Manually Scan your Computer in Safe Mode

If for any reason you are unable to run a scan or VirusScan is unable to clean or delete the virus, follow these instructions to restart your computer in Safe Mode and run a manual scan.

Step 1:

Start your computer in Safe Mode

First you must start your computer in Safe Mode. Use the accordions below for your version of Windows.

Windows 10 and 8
  1. Press the Windows + R key combination to bring up the Run dialog box.
  2. In the blank field, type msconfig

    run window

  3. Click OK.
  4. Click the Boot tab at the top of the System Configuration dialog box.
  5. Place a check mark in the checkbox in front of Safe boot.

    system configuration dialog box

  6. Click OK.
  7. Click the Restart button when the next dialog box opens.

    restart dialog box

  8. You will need to wait a few minutes until the process is complete.
  9. Type in the password for the computer and press ENTER.

    NOTE
    Your computer will continue to boot into Safe Mode until you repeat this procedure and clear the checkbox in front of Safe boot in the System Configuration window.

Windows 7
  1. If your computer is on, shut it down.
  2. Turn your computer back on. Your computer will begin processing a set of instructions known as the "Basic Input/Output System" (BIOS). What you see on the monitor depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some computers display a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS, while others may not display any indication that this process is happening.
  3. After the BIOS has finished processing, begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Continue to do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears.
    NOTE

    If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, you may see a "keyboard error" message. If you see this message, restart your computer and try again.

  4. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to choose Safe Mode.
  5. Press ENTER.

Step 2:

Manually scan computer with McAfee VirusScan while in Safe Mode

  1. Navigate to McAfee On-Demand Scan (on your desktop, in the System Tray, from the Start menu, etc.).
  2. All Local Drives should be highlighted. Click Start.
  3. 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).
    NOTE

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

  4. Close VirusScan when the scan is complete.
  5. Restart your computer in regular mode.


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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