Thank you for purchasing McAfee« VirusScanÖ software, a powerful and advanced system designed to detect, eradicate, and prevent computer viruses. VirusScan will help you protect one of your most important assetsù
the information on your personal computer or local area network.
VirusScan includes two main programs:
1 The Scan program detects known viruses in your computer's memory or on disks. It can also detect new and unknown viruses. Once viruses are detected, it can remove them and restore your system to normal operation. The Scan program comes in two forms:
1 A graphical interface so that you can select commands and options using a mouse and keyboard, if you like.
1 A command line interface, so you can run the program and select options by typing from a command prompt or from batch or script files, if you prefer.
1 The VShieldÖ memory-resident program continuously monitors and -protects your system from viruses that might be introduced.
The VirusScan programs run on IBM-PC or 100% compatible personal com-puters (PCs) that use DOS, Windows, or OS/2.
VirusScan is an important element of a comprehensive security program that includes a variety of safety measures, such as regular backups, meaningful password protection, training, and awareness. We urge you to set up and comply with such a security program in your organization. For tips on how to do this, see "Other sources of information" in this chapter.
How to use this manual
This manual will help you get VirusScan running quickly and properly on DOS, Windows, and OS/2 systems.
1 All the key information is in Chapter 2, "Don't skip this chapter." Please don't install VirusScan before reading it, even if you are a PC power user or already familiar with Scan. Installing and using VirusScan is not like using other software.
The rest of Chapter 1, "Welcome to VirusScan," describes the programs and files on your VirusScan disk, system requirements, how to register, and how to get help.
Chapter 3, "Using interactive Scan," describes how to use the graphical version of Scan in Windows, DOS, and OS/2, including scanning your system, cleaning your system, and selecting scanning options.
Chapter 4, "VirusScan reference," and Chapter 5, "VShield reference," contain reference information for Scan and VShield, respectively. Many users will not need to read these chapters, because basic operation of VirusScan, as described in Chapter 2, will detect and remove most viruses from your system. The options described in Chapters\x114 and 5 offer additional power and control, and are most useful in vulnerable environments and to network administrators and information services staff.
Chapter 6, "Tips & troubleshooting," explains how to get the most out of -VirusScan, and how to cope with some common problems.
Appendix A describes how to retrieve new versions of McAfee programs using your communications software.
Appendix B describes differences in command line options between VirusScan version 1.5 and version 2.0.
Notation
In this manual, we use different typefaces to distinguish particular kinds of text.
Convention
Example
Represents
Fixed-width
normal
C>
What computer displays on your screen.
Fixed-width bold
scan c:
What you type, verbatim.
Curly braces
{filename}
Required element; don't type braces { }.
Square braces
[filename]
Optional element; don't type braces [ ].
Sans serif in square braces
[Enter]
Key to press on the keyboard.
Menu | Submenu
File | Exit
Choose the submenu from the menu.
What VirusScan includes
In addition to Scan and VShield, your VirusScan diskette contains another program that will help you use VirusScan. The Validate program ensures that new versions of VirusScan software you've obtained are authentic and unmodified.
Your VirusScan diskette also contains several useful text files, which you can view and print with a text editor, word processor, or print command. You'll find version-specific information in the README.1ST file.
VirusScan files after installation
The VirusScan installation software puts the appropriate program files on your hard disk for the version you have purchased (DOS, Windows, or OS/2). It also installs several useful text files.
AGENTS.TXT\x14lists McAfee authorized agents.
AUTOEXEC.VSH\x14is a sample AUTOEXEC.BAT file showing how to use VShield.
COMPUSER.TXT\x14explains how to use the McAfee Virus Help Forum on -CompuServe and how to get a free introductory membership.
PACKING.LST\x14lists the names of all the files included in the VirusScan package.
README.1ST\x14includes the validation information for all the program files installed, as well as any new instructions.
System requirements
The VirusScan programs require an IBM-compatible personal computer and any of the following operating systems:
1 DOS 3.1 or later and at least 340Kb of free RAM for the command line -programs and 530Kb of free RAM for the graphical programs.
1 Windows 3.1 or later and at least 4Mb of RAM.
1 IBM OS/2 2.1 or later and at least 8Mb of RAM.
VShield is a terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program that requires 67Kb of free memory. VShield attempts to minimize the use of conventional memory by loading into expanded, extended, or upper memory. For more information, see "VShield reference" in Chapter 5.
You'll need a high-density 3.5" diskette drive to use the VirusScan diskette in this package. Contact McAfee for other media, or download the software from the McAfee bulletin board system (BBS).
