Installing and Using McAfee VirusScan on Windows

Step 1:

Uninstall old McAfee versions and other anti-virus programs

The University uses a licensed copy of McAfee VirusScan customized for employee-, student-, and University-owned computers. Some programs conflict with McAfee VirusScan. If your computer has other anti-virus software installed, you must uninstall the programs before installing McAfee VirusScan. Common anti-virus programs include—but are not limited to—the following:

  • Any pre-installed McAfee product (NOTE: You should remove McAfee copies that are from sources other than the University of Delaware. For example, a promotional copy that came with your computer, a copy that you purchased with a retail license, or a copy from a previous school or employer.)
  • avast
  • AVG Anti-Virus
  • BitDefender
  • Bullguard
  • eTrust
  • F-secure
  • Kaspersky Antivirus
  • Norton Antivirus or Internet Security
  • Panda Antivirus
  • PC-cillin
  • Trend Micro's HouseCall
Windows 10
  1. On the Start menu select Settings.
  2. In Settings, select System > Apps & features.
  3. Select the program, and then select Uninstall.
  4. Follow the directions on the screen.
Windows 8 and 7
  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Click Control Panel.
  3. Click Programs.
  4. Click Programs and Features.
  5. Click to highlight the name of the program(s) you want to uninstall.
  6. At the top of the window, click Uninstall.
  7. After the program is uninstalled, if necessary, highlight the name of any additional program you want to uninstall.
  8. Click Uninstall.
  9. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all programs you want to remove have been uninstalled.
  10. When you finish removing programs, close the Programs and Features window.
  11. If prompted, restart your computer.

Step 2:

Install current McAfee VirusScan from UDeploy

These instructions will help you install McAfee VirusScan on your Windows 10, 8, and 7 computer. As part of the installation process, you'll need to restart your computer; be sure to save your work before you install VirusScan.

Windows 10, 8, and 7
  1. Uninstall other anti-virus programs, including other versions of McAfee (directions above).
  2. Download McAfee VirusScan and save it to your desktop.
  3. After your computer finishes downloading the file, close your Web browser and look on your computer's desktop for an icon like the one below.
    vscan.exe icon
  4. Double-click the icon to extract the files and start installing VirusScan.
  5. When you see the message McAfee VirusScan Setup completed successfully, click OK.
  6. Ensure you have saved all open files BEFORE you follow the prompt that says Press any key to continue. After you press a key, your computer will restart.
  7. After your computer restarts, run a manual scan (directions below).
  8. Delete the vscan88 file from your desktop.

The UD version of VirusScan will automatically scan your computer for viruses every Wednesday at approximately noon. If your computer isn't on at that time, or if you'd like to scan more frequently, use the manual scan directions below.

Your computer will automatically check for updates to VirusScan every day at 3:00 p.m. VirusScan will also do a full monthly scan on the first Monday of the month at approximately 11 a.m.

Step 3:

Manually scan computer with McAfee VirusScan

By default, the UD version of VirusScan will automatically scan your computer every Wednesday at about noon. If your computer is off at that time, or if you want to scan your computer more frequently, follow these instructions.

Any files that can be cleaned will be retained; any that cannot will be deleted. If for any reason you are unable to run a scan or if VirusScan is unable to clean or delete the virus, manually scan your computer in Safe Mode.

Windows 10, 8, and 7
  1. Navigate to McAfee VirusScan (on your desktop, in the System Tray, from the Start menu, etc.).
  2. Click VirusScan Console.
  3. When the window Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer? appears, click Yes.
  4. Right-click Full Scan.
  5. Click Start.
  6. VirusScan will take between five minutes and several hours to scan your computer, depending on the amount of data on your computer's drive(s).
    7. NOTE

    VirusScan will not scan encrypted files. You'll see the message File not scanned [The file is encrypted.].

  7. When the scan is complete, close VirusScan.


If you require further assistance with the instructions or information on this page, contact the IT Support Center Link opens in a new window.

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