How to temporarily run 2 antivirus?

[viel]

Hey,
I want to try out an antivirus for a bit (not keeping it) but I have set a lot of settings on Avast and I do not want to lose them by uninstalling then reinstalling. Is it ok if I don't launch Avast and do some scans with the antivirus I am trying? When Avast is not being ran? Keep in mind I am not testing or comparing products I am just testing the Scans.etc I will run a full scan with the temporary AV (Avira)

So is it alright to launch Avira when Avast is not being ran? (Keep in mind I will not be keeping Avira)

Thanks!

 

[RoboMan]

Hello mate. No, you should not do that. It's likely to create high incompatibilities even if they're not running together but installed on the same system.

To scan your system, download a portable scanner, or an antimalware software compatible with antivirus. Like, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, Emsisoft Emergency Kit, Norton Power Eraser. I don't know if Avira has one, you should check that out.

EDIT: For Avira tools check Free Downloads of Avira Antivirus Software & Utilities

For a list of malware scanners and tools check: Free Security Tools Collection

 

[DJ Panda]

You can actually save your Avast settings as a configuration file I believe. Simply scroll down while in settings and hit "backup settings" then select what you want saved. Then you can uninstall Avast keep the settings file and try out Avira. If u ever want to go back simply reinstall Avast again and run the settings backup file. You could also set Avast to passive mode but it doesn't offer protection and kind of just wastes resources.

 

[Der.Reisende]

This should do it for you (I think it will ask for a reboot, at least AVG did):
Avast FAQ | Avast Antivirus: Using Passive Mode

 

[brod56]

Why not toogle off all Avast shields while you are trying new products? Simple as that
If you want to be more conservative you can also backup Avast settings to a file as already said.

 

[RoboMan]

How reliable is Avast Passive Mode as to install another antivirus? Long time no using it, had no idea about that. By the way, i really feel unnecessary to install Avira Antivirus software only to do a scan. I wouldn't mess with installing and uninstalling antiviruses on the system due to the fragility system files represent.

 

[Der.Reisende]

How reliable is Avast Passive Mode as to install another antivirus? Long time no using it, had no idea about that.

Recently tried it with AVG (brother of Avast), and it worked fine without any conflict.
It kept asking me whether I'd like to leave Passive Mode for full protection. Of course nonsense with another product installed.

 

[viel]

Hello mate. No, you should not do that. It's likely to create high incompatibilities even if they're not running together but installed on the same system.

To scan your system, download a portable scanner, or an antimalware software compatible with antivirus. Like, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, Emsisoft Emergency Kit, Norton Power Eraser. I don't know if Avira has one, you should check that out.

EDIT: For Avira tools check Free Downloads of Avira Antivirus Software & Utilities

For a list of malware scanners and tools check: Free Security Tools Collection

Which portable scanner is the best?

 

[RoboMan]

Which portable scanner is the best?

Whenever i feel my antivirus may be failing to detect malware or an unwanted program, i scan with either Zemana AntiMalware, EEK, or ESET Online Scanner. Any of them should work.

 

[viel]

Whenever i feel my antivirus may be failing to detect malware or an unwanted program, i scan with either Zemana AntiMalware, EEK, or ESET Online Scanner. Any of them should work.

Is it compatible with Avast,Malwarebytes or Hitman Pro? (those are everything I use)

 

[RoboMan]

Is it compatible with Avast,Malwarebytes or Hitman Pro? (those are everything I use)

Well yes, as they are portable scanners they do not offer any kind of real time protection that may interfere with your solutions. Still, if your copy of MalwareBytes offers real time protection i would suggest uninstalling it because it's not so useful. MalwareBytes has become a bit crappy on my opinion. HitmanPro is good as a scanner too.

 

[Der.Reisende]

I use a combination of Norton Power Eraser (aggressive, some FP), HitmanPro and Zemana AntiMalware (Real-Time protection off, for not picking up random samples while performing tests in the Malware Vault).
Those worked flawlessly next to any AV I've used in the past years.

 

[Aura]

You don't want to do that. Like mentionned above, installing more than one Antivirus can cause system instability and conflict. Even if the real-time protection layers are turned off, the drivers, services, etc. are still there and the Antivirus you'll install could see these as threats or have a hard time installing itself on the system because of these.

 

[viel]

I use a combination of Norton Power Eraser (aggressive, some FP), HitmanPro and Zemana AntiMalware (Real-Time protection off, for not picking up random samples while performing tests in the Malware Vault).
Those worked flawlessly next to any AV I've used in the past years.

Norton?.. I'm scared.. I'm guessing its a pain to uninstall because it leaves so many files behind?

 

[Krisztian9899]

yes

 

[Maxwell Sien]

Hope this will Answer your Questions.

Why Using Multiple Antivirus Programs is a Bad Idea

is it bad to run multiple antivirus programs? - Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, and Privacy Software

 

[Peter2150]

Everything everyone has said is true, but there is such a simple solution.

1. Image the system. I use Macrium Reflect full as it is fast and reliable.
2. Uninstall AV completely, install new av and test to your hearts content.
3 Restore the image and system is like it was before.

Note. One should really be imaging anyway