Avira Rescue System Review

Use Avira's free bootable antivirus program to delete threats even if the operating system doesn't fully start

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Avira Rescue System is a free bootable antivirus program that you can run from a disc before the operating system starts up. It has a familiar, point-and-click interface that makes using it simple and intuitive.

Avira Rescue System Pros & Cons

Avira's bootable AV tool isn't my first pick because it doesn't always work, but it's a great tool when it does.

What We Like
  • Regular, graphical user interface.

  • Scans compressed files.

  • Includes other free tools.

What We Don't Like
  • Might have problems updating.

  • Doesn't always open correctly.

Installing & Using Avira Rescue System

This program downloads as an ISO file. Once it's on your computer, it needs to be burned to a disc, after which your computer needs to be rebooted so that you can boot to Avira Rescue System before the OS starts.

The first screen upon booting to the disc asks if you want to start the program or boot normally to your hard drive. Clearly, you want to choose the first option, so press Enter on the Start Avira Rescue System option.

Shortly after loading some necessary files, the program will perform some self-checks and get prepared for you to use it. You'll end up on a desktop-like interface, much like Windows, but it's actually based on Ubuntu. Open the virus scanner to get started.

Avira Rescue System desktop

My Thoughts on Avira Rescue System

I love how easy it is to use. The full desktop experience makes it feel very comfortable and familiar, and the inclusion of mouse support only amplifies that.

As it's scanning, you can see the number of viruses found in real-time along with the number of files scanned and the elapsed time, much like an antivirus program you'd run on your desktop.

Some bootable antivirus programs let you scan particular parts of your computer, such as just the registry or particular folders. This one will scan all your files indiscriminately, which is a good or bad thing, depending on what you're after. If you want your whole system checked for threats, then this is a good solution for you.

Updates are important for all antivirus programs, and unfortunately, Avira Rescue System seems to have problems updating. I've also had poor luck getting the actual virus scanner to open. Other programs like the browser work just fine, but the virus scanner sometimes hangs and won't fully load (see other bootable AV tools I recommend if this one doesn't work for you).

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