Is it more effective if I run an anti-virus in VGA mode, debugging mode, or any other mode?

Question

Is it more effective if I run an anti-virus in VGA mode, debugging mode, or any other mode to find hidden viruses etc.?

Answer 1

All VGA mode is turn off the driver for your video card so that if you installed the wrong driver and no longer have a picture, you can get the picture back. It would not increase the effectiveness of the virus scanner.



Debug mode only logs more error messages. Again, it would not help the virus scanner.



But there is a mode that might. That is Safe Mode.



When a computer runs in Safe Mode, only a handful of protected systems files needed to display the desktop are loaded. No drivers, services or other program files are allowed to load. This means that if you have a virus or spyware running on your PC, it would be prevented from loading. That means it can not interfere with a virus or spyware scan, and increases the chances that the scan can remove it.



But keep in mind that Safe Mode also does not load the virus or spyware scanner, so you have to manual run the scan once you have booted into Safe Mode.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Hi,

If you are scanning for viruses or spyware it doesn't help to be in Safe mode or any other mode. If your software can detect the bad thing it will.



The place where it does make a difference is the removal of the virus or spyware.



First attempt to quarantine or remove the offending program in your normal mode as soon as it is found. If you are not able to remove it, reboot into safe mode (hit the F8 key when booting) and choose Safe Mode. Rescan your system. Many times safe mode will not allow the virus or spyware program to fully load and integrate itself into your system, thus making removal easier.



After removal boot your computer normally and do another scan just to make sure you got rid of it.



If booting into safe modes does not allow removal, you may not have the right software to remove the offending virus or spyware. Try additional programs to see if they can remove the bad stuff. Sometimes the program can detect the virus, but is not able to remove it.



Hope this makes helps, Good Luck!



-Loren

Answer 4

Actually its safer to tell your antivirus software to run before your os actually runs. This will prevent any problems with removing the infected files. And it will stop the virus from spreading and attaching to other files. If your AV doesnt do this try one that does like AVAST! its free. just sign up for the free key. Good luck.

Answer 5

Safe mode actually. ~



Edit : I have a real time av program, but, guess what ? If it does not catch it, i have paid for mbam and sas on it. Basically, i never have to run anything,