[RESOLVED] Printer installation & AV query

[CurlyWhirly]

My old Epson Stylus C40 printer has finally stopped working.

I can't really complain though as it was the original printer that I had with my first ever PC and it is over 3 years old and was in regular use.

Also I only paid around £40 for it so it has lasted well for a cheap printer.

Anyway, today I bought a slightly newer model and I am attempting to install the printer drivers, etc. but when I do this I get the following message:

"Please disable any anti-virus software before continuing with this installation"

I don't remember seeing this kind of message when I installed my old printer, but as it was over 3 years ago I may have forgotten :blush:

I will not attempt to run the installation software while online as it would mean that my anti-virus software would have to be disabled which isn't a very good idea!

What I am curious about is why some installation routines ask for anti-virus software to be disabled?

Could it be something to do with having exclusive access to the registry which anti-virus software (if enabled) would prevent?

Just curious! :rolleyes:

[homecomputeraid]

CurlyWhirly,

Many applications request that you turn off your antivirus software (active scanning at least) during installation. If the application installation is wrongly identified as virus activity (or potential virus activity), it may interfere with the install causing it to go bad. I've encountered problems with antivirus messing up Microsoft Updates on very rare occaisions.

I usually ignore the message and continue with the install. If the install doesn't go well, remove the program, turn off antivirus and try again.

I will not attempt to run the installation software while online as it would mean that my anti-virus software would have to be disabled which isn't a very good idea!

You're right. It is a very good idea to not be connected to the Internet if your antivirus has been turned off, even temporarily.

[edit]Not sure I answered your question directly. I think the worry is that a heuristic scanner (one that tries to identify 'patterns' that indicate possible, as yet unknown, virus activity), will accidently stop some of the changes that have to occur during installation. Does that help?

[CurlyWhirly]

I've encountered problems with antivirus messing up Microsoft Updates on very rare occasions.

Crikey, I never disable my anti-virus software while Microsoft updates my operating system for the simple reason that you have to be online while updating.

As already mentioned, turning off anti-virus software while online isn't a good idea!

I have actually tried going offline after the updates have been downloaded (but not yet installed) but this just aborts the installation process :blink:

Anyway back to my printer query, thanks for the explanation regarding why some installation routines require anti-virus software to be disabled.

I can also remember seeing a similar message while attempting to install the railway simulator Trainz.

Thanks homecomputeraid :)

[andsome]

I was requested to turn off AV for my latest printer also.

[homecomputeraid]

Yes, in those rare instances when I've had it cause a problem with MS Update, I had to download the problem update and install it locally with the AV turned off.

Not something you should have to worry about. Just leave the Antivirus running with the M$ updates, and post if you run into any wierd stuff (technical term). :)