Error updating the Virus Pattern file

Problem

One or more pattern files will not update. The status of Last Update in the Summary page is "Updating..." and will not change, or the date shows that the file is out-of-date.

When updating a pattern file manually from the IWSVA console summary screen, you get the following message:

"Error: Unable to update the pattern file. It is in use by another process. Please wait and try again."

Reason

IWSVA only allows one update (of each type) at a time.  During an update, IWSVA creates a lock file to prevent the same update from at the same time. If an update is unexpectedly terminated, the lock file may remain on the system, preventing future updates.

IWSVA periodically checks for lock files, and if found, checks the time stamp. If the time stamp is more than two hours old, IWSVA will delete the lock. If the lock file cannot be removed, you may need to manually delete it.

Solution

Manually delete any or all of the following files from the /var/iwss directory

See also