malware scanner?

Virus scanners check each and every file for virus like attributes attached to each.

Port scanners should show you if you have any open ports that could be used in an exploit

Malware is for finding hidden logging software, or hijack software. Typically not found by virus scanners. IIRC.

 

[Link19]

Originally posted by: TGS
Are you looking for a virus scanner, port scanner, or malware scanner?

Virus scanners check each and every file for virus like attributes attached to each.

Port scanners should show you if you have any open ports that could be used in an exploit

Malware is for finding hidden logging software, or hijack software. Typically not found by virus scanners. IIRC.

I'm looking for the first one you mentioned that checks each and every file for any virus attributes. I want something you can run without installing it.

 

[TGS]

Perhaps something like these?