FAQs with Symantec AntiVirus / SEP11
Uninstalling Symantec on UTA Asset
Uninstalling Symantec on Personal Machine
Checking your Virus Definitions
Please familiarize yourself with some of the steps you need to take before installing Symantec software on your computer.
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Make a backup of your system and files before installing new software to avoid loosing any important data should the system crash during installation.
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SEP 11 can be installed directly over SAV versions 8.0, 9.0, and 10.x. If your current version is 7.x or lower, you must uninstall your antivirus software before installing version the latest version.
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If you have any other antivirus software, you must remove it first. If there is no uninstall utility for that program, you can go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and use the Add/Remove Programs feature to uninstall the program.
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Windows XP Security Center checks your computer's antivirus protection among other things. Antivirus security is determined by whether the antivirus software is installed and whether the definitions are up to date. Older versions of antivirus software may not register with the security center and you may receive a message that your computer is at risk.
Uninstalling Symantec on UTA Asset
If your machine is a UTA asset, more than likely you have a managed installation of Symantec. You will not be allowed to uninstall the software and will be prompted for a password. This will require an assistance of a technician and you will need to contact our Help Desk.
Uninstalling Symantec on Personal Machine
You should be able to uninstall Symantec by going to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. If you have installed the wrong version of Symantec software, you will be prompted for a password. If so, please contact our Help Desk.
For any other issues, please consult the Symantec website - Symantec.com. Symantec has instructions for manual removal of the older versions of software.
Checking your Virus Definition Dates
Virus definitions are released as often as once a day and if the definitions are more than a month out of date please contact the Helpdesk. Older managed installations of SAV may not notify you that the definition is out of date. In this case you have an out of date managed installation and your antivirus software must be reinstalled. If the LiveUpdate button is grayed out, you have an out of date managed installation and your antivirus software must be reinstalled.
To schedule a recurring virus scan in Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP):
- From within SEP, click Scan for threats and then Create a New Scan.
- In the Create a New Scan - What To Scan dialog box, select one of
the following types of scan to schedule:
- Active: Scans the areas of the computer that viruses and security risks most commonly infect. (Completes in 1-2 minutes) Click Next.
- Full: Scans the entire computer for viruses and security risks. (Includes network drives; this may take an hour or longer to complete.) Click Next.
- Custom: Scans the selected areas of the computer for viruses and security risks. (Allows you to select which drives, folders, or files are scanned.) If you select this option, click Next and select the locations that you wish to scan
Click Next twice.
- Choose from among the scheduling options. OIT recommends weekly scans. Click Next.
- Name your scan, type a description, and then click Finish.
Additional Related Links:
What are my options for updating the virus definitions?