I’ve run the scan and the results include lots of “VIRUS” with the end note being: Error: Archive is password protected.(42056)

All my Files and programs have become “.ink” format, all the icons have lost their logo’s, also no program will open except firefox and avast.

I have unchecked all the list in the packers box. Since then I have had no problems with the Avast scan however this still hasn’t fixed my problem, as all the programs are still in “.ink” with no logo’s. do i need a codex or something? i have absolutely no idea what to do.

Please help (in simple terminology :slight_smile: )
Thanks. Alexia

avast can’t scan files that are password protected, it doesn’t know the password.
There are many legitimate reasons why a file was password protected.

By examining 1) the reason given by avast! for not being able to scan the files, 2) the location of the files, you can get an idea of what program they relate to. You may need to expand the column headings to see all the text.
Files that can’t be scanned are just that, not an indication they are suspicious/infected, just unable to be scanned.
Also, the packaging of the file could have some error, or use a non-standard pattern…

Clean, Quarantine, or Delete?
http://antivirus.about.com/b/2007/03/11/clean-quarantine-or-delete.htm

No it isn’t indicating lots of VIRUSES with the "end note being Error: Archive is password protected.(42056) "

They are files that can’t be scanned and that is the reason why.

Well the All Packers option is off by default, so you must have enabled it. There are only three packers (and ntfs streams) that are on by default and you should leave them enabled, as unlike other packers they are executable (self extractors, etc.) and present an immediate risk.

I’m not sure this is related to avast:
All my Files and programs have become “.ink” format, all the icons have lost their logo’s, also no program will open except firefox and avast.

Have you had any malware alerts and not just files that couldn’t be scanned and if so what action did you take ?

Tech: Thankyou, I’ve looked at the files and locations so far i have found that i may need to re-download flash player 10, but i have also located a file “{A899DA1F-D626-401C-8651-F2921E3B4CB3}” inside it has an app called “icon hacker” date created 24/09/2011, date modified 01/05/2006 – should attempt to delete this? as I’ve never seen it before, also i only bought this computer 3months ago.

DavidR: Thankyou, I didn’t enable anything as i don’t know what they are so shall i change them back?
There have been no alerts or virus’s detected at all, just files that can’t be scanned (which had never happened before). I know it’s not really related to avast but i didn’t know where else to post, Is there any chance that the computer has been hacked and altered or something? Do you know how or if i can change the formats back- without using system restore (as i never did one :frowning: ) or do you know where i can look to try and find the answers.

Thankyou guys.
Alexia.

Yes, as they if run would execute immediately in the same way as an ordinary .exe file. The other archives in the list generally they have to first be unpacked and any executable run, before that happens it should be scanned.

The avast default settings are there to provide the best balance for protection and performance. Only when you know what effect changing those settings might bring, they should be left as is.

Re the “Files and programs have become “.ink” format” I think this is a windows setting and I’m not familiar with it. But a google search on what I have in quotes returns many hits, http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Files+and+programs+have+become+“.ink”+format.

It depends on what your OS is, this one is about changing that in XP, http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-95/all-programs-changed-to-ink/166047.html and this one for windows 7, http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/change-fix-file-associations-windows-7/, I think this one also covers Vista.

Thankyou for your time DavidR. hopefully this will all help. If not, i’ll probably reply again :slight_smile:

Alexia.

You’re welcome.

Send it to Chest is safer than directly remove (delete) it.

Hi Tech, I’ve moved the file to the Chest. Thankyou for your help :slight_smile:

Hello DavidR, The web page you suggested for windows 7 has worked. Things are working normally. Thankyou sooo much :slight_smile:

;D
Alexia.

No problem, glad I could help.

You’re welcome.