Encountering errors where your antivirus software unexpectedly fails during a file scan can be frustrating and concerning. It not only disrupts your workflow but also raises questions about your system’s security. While the error message “anti-virus software failed unexpectedly while scanning this file” might seem generic, it often points to underlying conflicts or issues that need addressing. This guide will explore the common causes of this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it, ensuring your antivirus works reliably and your system remains protected.
Understanding Why Antivirus Scanning Might Fail
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your antivirus might be failing during scans. Several factors can contribute to this issue:
- Software Conflicts: Antivirus software, by its nature, interacts deeply with your system. Conflicts with other software, especially other security tools or even certain applications, can lead to scan failures.
- System File Corruption: If critical system files are corrupted, antivirus software might encounter errors when trying to access or scan them. This corruption can stem from various sources, including malware, improper shutdowns, or software installation issues.
- Antivirus Software Glitches: Like any software, antivirus programs can experience glitches or bugs. These might be temporary or persistent and can cause scanning malfunctions.
- Operating System Updates: Sometimes, operating system updates, particularly major ones, can introduce compatibility issues with existing software, including antivirus programs. This can lead to unexpected behavior, including scan failures.
- Overly Aggressive Settings: In some cases, overly strict or aggressive antivirus settings might inadvertently cause scans to fail, especially if they misidentify legitimate files or processes.
Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve Antivirus Scan Failures
Now, let’s explore practical steps to troubleshoot and resolve the “anti-virus software failed unexpectedly while scanning this file” error:
1. Restart Your System
The simplest and often most effective first step is to restart your computer. A reboot can resolve temporary software glitches and conflicts that might be causing the antivirus scan to fail. This ensures a fresh start for your operating system and all running applications, including your antivirus software.
2. Check for Antivirus Software Updates
Outdated antivirus software is more prone to errors and compatibility issues. Ensure your antivirus program is updated to the latest version. Most antivirus programs have an automatic update feature, but you can also manually check for updates within the software’s interface. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve scanning failures.
3. Temporarily Disable Conflicting Software
Software conflicts are a common cause of antivirus issues. To identify potential conflicts, temporarily disable recently installed software or other security programs running alongside your primary antivirus. After disabling potential culprits, try running an antivirus scan again. If the scan completes successfully, you’ve likely identified a conflicting program. You can then try:
- Whitelisting: Add the conflicting software or specific files/folders to your antivirus’s exclusion list (whitelisting). This prevents the antivirus from scanning or interfering with those items.
- Uninstalling Conflicting Software: If whitelisting isn’t feasible or the conflict persists, consider uninstalling the conflicting software, especially if it’s redundant or not essential.
4. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can hinder antivirus functionality. Windows’ System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run SFC:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the Start Menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - SFC will scan your system files and attempt to repair any corruption it finds. This process may take some time.
- Restart your computer after SFC completes.
After running SFC and restarting, try running an antivirus scan again to see if the issue is resolved.
5. Examine Antivirus Logs and Error Details
Antivirus software usually keeps logs that record scan activities and errors. Examine your antivirus program’s logs for more specific details about the scan failure. These logs might provide clues about the file that triggered the error or the specific module that failed. This information can be valuable for further troubleshooting or when seeking support from your antivirus vendor.
In some cases, the error message itself might provide a specific error code (like the E_FAIL (0x80004005) error mentioned in the original forum post). Searching online for this specific error code along with your antivirus software name can often lead to more targeted solutions or forum discussions where other users have encountered and resolved the same problem.
For example, the original forum post describes a VirtualBox issue related to Windows updates and antivirus interference:
The virtual machine ‘test’ has terminated unexpectedly during startup with exit code 1 (0x1). More details may be available in ‘H:VirtualBoxVMsdb-stand-aloneLogsVBoxHardening.log’. Result Code: E_FAIL (0x80004005) Component: MachineWrap Interface: IMachine {b2547866-a0a1-4391-8b86-6952d82efaa0}
This user discovered that the issue was related to Windows 10 version 1709 and potentially Symantec Endpoint Protection. The VBoxHardening.log file contained errors related to “lacks WinVerifyTrust” for system DLLs, suggesting a code signing verification problem, possibly triggered by the antivirus or the Windows update.
While this specific case is related to VirtualBox, the underlying principle applies to general antivirus scan failures. Examining logs and error details often reveals the root cause and points towards the right solution.
6. Reinstall Your Antivirus Software
If other troubleshooting steps fail, consider reinstalling your antivirus software. A clean reinstall can resolve corrupted program files or configuration issues that might be causing scan failures. Before reinstalling, properly uninstall your current antivirus software through the Windows Control Panel or Settings app. After uninstalling, download the latest version from the official vendor website and reinstall it.
7. Seek Support from Antivirus Vendor
If you’ve exhausted the troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, reach out to your antivirus software vendor’s support team. They have specialized knowledge of their product and can provide tailored assistance based on your specific situation and error details. Provide them with error messages, logs, and details about your system configuration for efficient support.
Maintaining a Healthy Antivirus System
Preventing antivirus scan failures involves proactive maintenance:
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, antivirus software, and other critical applications to minimize compatibility issues and benefit from bug fixes.
- Avoid Software Conflicts: Be mindful of software installations, especially security-related programs. Avoid running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously.
- Regular System Scans: Schedule regular antivirus scans to detect and address potential issues early.
- Monitor System Health: Keep an eye on your system’s overall health. Address any signs of system file corruption or instability promptly.
By following these troubleshooting steps and adopting proactive maintenance practices, you can effectively address “anti-virus software failed unexpectedly while scanning this file” errors and ensure your antivirus software provides reliable protection for your system.
