AV Scanning Q

[Albinoni]

Is it actually better to scan for viruses in Safe Mode than normal Windows Mode

[pykko]

Yes, it is better for both scanning and especially cleaning.

[lodore]

genrally yes since practically no files will be in use.
but some av's wont scan in safemode or you have to use there commandline scanners for safe mode.

[kwismer]

-{ Quote: "Is it actually better to scan for viruses in Safe Mode than normal Windows Mode" }-

technically, it's better to scan for viruses after booting from a known-clean, bootable, write protected removable medium (like a cd)... safe mode is a shortcut approach to this but it misses out on the key feature - if you suspect your system is compromised (which you do if you're scanning it) then you don't want to be running any code from it that might allow the malware to hide or otherwise defend itself...

[Victek123]

-{ Quote: "Is it actually better to scan for viruses in Safe Mode than normal Windows Mode" }-

It's definitely easier to remove viruses and spyware in SAFE mode, but I don't know if scanning in SAFE improves detection (?)

[kwismer]

-{ Quote: "It's definitely easier to remove viruses and spyware in SAFE mode, but I don't know if scanning in SAFE improves detection (?)" }-

it reduces (but doesn't remove) the chances of stealth or other anti-detection techniques interfering with detection...