Scenario:
A user tries to upload a file to a SharePoint document library and get the following error message:
The installed virus scanner is currently unavailable. If the problem persists, contact your administrator.
 |
| Symantec Antivirus for SharePoint causing Upload Error – The installed virus scanner is currently unavailable |
Cause:
Symantec Antivirus for SharePoint has two components. Console and Protection Engine. Symantec Protection Engine if disabled or not running, can prevent users from uploading files to SharePoint. That behavior is triggered by the default configuration settings of the Symantec Antivirus for SharePoint. Notably under ‘Real-Time scan Settings‘ area within SharePoint Central Administration site.
 |
| Symantec Antivirus for SharePoint – Real-Time Scan Settings – Default |
Resolution:
Make sure to allow the Bypass configurations in cases where Protection Engine is disabled / offline.
Steps:
1. Go to Central Administration home
2. Click on ‘Real-time Scan Settings’ under ‘Symantec Protection 6.0 for SharePoint Servers’ section.
 |
| Symantec Antivirus for SharePoint – On Central Admin Site Home |
3. Enable these settings by configuring the check boxes:
a. Bypass scanning when all Symantec Protection Engines are busy or offline
b. Bypass scanning when all Symantec Protection Engines are disabled
c. Scan all content that was bypassed when all Symantec Protection Engines were offline or busy
The first two (a and b) settings will allow the users to upload files even when Symantec Protection Engines are busy, Offline or disabled. The third c setting will scan the files that were bypassed when Protection engine was offline or busy.
 |
| Symantec Antivirus for SharePoint – Real-Time Scan Settings – Revised |
4. Click Save button at the bottom
After saving these configuration changes, the users should be able to upload files.
 |
| Symantec Antivirus for SharePoint – Allowed the File Upload after Revised Settings |
Security Risk:
There is security risk there though. Doing so will allow users without Antivirus to upload infected files to SharePoint. That will be a major risk for internet facing deployments. In my case it was a non-production SharePoint. Always weigh-in the pros and cons of productivity loss versus the security issue in some of these situations.
Few Related Search Terms:
Symantec Antivirus for SharePoint Doesn’t Allow File Upload
Upload failed when antivirus scanner is unavailable
Symantec Protection Engine failure stops the file upload in SharePoint