License and registration
The VirusScan software is provided under license from McAfee, Inc., a copy of which is provided with this manual. Please read it and comply with it.
Also, please fill out and return the registration form in your VirusScan package. Registration entitles you to upgrades at no charge from McAfee's bulletin board system and other sources, as well as technical support, for one year from your date of purchase.
Technical support
For help in using this product, we invite you to contact McAfee technical support. You can contact us:
1 On-line 24 hours a day, through our bulletin board system, CompuServe, or Internet (see "On-line access to updates and technical support" below);
1 By fax, at (408) 970-9727; or
1 By telephone at (408) 988-3832, Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
For fast and accurate help, please have the following information ready when you contact McAfee:
1 Program name and version number.
1 Type and brand of computer, hard disk, and any peripherals.
1 Version of DOS, along with any TSRs or device drivers in use.
1 Printouts of your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.
1 A printout of the contents of memory, from the MEM command (provided in DOS 4.0 and later) or a similar utility.
1 A description of the exact problem you are having. Please be as specific as possible. If you can't be at your computer when you call, a printout of the screen will be helpful.
If you are overseas, you can contact a McAfee authorized agent. Agents are located in more than 50 countries around the world and provide local sales and support for our software. Please refer to the AGENTS.TXT file for a complete list of McAfee agents.
On-line access to updates and technical support
McAfee updates VirusScan monthly to add new virus detectors, new options, and fix reported bugs. To distribute these new versions, we run a multi-line -bulletin board system, a forum on CompuServe, and an Internet node.
McAfee bulletin board system (BBS)
Our multiline BBS is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, except for scheduled downtime and maintenance. All lines run high-performance modems operating from 1,200 bps to 14,400 bps with line settings of 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. The McAfee BBS phone number is (408) 988-4004.
Appendix A, "Retrieving McAfee programs with communications software" explains how to dial up the McAfee BBS. Both technical support and software updates are available on the bulletin board.
McAfee Forum on CompuServe
We sponsor the McAfee Virus Help Forum on CompuServe. To reach it, type GO MCAFEE at any CompuServe prompt. A free introductory membership is available. For more information, please read the enclosed COMPUSER.TXT file.
Internet access
The latest versions of McAfee's anti-virus software are available by anonymous ftp (file transfer protocol) over the Internet from the site mcafee.com. If your domain resolver does not support names, use the IP address 192.187.128.1. Enter anonymous or ftp as your user ID and your own e-mail address as the password. Programs are located in the pub/antivirus directory. If you have questions, please send e-mail to support@mcafee.com.
You can also find McAfee's anti-virus software at the SimTel Software Repository at Oak.Oakland.EDU in the simtel/msdos/virus directory and its associated mirror sites:
1 wuarchive.wustl.edu (US).
1 ftp.switch.ch (Switzerland).
1 ftp.funet.fi (Finland).
1 src.doc.ic.ac (UK).
1 archie.au (Australia).
McAfee products and services
Founded in 1989, McAfee, Inc. is the leading provider of tools for productive computing for the DOS, OS/2, and Windows environments. Our anti-virus products are used by more than 16,000 corporations worldwide. Our utility products provide data security, automated version updating, and system inspection and editing. McAfee is also the pioneer and leading provider of electronically distributed software. All of McAfee's products can be purchased through dealers or downloaded from bulletin board systems and on-line services around the world.
McAfee doesn't stop at developing the world's best anti-virus and utility products. We back them with the industry's best service and technical support. Product support is provided by a full-time staff of virus researchers, programmers, and support professionals, and delivered directly by McAfee or our network of more than 150 Authorized Agent offices in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Other sources of information
The McAfee BBS and CompuServe Virus Help Forum are excellent sources
of information on virus protection. Batch files and utilities to help you use VirusScan software are often available, along with helpful advice.
Independent publishers, colleges, training centers, and vendors also offer information and training about virus protection and computer security.
We especially recommend the following books:
1 Ferbrache, David. A Pathology of Computer Viruses. London: Springer-
Verlag, 1992. (ISBN 0-387-19610-2)
1 Hoffman, Lance J. Rogue Programs: Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1990. (ISBN 0-442-00454-0)
1 Jacobson, Robert V. The PC Virus Control Handbook, 2nd Ed. San -Francisco: Miller Freeman Publications, 1990. (ISBN 0-87930-194-0)
1 Jacobson, Robert V. Using McAfee Associates Software for Safe Computing. New York: International Security Technology, 1992. (ISBN 0-9627374-1-0)
In addition, the following sources can provide useful information about viruses:
