Proactive IT Security
 

What does the message "Files that could not be scanned" mean?

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Date published: 2004-10-05       Date updated: 2011-01-17

Product:
Endpoint Protection, Endpoint Protection for Linux (standalone version)

Module(s):
On demand scanner, Command line scanner

Operations System(s):
Windows XP 32 bits
Windows Vista 32 bits
Windows 2000
Linux
Windows XP 64 bits
Windows Vista 64 bits
Windows 95/98/Me
Windows NT
Novell Netware
Windows 2003 Server

Problem description

What does the message "Files that could not be scanned" mean?

Problem solution

Your operating system will keep certain files open for exclusive access at all times. No application within this operating system can access these files, ordinary applications like virus scanners and viruses alike. The files vary slightly depending on your operating system. This is the most likely reason why your scan report tells that some files could not be scanned. Neither will the virus scanner get access to encrypted or password protected files. This is perfectly normal, and you should not worry about it unless your machine clearly shows signs that it is infected (e.g. automatically sends e-mail).