Cannot scan for virus's in safe mode

Hi Liz,

 Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. When you are in Safe Mode, Windows is running with a minimal amount of drivers.Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. In Safemode there is no realtime protection running for anti-virus or other anti-malware programs.  If you want to do a virus scan in Safe Mode, you will need to open your anti-virus manually, and do a scan. Safe Mode is used for malware removal sometimes because there is a possibility that virus files will not be running and will be more easily removed. If your anti-virus does not allow you to open it and scan in Safe Mode, it does not have that option, so use Normal Mode.

Bugbatter, OK, thanks, I can scan in safe mode, I just did not know if I was protected. But I can disconnect from the internet and scan, so I won't get any virus then. LIz.

You're welcome. There is no need to scan in Safe Mode unless you have a virus that cannot be removed in Normal Mode.

@Bugbatter,

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I am interested in learning more about the pros/cons of "Safe Mode" scans.

It is frequently suggested in some forums and frequently rejected in others. If you have any links/suggestions, I would like to learn more.

Thank you.

@younghv, it depends on the application being used for the scan. Some don't do as well in Safe Mode as they do in Normal Mode.

NOTE: The issue has been resolved, so this thread is closed.
Everyone else who is having a similar issue, please begin a New Message on the Virus & Spyware Discussions forum, or include your log for malware removal or diagnosis in a New Message on this forum.

I was only asking for a little assistance in learning more about "Safe Mode" vs. "Normal Mode" scans - since your comment turned up in a search of the phrase.

I have never heard of an anti-malware application that was optimized for "Safe Mode" scans and was only trying to get pointed in the right direction.