Division of Information Technology

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VirusScan 8.7i

Contents

About VirusScan / Installation Notes

  • McAfee's VirusScan Enterprise 8.7i is a commercial anti-virus software product that has been site licensed for distribution to the San Francisco State University campus community.
  • The installation and use of this software is restricted to current SFSU faculty, staff and students.
  • VirusScan Enterprise 8.7i has been configured for home use. This configuration is not appropriate for LAN servers or managed LAN workstations. E-mail helpdesk@sfsu.edu for assistance with obtaining the installer for server and LAN installations.
  • For security reasons you should have the most recent Windows Service Pack installed even though VirusScan Enterprise 8.7i can run under an earlier service pack.
  • McAfee's retail VirusScan package uses different, usually higher, version numbering than the enterprise package. Only the interface is different, not the ability to protect your computer.

Requirements

Hardware

  • Intel Pentium or Celeron processor running at a minimum of 166MHz or a Pentium II processor running at a minimum of 350 MHz
  • 32 MB of RAM 128 MB RAM (minimum) for a Pentium or Celeron processor running at 166 MHz; 256 MB RAM (minimum) for a Pentium II processor running at 350 MHz
  • Minimum 240 MB free disk space for a complete installation of all VirusScan Enterprise features and components

Software

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home and Professional SP1, SP2 or SP3 OR
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP4 OR
  • Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 5.5 or higher

NOTE: A computer that just meets the above requirements will run with VirusScan installed, but very slowly. DoIT recommends a minimum of:

  • Windows XP with SP3 or later and 512MB RAM, OR
  • Windows Vista with SP1 and 1GB RAM.

Obtaining VirusScan

VirusScan can be obtained via download. You will be required to enter your SF State ID number and e-mail password as proof that you are currently a student, faculty, or staff member at SF State.

 

Download

NOTE: These instructions assume you are working on the computer where VirusScan will be installed. If you can't (e.g., you connect to the Internet via the SFSU modem pool) it is possible to download the file to a flash drive or other removable media on a computer that has an adequate connection and then run the installer from the flash drive/removable media.

  1. Log into an administrative account.
  2. Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet.
  3. Launch your web browser and visit the SFSU Anti Virus page.
  4. Click on the Download VirusScan 8.7i button.
  5. Enter your ID number in the SF State ID: field of the Download Software page that opens.
  6. Enter your e-mail password in the SF State Password field.
  7. Select the appropriate answer from the "Will this software be installed on a state-owned computer" dropdown.
  8. Click on the Login button.
  9. Follow your browser prompts to save the program, vscan87.exe, to your computer in a location you will be able to remember.
  10. Exit your web browser when the download has finished.

Installing VirusScan

  1. Log into an administrative account. If you downloaded VirusScan, log into the same administrative account used during the download.
  2. If you are running any applications save your data and close them.
  3. Uninstall any other anti-virus programs you may have installed including earlier versions of VirusScan. Most programs can be removed via Add/Remove Programs/Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
  4. Start the VirusScan installer by double clicking the downloaded vscan87.exe file.
  5. A VirusScan 8.7i Enterprise Edition window will open specifying the restrictions of the SFSU site license agreement with McAfee. Click OK if you are a current student, faculty, or staff member. Otherwise click Cancel.
    Restrictions Warning
  6. If you clicked on OK the installation will start automatically. Be patient as you may not see anything for a moment or two, especially on slower computers.
  7. When you see the McAfee VirusScan Enterprise Setup window with information about the installation read the information then click Next to continue to the McAfee Licensing dialog window.
  8. Licensing:
    • If you are installing VirusScan onto your personally owned computer leave the License expiry type set to 1 Year Subscription.
    • If you are installing VirusScan onto a computer owned by San Francisco State University change the License expiry type to Perpetual.
    Liscensing Info
  9. Read the License Agreement, select I accept the terms in the license agreement, then click OK.
  10. If you have a previous version of VirusScan installed you will see a Previous Version Detected window. Click Cancel. Uninstall the previous version of VirusScan then start over.
  11. When prompted to Select Setup Type select Typical. Click Next. Setup Type Dialog
  12. When prompted to Select Access Protection Level select Standard Protection. Click Next. Protection Level Dialog
  13. In the Ready to install window, click Install. Installation may take several minutes.
  14. When installation completes verify that Update Now and Run On-Demand Scan are unchecked. Click Finish.
  15. Restart your computer.
  16. Do a manual update to insure that VirusScan is using the most current virus definitions and scan engine (See the section Manually Updating VirusScan 8.7).
  17. NOTE: We highly recommend running an On-Demand Scan in Safe Mode (see Additional Actions) in case your computer is currently infected with a virus.

Manually Updating VirusScan 8.7i

VirusScan is set to automatically update at the following times:

  • When you log in to your account. (If you are not prompted to log in when your computer starts then you are automatically being logged into your account.)
  • At approximately 12:30 PM.
  • At approximately 12:30 AM.
  • When you make a dial-up modem connection.

Computers with the following connection types will not be able to complete an automatic update and must be updated manually:

  • Home computers with a DSL Modem where you run an application to make a PPPOE connection. The application is usually supplied by the company you make the DSL connection through (e.g., WinPOET).
  • Laptops making an on-campus wireless connection using a Web browser.
  • Computers using the SFSU Modem Pool.

