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How to Run a Full System Scan with Norton
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
NortonScanSecurityAnti-virusProtectionPCMacMalwareSoftwareDetectionThreatsSystem
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Running a full system scan with Norton antivirus software is an essential task for maintaining your computer's security and optimal performance. Norton provides robust protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and other online threats. This comprehensive guide will take you through the steps to perform a full system scan on your computer using Norton, as well as explain the various features and options you have within the software. Whether you're tech savvy or a beginner, this guide aims to make the process easy to follow.
Understanding the importance of system scans
A system scan is a thorough examination of your computer's files, folders, and memory to identify any potential security threats. Viruses and malware can significantly weaken your system, resulting in data loss, leakage of personal information, or system malfunction. By running a full system scan, you can identify and remove these threats, keeping your computer safe and running efficiently.
Prerequisites for running a full system scan
Before you begin the full system scan, make sure Norton is installed and activated on your system. You will also need an active Internet connection to allow Norton to update its virus definitions, which are important for identifying new forms of malware. Make sure your computer is connected to a power source to prevent it from shutting down during the scan, as the full system scan may take some time.
Step-by-step guide to run a full system scan
Step 1: Start the Norton software
First, find the Norton icon on your desktop or in your system's Start menu. Click the icon to launch Norton. If prompted, log in to your Norton account using your credentials. Once the software dashboard opens, you will find various options related to system security.
Step 2: Update Norton
Before running a system scan, it is important to ensure that Norton is updated with the latest virus definitions. This step maximizes the scan's efficiency in identifying new threats. On the Norton dashboard, you should see an option labeled "Live Updates" or "Check for Updates." Click on this option and let Norton download the necessary updates.
Step 3: Initiate full system scan
After updating, you can now start a full system scan. On the main screen of the Norton dashboard, look for the "Scan" or "Security" section. Clicking on this section will show various scan options, including "Quick Scan", "Full System Scan", and possibly "Custom Scan". For our purpose, select "Full System Scan".
Step 4: Understand the scan progress
Once you start the full system scan, Norton will begin checking your files and folders. On the screen, you will see a progress indicator showing how much of the scan has been completed, the number of files scanned, and any potential threats detected. Norton may allow you to pause or stop the scan if needed, but it is advisable to let the scan complete without interruption.
Step 5: Reviewing the scan results
When the scan is complete, Norton will display a report of its findings. This report will include all threats detected and the recommended action for each. Norton usually provides options to fix, quarantine, or ignore threats. Quarantined threats are isolated from your system until you decide to remove them permanently.
Step 6: Follow the recommended actions
It is imperative to follow the actions suggested by Norton. If Norton suggests fixing or removing a threat, let it do so immediately. For quarantined items, you can decide to delete them if they are unimportant. Always make sure that no important system files are listed before deleting or else seek further information.
Tips and best practices
To increase your computer's security using Norton Antivirus, consider these tips and best practices;
- Scan the entire system regularly: It is wise to scan the entire system regularly. This helps catch any threats that may have been missed in real-time scanning.
- Stay updated: Regularly check for updates and keep your Norton software up to date to ensure it can protect your system from the latest threats.
- Scan USB drives: When using external drives, make it a habit to scan them for any potential threats before accessing them.
- Be careful online: Avoid downloading files or clicking on links from untrusted sources. This can greatly reduce the risk of your computer being infected.
Understanding Norton's features
In addition to full system scans, Norton offers several other features that contribute to the security of your computer:
- Quick Scan: This is a fast scan option that focuses on the areas most commonly targeted by malware, such as memory and system folders.
- Custom Scan: Allows you to selectively scan specific files or folders.
- Real-time protection: Continuously scans files as you open them, immediately reducing the risk of infection.
- Firewall protection: Monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking potential threats.
Troubleshooting common problems
Sometimes, you may encounter some problems when running a full system scan. Here's how to deal with some common problems:
- Norton won't open: Restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, reinstalling the software may help.
- The scan is taking too long: Check for any resource-intensive background processes and close unnecessary applications to increase the scan speed.
Conclusion
Performing a full system scan using Norton Antivirus is a fundamental step in maintaining your computer's security and performance. Following the steps outlined will help ensure that your system remains free from harmful threats. Staying informed and vigilant about your system's security while using the powerful tools within Norton will help protect your data and privacy effectively. Get in the habit of running regular scans and follow best practices for online security to maintain a safe computing environment.
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