File-level scanning of some email servers, backup software, gaming applications, etc. can occasionally cause abnormal system behavior. To exclude specific applications or folders from the real-time scanner, follow the step-by-step instructions below:

1. Open the main program window by clicking the ESET icon next to the system clock or by clicking Start → All Programs → ESET→ ESET Smart Security or ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
    
2. Press the F5 key to display the Advanced Setup window.
    
3. From the Advanced Setup tree, click Antivirus and antispyware → Exclusions and then click the Add... button.
    

   
   
   Fig. 1-1
   

4. The Add exclusion window will be displayed. Using the directory tree, browse for the folder or file you wish to exclude. The directory path will automatically display In the Exclusion: field. Click OK to save the exclusion.
   
   

   

   
   NOTE: To exclude the contents of an entire drive, the * symbol can be used as a wildcard. For example, to exclude scanning of the entire C:\ drive, you would enter C:\* in the Exclusion: field. To exclude all .doc files from scanning, you would enter C:\*.doc in the Exclusion: field. For additional information on the use of wildcards to exclude file/folder scanning, press F1 from the Add exclusion window.
   

   
   
   Fig. 1-2

5. Click OK again and close the main program window. Restart your computer.

NOTE: If the application you are excluding communicates using a network protocol (HTTP, FTP, etc.) you must also follow the steps below:

1. From the Advanced Setup tree, click Antivirus and antispyware → Web access protection → HTTP → Web browsers.
    
2. If the application you wish to exclude is listed, double-click the corresponding check box. A red 'X' will appear. Click OK to save changes—you are finished. If you do not see the application you are trying to exclude, proceed to step 3.
    

   
   
   Fig. 1-3

3. Click the Add button to browse and select the .exe file of the desired application. The application will appear in the list of applications to exclude. Double-click the corresponding check box until you see a red 'X'. Click OK to save changes.

Related:

How do I exclude certain files or folders from real-time scanning? (4.0)

How do I exclude certain files or folders from the On-demand scanner? (3.0)