NOTE: VirusScan update files are too large to download over the SFSU dial-up connection (connection will time out before download is able to complete). If you use SFSU dial-up you will need a computer with another connection type and a flash drive/other removable media to complete your updates.

Internet Update

Your computer must be connected to the Internet prior to starting a manual update.

  1. Log into an administrative account.
  2. Save your data and then close any open applications.
  3. If you are not already connected to the Internet, connect to the Internet now.
  4. Right-click on the VirusScan icon located on the Windows task bar and select Update Now...

    5. Update Now Window
  5. VirusScan will look for new virus definitions and scan engine. Wait until the status shows Update Finished then click Close. This can take hours if you use a dial-up modem to connect to the Internet. Be patient.
  6. You may be asked to reboot your computer. If so, click Yes to reboot your system.

Flash Drive/Other Media Update

  1. Insert your Flash drive or other media into a computer with an appropriate Internet connection.
  2. Open a Web browser and navigate to the McAfee SDAT site.
  3. Click I Agree when presented with the contract agreement.
  4. Select the SuperDATs tab.
  5. Click the most recent SDAT name (will end in .exe) to begin the download.
  6. Follow the browser's instructions to save the file to the Flash drive/media.
  7. Eject the Flash drive/media and insert it in the computer where it will be installed.
  8. Open the Flash drive/media and double click on the saved file.
  9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Known Issues for Outlook Users

Outlook users changing VirusScan versions may encounter the following error:

The Add-in "Outlook Scan" (C:\Program Files\McAfee\VirusScan Enterprise\Scanotlk.dll) cannot be loaded and has been disabled by Outlook. Please contact the Add-in manufacturer for an update. If no update is available, please uninstall the Add-in.

To resolve this issue do the following:

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Right-click the Windows Start button and select Explore.
  3. Copy and paste the following into the address bar at the top of the Explorer window:
    %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\
  4. Press Enter to open the folder.
  5. Delete the file extend.dat from the folder (this file will recreate itself, you will not lose any data).
  6. Close the Explorer window.
  7. Re-open Outlook.

Documentation and Manuals (McAfee)

VirusScan Enterprise 8.7i Product Guide

VirusScan Enterprise 8.7i Installation Guide

We recommend downloading at least the Product Guide as a reference.  Learning how VirusScan works and what its settings mean will make it a more useful tool to fight viruses.  You need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to read these guides.

Additional Actions

We recommend you run a complete scan of your hard drive at least once a month.

To be most effective against active viruses you should boot your computer into Safe Mode prior to running the complete scan of your hard drive.

To boot into Safe Mode and Perform a Complete Scan:

  1. Restart your computer and hold down the F8 key until the Start Up Options screen appears.
  2. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode when prompted at the bootup menu.
  3. Click on Start on the Windows taskbar then select All Programs > McAfee > VirusScan On-Demand Scan
  4. In the On-Demand Scan Properties window click on the Start button.
  5. If the scan detects a virus you should follow the Virus Removal Instructions.
  6. When your hard disk has been scanned the window will close and you should reboot your system.

Troubleshooting

VirusScan has three features that can potentially conflict with other applications.

  • Access Protection:  There are several types of programs used by viruses that can be restricted by VirusScan.  The default settings only allows specific mail clients to send mail.  This helps stop viruses with built-in mail capabilities from spreading.  If you use a very unusual mail client it may be blocked from sending mail.  Read the section on Access Protection in the VirusScan Product Guide for instructions on adding your mail client to the list of allowed mail clients.
  • Buffer Overflow Protection:  Buffer overflow attacks use a particular type of programming error in Windows or specific applications (e.g., Internet Explorer).  Some software firewalls also provide buffer overflow protection.  If both the firewall software and VirusScan are protecting against buffer overflow attacks at the same time they will conflict with each other.  If you have a firewall or other application that provides buffer overflow protection then you must disable it in either VirusScan or the other application.  Neither Windows XP nor Windows Vista's built-in firewall provide buffer overflow protection so it will not cause a conflict.  If you use any other software firewall you should read its manual carefully to determine if it provides buffer overflow protection or not.  Read the Buffer Overflow section in the VirusScan Product Guide for instructions on disabling buffer overflow protection.
  • Unwanted Program Policy:  This is similar to software that protects against malware (popups, adware and spyware) but it only protects against roughly one hundred fifty of the worst malware applications. Dedicated anti-malware software such as Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware can find and remove thousands of malware applications.  However, VirusScan's protection is active in real time.  Spybot only provides partial protection in real time and the free version of Ad-Aware doesn't provide real time protection at all.  It's possible, just as it is with all anti-malware applications, that it will "protect" you against an application you want.  If this happens to you read the Unwanted Program Policy section in the VirusScan Product Guide for instructions on making your application an exception .

If you encounter errors installing VirusScan 8.7i, first remove it by using the Add/Remove programs icon in the Control Panel and then reinstall VirusScan 8.7i. If this does not work do the following:

  1. Remove VirusScan using the Add/Remove programs/Programs and Features icon in the Control Panel.
  2. Use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the C:\Program Files\Network Associates folder and the C:\Program Files\Common Files\Network Associates folder.
  3. Reinstall VirusScan 8.7i using the instructions provided in this document.

If you still cannot install VirusScan, contact DoIT's Help Desk at 415-338-1420 or go to ADM 110 for help.

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