A boot scan, also known as pre-boot scan or shoe scan, virus scanner, is an advanced device that is used by antimalware software programs to detect and remove malware that could not be detected using traditional scanning tools. This type of scan can be programmed to run on a regular basis or be invoked manually by the user whenever they believe their computer is infected. Many antivirus programs allow users to select Learn More Here the sensitivity level of the boot scan, and what actions to take if a threat is detected.
The reason a boot scan is efficient is that it allows the antimalware program to detect files that are being used by the operating system. These types of files cannot be deleted as they are constantly accessed by the OS and will result in an Access Denied error when attempts are made to remove them. The boot scan will locate these files and permit antivirus software to remove them before the OS is able to start using them.
The duration of the boot scan will differ according to a variety of variables, such as the speed of the CPU, how many system files are being examined and whether or no the machine is being used during the process of scanning (thus changing the status of the files). This kind of scan could take a lot longer than a standard scan due to the thoroughness of the process.