On-Demand Scanning

On-demand scanning refers to the process of explicitly scanning a file or directory for viruses. An on-demand scan is typically initiated at a scheduled time. When an on-demand scan is initiated, Powertech Antivirus processes all of the files in the specified directories for viruses and provides a report of scanning activities.

On-access and on-demand scanning can be run simultaneously. Any user can use the avscan command, but you must have *RX authority to files in order to scan or otherwise see them. You can clean or quarantine files without *RWX authority, but will not be able to view the folder including the files. For this reason, it is recommended that full system scans be run by a root user.

To scan the file system for viruses and malicious code, you can use HelpSystems One or the avscan command. See avscan command for a the list of avscan options.

WARNING: Prior to scanning, ensure you have acquired the latest virus definitions from McAfee (see Updating Virus Definitions). If you attempt to scan without updating to the latest virus definitions, Powertech Antivirus will perform the scan, but without the code required to identify the latest threats.
NOTE: To use on-access scanning, see On-Access Scanning.

On-Demand Scanning with HelpSystems One

To use HelpSystems One for On-Demand Scanning, first install HelpSystems One with the HelpSystems One PTAV Service, and connect the endpoints you intend to scan. See the Powertech Antivirus Installation Guide for details on installing and connecting HelpSystems One, and adding endpoints.

To run On-Demand scans using HelpSystems One

  1. Open HelpSystems One and choose Powertech Antivirus. From the Navigation pane, choose Configurations. Review the On-Demand Configurations to confirm one exists that you want to use for your scan. See Configurations page. To add a new On-Demand Configuration, choose Add > On-Demand Configuration and define one to meet your requirements. (See New/Edit/Duplicate On-Demand Configuration pane).
  2. On the HelpSystems One Navigation pane, choose Endpoints.
  3. Ensure the virus definition DAT files are up-to-date on the endpoints you want to scan. See Updating Virus Definitions.
  4. Use the check box to the left of the endpoint listing to specify the endpoints you want to scan. Additional buttons appear on the top of the page with a yellow background.
  5. Click Run Scan. The Run Scan page appears.
  6. For On-Demand Configuration, select the desired Configuration and choose Run to run the scan. If you would like to change the Configuration settings prior to running the scan:
    1. Make the desired Configuration changes.
    2. Click Save and Run. The Save Configuration page appears. The new settings will be saved as an additional Configuration, or will be overwritten.
    3. Change the name. If you do not change the name, you will be prompted to overwrite the chosen Configuration with your new settings.
    4. Click Save and Continue to save the new Configuration and run the scan.