Content

Working with EXTRA.DAT files

Explanation of EXTRA.DAT Files

EXTRA.DAT files contain information that is used by VirusScan to detect a new virus. When a major virus is discovered and extra detection is required, an EXTRA.DAT file is made available until the normal VirusScan update is released. These EXTRA.DATs can be downloaded from the the Newly Discovered Threats page, the Recently Updated Threats page, or the Removal Instructions section of the description for the major virus. When this EXTRA.DAT file is added to the VirusScan folder on your hard drive, it is used by the product in addition to its normal DAT files, to detect the new virus. This enables VirusScan to protect your computer from the new virus until the official update is released that contains the virus detection/removal information. Once the official update is released and installed the EXTRA.DAT file is no longer necessary.

EXTRA.DAT files are good for 14 days, at which time they disable themselves. It is recommended you keep your VirusScan up to date by downloading and installing the official daily updates.

Explanation of EXTRA.DAT packages

EXTRA.DAT files may be distributed in two forms, packaged inside a .ZIP file, and wrapped in a Super Dat package. The .ZIP package requires manually unpacking and manually installing the EXTRA.DAT file contained in the .ZIP. While the Super Dat executable is a self installing package. People unfamiliar with installing EXTRA.DAT files may find the task of downloading and installing a Super Dat package more manageable than using the .ZIP package.

Downloading EXTRA.DAT Files in a Super Dat (aka SDAT) package

Once you have located an EXTRA.DAT which you would like to install, follow these instructions.

  1. Click on the link to download the Super EXTRA.DAT file, a File Download dialog box will appear. Select to save this file to disk and click the OK button.
  2. A Save As dialog box will then appear. The top of this dialog box contains an option entitled Save In. Make sure Desktop is selected for the Save In option. If it is not, click on the pull-down arrow and select Desktop from the list.
  3. Click the Save button. The file will then download to your desktop.
  4. Once the download is complete, locate the file which was just saved to the desktop and double-click it.
  5. Follow the prompts on your screen.
Downloading EXTRA.DAT Files in a ZIP package

Once you have located an EXTRA.DAT which you would like to install, follow these instructions.

  1. Click on the link to download the EXTRA.DAT file, a File Download dialog box will appear. Select to save this file to disk and click the OK button.
  2. A Save As dialog box will then appear. The top of this dialog box contains an option entitled Save In. Make sure Desktop is selected for the Save In option. If it is not, click on the pull-down arrow and select Desktop from the list.
  3. Click the Save button. The file will then download to your desktop.
  4. Once the download is complete, locate the file which was just saved to the desktop and unzip it (for more on unzipping files, jump down to About Unzipping Files).
  5. Right click on the EXTRA.DAT file that is now on your desktop. A pop-up menu will appear.
  6. Left click on Cut. The pop-up menu will then disappear.
  7. Double click on the My Computer icon on the desktop. (Or Start Menu)
  8. Double click on the C: drive.
  9. Double click on the Program Files folder.
  10. Double click on the Common Files folder.
  11. Double click on the Network Associates folder.
  12. Double click on VirusScan Engine folder.

  13. Double click on the 4.0.xx.

    Once you are in the 4.0.xx folder, click on the Edit pull-down menu then click on Paste. The EXTRA.DAT file will then appear in the folder.
    NOTE: If you receive a prompt asking if you wish to overwrite an existing EXTRA.DAT file answer, 'Yes'.

  14. Close all open windows until you are back on the desktop, then restart the computer.

    VirusScan will automatically detect the EXTRA.DAT file and begin using it.

About Unzipping Files

McAfee, like other software companies, stores electronic distribution files on-line in a compressed format, commonly known as ZIP files. The file you downloaded from http://vil.nai.com will not be named EXTRA.DAT, but will be a ZIP file that contains an EXTRA.DAT file. You will need to use an unzipping program, such as WinZip, PKZip or eZip to decompress this file.

If you do not have an unzipping program, you can download one at any of the following Internet addresses:

WinZip http://www.winzip.com
PKZip http://www.pkware.com/downloads/pkzipwind.html

NOTE: McAfee does NOT recommend, endorse or support the WinZip, PKZip, or eZip programs. Most unzipping programs are supplied as shareware for evaluation purposes, similar to the McAfee products. Please adhere to the license agreement for any program that you use. Contact the specific unzipping product support line for instructions on installing or extracting.

Unzipping the EXTRA.DAT File

The following instructions refer to Winzip (classic view.) These instructions should be similar in other comparable programs.
NOTE: If you already have Winzip installed on your computer you can skip to step 11.

  1. Connect to the Internet and go to http://www.winzip.com
  2. When you get to the page click on Download Evaluation Version, then on Download WinZip 8.0 for Windows.
  3. A window will appear asking if you want run this program or save it to disk. Be sure the Save Program to Disk option is selected and click OK.
  4. A Save As window will appear. Click on the down arrow for the Save In option and select Desktop, then click on the Save button. The file will then begin to download.
  5. Once the program has finished downloading, logoff the Internet and locate the file Winzip80 (or Winzip80.exe) on your desktop and double click on it. The installation wizard will then run.
  6. Click on Setup, then OK.
  7. The setup will begin. Click on Next, then Yes to accept the agreement.
  8. Click on Next.
  9. Click on the 'Start with Winzip Classic' option, then Next, Next, Finish, and finally Close.
  10. Close all open screens and windows until you are back on the desktop.
  11. On the desktop locate the file you downloaded and double-click on it.
  12. The unzipping program will then automatically run. Accept the license agreement.
  13. You will then see the EXTRA.DAT file that is contained within the ZIP file. Click on the Extract button located towards the top of the window.
  14. The Extract dialog box will then appear. You will see a listing of the folders and drives for your computer. Click on Desktop so it is highlighted, then click the Extract button. The unzipping program will then extract the EXTRA.DAT file and place it on the desktop.
  15. Close Winzip by clicking the X in the top right corner.