When I get a Avast warning about some sort of virus and it gives me the option to delete and I delete the files… I am deleting the infected files correct???
Deletion isn’t really a good first option (you have none left), ‘first do no harm’ don’t delete, send virus to the chest and investigate.
There is no rush to delete anything from the chest either, a protected area where it can do no harm. Anything that you send to the chest you should leave there for a few weeks. If after that time you have suffered no adverse effects from moving these to the chest, scan them again (inside the chest) and if they are still detected as viruses, delete them.
e_a_g_l_e_p_i,
Further to DavidR’s answer, for additional information, look in the Avast Help under Tasks ->Task Configuration Pages ->“Virus” Page.
So what you are saying is when I get a virus alert it may NOT be a virus so don’t delete it??? why does Avast pop up a warning and the options are delete?? I am totally confused
If deletion is not good/recommended option, why does avast even suggest it ???
My Point exactly!!
The Tasks section of the help file is for those with the Pro version of avast, it isn’t available for Home users, though the help file is a one size fits all (Home/Pro) affair.
Though it does help in a way as it shows Delete as the last option in its listing.
@ e_a_g_l_e_p_i & Hannu
Whilst avast gives users the Option, it does also show the Recommended action: ‘Move to Chest’ see image.
If it wasn’t there many would be very loud in their protestations, some AVs give no choice and simply delete.
It does not recommend it. Just allow it.
If you’re not sure, Chest (quarantine) is safer than delete and avast is set to recommend so.
My question is still not answered, when I get a warning is it a false or positive??? what good does it do for me to move it to the chest??? for example I downloaded a pdf and got the virus warning about a worm, I deleted it right away but yet the pdf was still there… when I opened it it was what I thought it would be.
I think someone needs to explain why instead of what options we have and is Avast known for giving false positives?? if not and we trust Avast, why not delete the file when we get the Virus warning
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we don’t know as a) you don’t give any information, file name, location, etc., b) to be 100% certain you have to confirm that at somewhere like virustotal.
Whilst the majority of detections will be good, all AVs suffer false positive detections (though most don’t acknowledge it) to a degree. -
because it gives you more options, a) confirm the detection, it can do no harm there, c) it can be restored if required, d) ‘deletion’ gives none.
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see 1 and 2 above. Deletion leaves zero options and that should be enough never to delete until you are 100% sure, e.g. after investigation.
Generally it’s a positive one.
Sometimes, you’ve get a false alarm.
It saves the file and allow restoration in case of false alarm.
Generally only few infections allow reparation and cleaning.
Worms aren’t among them. Generally, all the file is the malware (virus) vector, so delete the infection is deleting the file itself.
Ok…just a little “user” common sense. Deep breath…
AV software…any…is a tool. This type of tool is designed to help protect you
usualy by warning you of possible threats to the system you are on.
AV software does not…“think”. It does not…“investigate”. It only responds to particular
finger prints that are maintained with-in it.
Now, when a warning does occur, this lets you know that your attention is required.
First, move the file into the virus chest.
Second, investigate the warning. I like google for this. Do a search about the main file name.
See if any other problems have been reported about it.
If this small bit of searching produces no results, then come to a forum like this one. Bring some info with you such as, file name, your OS, and any steps you took to deal with it. You may be asked to post a log about it…follow those instructions. Also, it may be helpful to say what level of computer user you are, beginner, novice, ect.
Last, stick to the TOPIC. Do not run off on another tangent. Others may be reading this to see what answers are given.
False alarms are not uncommon. But they are no big deal either. The techs get reports all the time and fix the databases accordingly.