Error: The file is a decompression bomb (42110)

Viruses and worms
1

Hi. I ran a full scan last night on my PC (I use latest version of Avast Internet Security Suite) and came across a message after the scan completed “Error: The file is a decompression bomb (42110)” - Please see attached. Is it safe to remove this file? what should I do? Thanks

2

This is a frequently asked question - no action is required.

  • Decompression Bomb, a file that is highly compressed, which could be very large when decompressed. This used to be a tactic long ago to swamp the system.

The name really is the most dangerous thing about this and I wish they would change it or simply not report it, a real PITA.

These highly compressed files are generally ‘archive’ files which are inert, don’t present an immediate risk until they are unpacked. If you happen to select ‘All packers’ in your on-demand scans then you are more likely to come across this type of thing. Personally it is a waste of time scanning ‘all packers’ and that is why it isn’t enabled by default.

Files that can’t be scanned are just that, not indication that they are infected/suspect.

3

hmm okay and yes I agree it raises an alarm that probably shouldn’t… Since this is just an old .exe install file videocleaner_wmf_setup.exe then I guess I can delete it…? Thanks

4

There really is no need to delete it, obviously you would continue to get the error message on files that can’t be scanned.

But if you have no requirement for this installation file, you could delete it or export it to a USB stick.

5

Thanks David. I just deleted it. I believe it was an old install file that I used on my old PC but just copied all the files from the download folder and put it on my new PC when the other one went AWOL.

Thanks!

6

you can check suspicious file(s) here www.virustotal.com / www.metadefender.com / www.jotti.org

If scanned before, always click rescan for a fresh result

7

You’re welcome.