Frank, all that I've used have a place in basic or advanced settings where you can add a list of excluded directory folders and files. Some antivirus program have you type in the directory path but most have a browse button to create the path for you.

As an example I use Microsoft Security Essentials. A screenshot is given below.

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Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home