Microsoft Office does not have a built-in virus scanner. The message
you're seeing can be caused by the Office Plugin that comes with
Symantec/Norton AntiVirus, and you can disable the Office Plugin if you
so desire. See http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=329820 "How to use
Office programs with the Norton AntiVirus Office plug-in" for more
information.

Bob Fitzgerald wrote:

This is very annoying and has a negative effect on my computer's
responsiveness. I have a virus scanner installed and am happy to
rely on it doing its thing and would happily have Office ignore
checking. Suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

Bob