Update task command-line options

VirusScan Enterprise uses MCUPDATE.EXE to perform update tasks. You can use the same executable command MCUPDATE from the command line, or as part of a batch file, to run update tasks.

The MCUPDATE syntax does not require any specific order in its elements, except that you cannot separate a property and its value. The syntax consists of:
  • File name — The name of the executable file: MCUPDATE.EXE.
  • Options — The option is preceded by a forward slash (/) character and is not case-sensitive.

The command format is:

MCUPDATE [/<type> [/TASK <guid>]] [/option].
Note: In the previous format, <type> can be ROLLBACKDATS or UPDATE.

The /TASK clause is optional. If you use it however, you must also specify an update task ID (guid). The task ID you select must be for an update or a rollback DATs task. Do not select to scan ID. If you do not specify a task ID, the default update task is used. Task IDs are located at: hkey_local_machine\SOFTWARE\McAfee\DesktopProtection\Tasks\

The /option clause is not required. To perform a silent update task, use /QUIET.
Note: The /QUIET option is not supported for use with the rollback DATs task. This example performs a silent update task: MCUPDATE /UPDATE /QUIET.

Update task options


Command-line option Definition

ROLLBACKDATS

Rolls the current DAT file back to the last backed up version.

UPDATE

Performs an update of the DAT file, scanning engine, product, or extra.dat.

/TASK

Launches the AutoUpdate or rollback DATs task specified in the VirusScan Console. Requires an additional parameter to specify the task ID as recorded in the registry at:

hkey_local_machine\software\McAfee\DesktopProtection\Tasks

/QUIET

Performs the task silently.

Update task command-line options