Confused about scan types

[ptoye]

I'm not sure what the exact difference is between the "Threat" and "Custom" scans. I note that on my machine a "Threat" scan takes about 15 mins, and a custom scan on my C: drive over a hour, so the former obviously isn't a thorough as the latter. So what else is the Custom scan doing, please?

[daledoc1]

Hi:

 

The different types of scans were renamed in version 2, and it has caused a bit of confusion.

"Flash" is now "Hyper"
"Quick" is now "Threat"
"Full" is now "Custom"

Hyper scan is available only to paid, PREMIUM users and is not routinely needed or recommended -- if anything is found, a subsequent Threat scan will be needed anyway.
THREAT scan is the most important and most useful scan -- it is the one that ought be run on a regular basis (daily is the default setting now in 2.0).
Custom depends on what drives, folders and files are selected -- routine use of a "full" system scan is neither necessary nor recommended, as it's a task better suited to your antivirus.

As far as scan times, version 2.0 is more powerful and more thorough than version 1.x.
Scans may take a bit longer -- that is normal and nothing to worry about.
Leaving antirootkit (ARK) scanning disabled and disabling archive scanning can shorten scan times a bit.

There are many other system factors that contribute to scan times.

ALSO, for additional information:
There is an FAQ Section here: Common Questions, Issues, and their Solutions
And here are links to the MBAM 2.0 User Guide: Online and PDF
And there are many useful KB topics and videos at the helpdesk support page

 

Thanks,

[ptoye]

Hi:

 

The different types of scans were renamed in version 2, and it has caused a bit of confusion.

"Flash" is now "Hyper"

"Quick" is now "Threat"

"Full" is now "Custom"

Hyper scan is available only to paid, PREMIUM users and is not routinely needed or recommended -- if anything is found, a subsequent Threat scan will be needed anyway.

THREAT scan is the most important and most useful scan -- it is the one that ought be run on a regular basis (daily is the default setting now in 2.0).

Custom depends on what drives, folders and files are selected -- routine use of a "full" system scan is neither necessary nor recommended, as it's a task better suited to your antivirus.

Thanks for the help. Yes, it is a bit confusing.

 

I regularly use MSE to scan for malware, but occasionally I use MBAM as an extra precaution, and got a bit worried when the "threat" scan only took 15 mins!

 

So far I've had only one infection in the last 10 years, and want to keep it that way, Or all the infections are getting in under the radar.

[daledoc1]

You are most welcome.

 

Please note, just to be clear, MBAM Free is only an on-demand, manual scanner. It does not protect against infection, as it can only attempt to remove an infection that is already on the system.  The paid, PREMIUM version will help to PREVENT infection from getting on to your computer in the first place, which is a much more effective strategy.  IMHO as just another home user, the few $ spent for a license for a robust, real-time antimalware program, such as MBAM Premium, is well-spent, and much cheaper than the cost to recover or replace a system severely damaged by malware.

 

Since you mention MSE, I probably would be remiss if I did not alert you to the fact that is no longer considered a sufficiently robust option for realtime anti-virus protection, even by Microsoft.

http://lifehacker.com/microsoft-admits-that-third-party-antivirus-is-more-eff-1441135677

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/509818/microsoft-allegedly-now-recommends-you-use-a-third-party-antivirus/

http://www.howtogeek.com/173291/goodbye-microsoft-security-essentials-microsoft-now-recommends-you-use-a-third-party-antivirus/

 

I would suggest that you consider changing to a stronger option.  There are many good products, both free and paid.

The appropriate choice for any system and user will depend on many factors.

But here is a pinned topic with some suggestions and some additional resources: List of well known antivirus products

 

Cheers,