Can Full Scan Run While Other Programs Running?

[black069]

Just a fairly straightforward usage question. When I run the (free) anti-malware scan, I always close all the other applications while the scan runs. But since I usually do a FULL scan of my entire hard drive, it usually takes about 40-45 mins. to run. I thought that during the installation, I had read something about closing all the other windows, running applications, etc. so that the scan could run more quickly as well as not having these other (open) applications interfere with the scan and/or not be included in the scan. But I checked out the site, including instructions and forum topics, and failed to see anything that mentioned this one way or the other.

So my question, then, is the following: Can I use my computer (eg browse the web; edit a word document) while my scan is running? Or it is recommended that we close all running applications and windows during the scan?

(Having used AVG, Avast, Avira, McAfee, SuperAntiSpyware, AdAware, Spybot S&D, etc., at various points during the last few months before deciding to stick with AVG-Free and Malwarebytes, they are all sort of blending together, so it is possible that I read that while installing another antimalware program.)

I could use my time more efficiently if I were able to run otherr applications while the scan is running, so I'll keep my fingerrs crossed.

Thanks!

[GT500]

It's always best to close all other applications when scanning for malware.

Also, to help speed the scan up, you can run something like ATF Cleaner to clear out your temp files and Temporary Internet Files.

[black069]

Thanks for clarifying.

Is CCleaner, which I currently use, pretty much on par with ATF Cleaner?

[exile360]

Yes, they're very similar and serve similar functions.

[GT500]

Yes, they're very similar and serve similar functions.

The difference is ATF Cleaner is just a tool to automate the process of clearing out temp files. CCleaner is much more advanced, and can perform many other functions.

[pgovotsos]

Does ATFCleaner work for Vista? When you run it, it says ATFCleaner for Windows XP.

Panagiotis

[GT500]

Does ATFCleaner work for Vista? When you run it, it says ATFCleaner for Windows XP.

Panagiotis

It's supposed to say "AFT Cleaner For Windows Vista" when you run it on Vista... Maybe they've changed it... No, a quick download and run shows it saying Vista in Vista...

[black069]

Allow me to be among the first to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. I'm spending mine alone, as my wife is in China (but is returning in a couple of days).

On the topic of file cleaners, I found what appears to be a reputable site compares and gives pointers on the use of the following applications:

• CCleaner
  
• ATF Cleaner
  
• Windows Disk Cleaner
  
• Cleanup!
  

In regards to CCleaner, they give the following advice:

It also has some additional options and tools that should be used only with great care, probably only with advice from an expert for a specific reason. Don

[pgovotsos]

It's supposed to say "AFT Cleaner For Windows Vista" when you run it on Vista... Maybe they've changed it... No, a quick download and run shows it saying Vista in Vista...

All I can say is on my macine it says Windows XP. Could it be because Vista 64 instead of 32? I downloaded it from the link provided above. Could there be 2 versions (XP & Vista)? Considering the layout differences between the two, I don't feel too comfortable letting it run.

Panagiotis

[GT500]

All I can say is on my macine it says Windows XP. Could it be because Vista 64 instead of 32? I downloaded it from the link provided above. Could there be 2 versions (XP & Vista)? Considering the layout differences between the two, I don't feel too comfortable letting it run.

Panagiotis

I am on Vista x64, and it says 'Vista' for me. Try going to the ATF Cleaner page, and click the red link to download ATF Cleaner. Maybe there's something cookie related that sends you a different file based on what version of Windows you are running...

[GT500]

Do not use the Clean Registry Option unless you are an experienced technical user. The damage can be irreversible and leave your computer unbootable and in a state that requires a reinstallation of Windows or even professional repair assistance.

I don't think I've ever seen a registry cleaner do this. Usually such warnings are paranoia. While I prefer TuneUp Utilities, I know a lot of people who use CCleaner, and I don't think I've ever heard anyone comment "Oh, CCleaner jacked up my registry".

All a registry cleaner does is look for dead entries that point to something that doesn't exist anymore. As long as your computer doesn't get shut off while writing to the registry, then nothing bad will happen.

[pgovotsos]

I am on Vista x64, and it says 'Vista' for me. Try going to the ATF Cleaner page, and click the red link to download ATF Cleaner. Maybe there's something cookie related that sends you a different file based on what version of Windows you are running...

I went to that page and what it says is:

"Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.

This program is for XP and Windows 2000 only"

I guess I'll take the writer's word and keep using CCleaner

Panagiotis

[exile360]

From the same page:

Notes for Windows Vista users:

On Windows Vista that "Windows Temp" is disabled, to empty "Windows Temp" ATF-Cleaner must be "Run as an Administrator"

Prefetch has been disabled on Windows Vista. As I'm not sure the effects that emptying prefetch on Windows Vista will have for the time being it I won't enable that function.

[GT500]

I went to that page and what it says is:

"Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.

This program is for XP and Windows 2000 only"

I guess I'll take the writer's word and keep using CCleaner

Panagiotis

They just didn't update the system requirements to include Vista. It works fine on Vista.

As far as CCleaner, it does everything ATF Cleaner does, and more, so go ahead and use it. ATF Cleaner is just a simple little tool to clear temp files, and is great if you don't have a another tool to do that with.