Is it the best idea, and will it be more effective to find more viruses and more malicious things, if I start my computer in SAFE MODE while running my normal virus/spyware/registry scans?
2007-06-30 08:33:07 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
no it it not a good idea because alot isn't loaded in safe mode so whats the chances of the virus not loading? besides virus are active while you are online unless its already spread badly unless you are on a cable modem you cant be online in safe mode without problems
2007-07-04 19:00:40 · answer #1 · answered by Lacey S 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When a computer is started in safe mode, it only loads the absolute minimum of files needed to run Windows. No drivers or other programs are loaded. This will present any viruses, spyware, etc that is on your PC from being able to load. That allows your scanners to do a better job of removing anything it detects. If a virus or spyware is running, some of its files may be "in use" and thus protected from being deleted by Windows itself.
2007-06-30 15:38:12 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is sometimes needed to REMOVE a piece of stubborn malware in Safe Mode.
In general, Windows does not allow the deletion of files when they are in use. However, Safe Mode will only load a minimum amount of drivers and services to run Windows, giving removal a better chance.
To access Safe Mode, reboot then repeatedly press the F8 key at the first screen. The screen will look strange, but don't panic. This is normal in Safe Mode.
When finished removing that pest, reboot again to return to normal mode.
This is generally only necessary when an anti-malware program cannot successfully delete some threat.
2007-06-30 15:59:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I concur with the exhaustive and fantastically-detailed answer from Anish D. He should get a 'best answer' nod.
Except I will differ from him in one particular: You don't need to run registry cleaners. They're a fraud. If you're really worried about your registry don't rely on these tools to help you fix what could in fact, be a serious problem. The tiny loose-ends and minor errata cleaned by Registry Cleaners are NOT worth the prospect of killing your registry!! They can easily do more harm than good.
Benchmark tests show that your registry is not going to slow down noticeably, by *not* using these programs. So don't worry.
Otherwise, Anish D gave you awesome info and deserves much praise. Some of the links may be out of date but it's still an excellent overview.
2007-07-08 12:14:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I suspect that I have a virus what I do is reboot into safe mode with networking. If you go into regular safe mode many of the programs will not run. By going into safe mode with networking you can search safely and run most programs. Good Luck!
2007-07-08 14:38:04 · answer #5 · answered by ScottB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Running a Virus scan in SAFE MODE will 99.9% of the time get rid of the nasties.
2007-06-30 15:37:14 · answer #6 · answered by Linux Mint 11 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Short answer YES safe mode is better! but scheduling a boot time scan is the most effective and preferred method~ it should be in the virus scan options says schedule a boot time scan ... poof done~
2007-07-08 14:00:28 · answer #7 · answered by The Thinker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes i am agree with you and we in our shop always virus scan in safe mode. it is very effective to remove or disinfected the virus.
khalid
2007-07-07 01:29:25 · answer #8 · answered by miankhalidnawaz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No real difference, and probably better in normal because some things are turned off in safe mode.
2007-06-30 15:36:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
yes your choice is good.
this is because in safe mode memory is free from any graphics.
2007-07-07 09:06:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