How do I configure the WinZip virus scanning feature?

When you receive a Zip file in e-mail or through other means, you should follow the same basic security procedures that you follow for any other file: use good virus scanning software, and know the source of the file. If you follow sensible security guidelines, you can be comfortable working with Zip files that you receive. Learn more security hints and tips now.

Virus scanning is important. The way that you perform virus scanning on the files contained in Zip files depends on the type of scanner you use. There are two basic types of virus scanners: resident and on-demand.

A resident virus scanner, sometimes called an automatic scanner or a monitor, usually starts when your computer starts. Most users prefer resident virus scanners to on-demand virus scanners. A resident virus scanner runs constantly, and automatically checks files that you open, including those that you open from Zip files, for viruses. In other words, if you have a correctly configured, modern, resident virus scanner, it should automatically scan files that you open from within Zip files.

Some virus scanners can be configured so that only files with particular extensions are scanned for viruses, but we recommend that you configure your virus scanner to scan all files, regardless of their extension. Most modern virus scanners can also be configured to scan e-mail as it arrives and quarantine infected messages. We also recommend that you enable this option.

An on-demand virus scanner is run by an explicit action on your part, e.g., by clicking a desktop icon or a context menu entry. It checks individual files and folders on command. If you use an on-demand scanner, you need to configure WinZip to use it correctly and then choose Virus Scan from the Actions menu before opening or extracting files from a Zip file. See your WinZip help for information about configuration, and click one of the links below for a list of supported on-demand virus scanners for your version of WinZip.

• Virus scanner support information for WinZip 10.0
• Virus scanner support information for WinZip 9.0

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