Temporary Issue with TOTAL AV Malware Scan Error and How to Fix It

When running a full system malware scan with TOTAL AV, some users encounter an error message that reads:

"The operation couldn't be completed. (AVClientLib.ServiceClientOnDemandProtectorError error 0.)".

This error interrupts the scanning process and can cause concern about the security of your device. Fortunately, this is a known, temporary issue that can be resolved with a few practical steps.

This post explains what causes this error, how to fix it, and what you can do to keep your system protected while the issue persists.

TOTAL AV malware scan error message on computer screen

What Causes the TOTAL AV Malware Scan Error?

The error message AVClientLib.ServiceClientOnDemandProtectorError error 0 typically appears when the malware scan service within TOTAL AV fails to start or communicate properly.

This can happen due to several reasons:

• Service Conflict or Crash: The background service responsible for on-demand scanning might crash or fail to initialize.

• Corrupted Software Files: Some files within the TOTAL AV installation could be corrupted or missing.

• Windows System Updates: Recent Windows updates sometimes interfere with antivirus services, causing temporary incompatibility.

• Apple MacOS Updates: Recent MacOS updates sometimes interfere with antivirus services, causing temporary incompatibility.

• Third-Party Software Interference: Other security software or system utilities running simultaneously may block or conflict with TOTAL AV’s scanning process.

• Insufficient Permissions: The antivirus may lack the necessary permissions to run certain scan components.

  
  

This error is not caused by malware itself but by software or system-level issues that prevent the scan from completing.

How to Fix the TOTAL AV Malware Scan Error

Here are several steps you can take to resolve the error and get your malware scans running smoothly again:

1. Restart Your Computer and TOTAL AV

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches:

• Close TOTAL AV completely.

• Restart your computer.

• Open TOTAL AV and try running the full system scan again.

  
  

2. Run TOTAL AV as Administrator

Running the software with elevated permissions can help avoid permission-related errors:

• Right-click the TOTAL AV icon.

• Select Run as administrator.

• Attempt the full system scan once more.

  
  

3. Update TOTAL AV to the Latest Version

Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility:

• Open TOTAL AV.

• Go to the Settings or About section.

• Check for updates and install any available.

• Restart the program and try scanning again.

  
  

4. Repair or Reinstall TOTAL AV

If files are corrupted, repairing or reinstalling the software can help:

• Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.

• Find TOTAL AV and select Repair if available.

• If no repair option exists, uninstall TOTAL AV.

• Download the latest version from the official TOTAL AV website.

• Install it fresh and run the scan.

  
  

5. Check for Conflicting Software

Other antivirus or security tools might interfere with TOTAL AV:

• Temporarily disable or uninstall other antivirus programs.

• Close system utilities that might block scanning.

• Retry the malware scan.

  
  

6. Verify Windows Services and Updates

Ensure that Windows services required by TOTAL AV are running and that your system is up to date:

• Press Win + R, type `services.msc`, and press Enter.

• Locate services related to TOTAL AV or security.

• Make sure they are running and set to automatic.

• Check Windows Update for pending updates and install them.

  
  

7. Contact TOTAL AV Support

If none of the above steps work, reach out to TOTAL AV’s customer support. They may provide specific patches or instructions for your situation.

Tips to Keep Your System Protected While the Issue Persists

While troubleshooting the error, it’s important to maintain your device’s security:

• Avoid downloading files or visiting suspicious websites.

• Use Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus temporarily.

• Keep your operating system and all software updated.

• Backup important files regularly.

  
  
  
  

Summary

The AVClientLib.ServiceClientOnDemandProtectorError error 0 in TOTAL AV occurs when the malware scan service fails to run properly. This can be caused by software conflicts, corrupted files, or system updates. You can fix it by restarting your computer, running TOTAL AV as administrator, updating or reinstalling the software, and checking for conflicting programs.