Malwarebytes use

[Jeffrey42]

Hi all, I'm new in here so please forgive me if this has already been covered, not in the correct place or if I'm the only idiot that can't figure it out on my own. I couldn't find it anywhere though. I just started using Malwarebytes and I have the "extremely technical" question: How often should I set it to run? Is a daily flash scan and a weekly full scan enough? to much? or does it matter?

Also, so far everything is working as it should, no problems to report.

[daledoc1]

Hello and welcome to MBAM, Jeffrey42:

I assume you are using the PRO version of MBAM?

Many of us use an hourly update (with a flash scan) and a daily quick scan schedule.

Full scans are not necessary on a routine basis -- they are mostly used when cleaning up malware traces after removing an infection.

If you are new to MBAM, you might find additional helpful info about how to use the scheduler in the FAQ - Section O.

And, in order to optimize system performance, you'll want to be sure to set the reciprocal exclusions/permissions between your AV and MBAM. Instructions for many of the popular AV products can be found in the FAQ. Or post back if you need help with this.

HTH,

daledoc1

[Jeffrey42]

Thank you for the info. Yes I am using the Pro version and it seems to be working very well. I reset the schedule like you said. The hourly updates and flash scan and a daily quick scan. When I was reseting the update schedule I noticed there is settings for realtime, hourly, daily, etc. What is the realtime setting? (i'm just wondering). You also mentioned something about my Antivirus program. I am using McAfee Total Protection and the two, Malwarebytes and McAfee, seem to be getting along fine. I haven't had any problems with them blocking each other or freezing during updates or anything. Is there something I need to check? Again thanks for the help.

[daledoc1]

Hi, Jeffrey42:

Thanks for the update.

Glad everything is working well for you.

I noticed there is settings for realtime, hourly, daily, etc. What is the realtime setting? (i'm just wondering).

Honestly, I have no idea. In fact, I hadn't noticed that particular option in the menu. I would assume that it means what it says, but I'm not sure exactly HOW it would work for MBAM to be updating in "realtime".

I'm afraid we'll have to wait for someone more expert to weigh in.

You also mentioned something about my Antivirus program. I am using McAfee Total Protection and the two, Malwarebytes and McAfee, seem to be getting along fine. I haven't had any problems with them blocking each other or freezing during updates or anything. Is there something I need to check?

Not necessarily, especially if everything seems to be working smoothly.

That said, it is generally recommended that one set the reciprocal permissions and exclusions between MBAM and one's AV, to minimize potential conflicts or performance issues.

Here are the steps for McAfee Total Protection:

Set Exclusions for Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware in McAfee Total Protection 2011:

1. Open McAfee and click on Navigation in the upper right hand corner.
   
2. Click on Firewall located under Features.
   
3. Click on Program Permissions and wait for the list to populate.
   
4. Click the Add button and then click browser.
   
5. Add the following files to the firewall with full access:
   Note: On 64 bit Windows versions these files will be located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
   
   • C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe
     
   • C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamservice.exe
     

[*]Click OK

[*]Close the McAfee main window and restart your computer.

Set Exclusions for McAfee Total Protection 2011 in Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware:

• Open Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and click on the Ignore List tab
  
• Click the Add button on the lower left
  
• In the small browse window that opens, navigate to C:\Program Files and click once on McAfee and click OK.
  
• Click the Add button on the lower left
  
• In the small browse window that opens, navigate to C:\Program Files and click once on McAfee.com and click OK.
  
• Click on the Add button on the lower left
  
• In the small browse window that opens, navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files and click once on McAfee and click OK.
  Note: For 64 bit Windows versions these folders will be in C:\Program Files (x86)
  
• Close Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  

Hope this helps!

daledoc1

[Jeffrey42]

I think i've got it. By the way my computer has those same files in a program files folder and program files(x86) folder. Should I add them both? I'm not trying to be a bother but the program files (x86) folder also contains a folder for McAfee Online Backup, McAfee Security Scan and McAfeeMOBK. should I include these also? Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

[daledoc1]

I'm not entirely sure, but the online backup is not an AV, so I don't think it's necessary to exclude it.

IIRC McAfee "Security Scan" is NOT actually part of your AV suite (MTP). Rather, it's one of those little, standalone scanners that sometimes comes bundled with other software (such as Adobe Flash Player and Reader), and it gets installed if you don't untick the box to opt-out. I'm pretty sure you can just uninstall that whole program, as it is redundant and superfluous. Or just leave it alone, if you're not using it.

Not sure what McAfeeMOBK is -- haven't used McAfee products for quite some time.

So, I guess if you've added the exclusions for the actual McAfee Total Protection and for MBAM, and if everything is working OK, you should be good to go.

No sense fixing something that isn't broken.

If one of the experts thinks otherwise, I'm sure they'll let us know.

Best regards,

daledoc1

[Jeffrey42]

I have added the folders to Malwarebytes ignore list and the two lines to McAfee's Firewall to grant full access to Malwarebytes. I think all those other folders are part of the McAfee online backup which is now part of McAfee's total protection package. They are trying to market it stand alone I think. It's one of those things that is free for a year. Then you have to pay if you want to keep it. I don't use it because I have a couple of terabyte exteranl drives that I use for backup. (I have a backup drive and then a backup for the backup) As far as the McAfee security scan thing. You're right it got installed when I downloaded another program. I have never used it. I need to go through and clean out some of the "free" stuff that comes already installed on computers anyhow. I think I have everything done correctly now. I really do appreciate your time and help. I'm almost afraid to say it but everything seems to be working right and getting along good.

Thanks again;

Jeff

[noknojon]

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Thank You -

[daledoc1]

Thanks, noknojon.

I had not heard of that program before. Looks like a handy tool.

daledoc1

[Jeffrey42]

Thanks for the info, I'll have to check that one out. I usually do try to keep an eye open for those "bonus" programs when I'm downloading something. I also try to watch out for the ones that want to change your homepage. But sometimes I don't see the check mark and one gets downloaded by accident anyway. That is how I wound up with so many McAfee programs. You buy one of their programs and wind up with five.

thanks;

Jeff