I had downloaded a zip file, clicked to open, and Windows 7 popped up ‘Do you want this program to make changes’. It was then I realized it was an exe. (Yes, stupid mistake, wasn’t paying attention). Of course I clicked no, but my question is, COULD it have made any changes? Or did clicking no automatically prevent it? Just want to be sure.
I was kind of shocked because normally Avast picks stuff up automatically as soon as it downloads. Just out of curiosity I had Avast scan it before deleting the file, and it did recognize it then. It was 3 things, bundled up in something called $PLUGINSDIR\ Can you setup 3 exes inside 1 exe?
I think you had a lucky escape then. No harm was done, clean your temp files from time to time is always a good procedure.
Next time before ever downloading executables that are not signed by software makers or warned against or as a general rule, first check out the download link, copy the download link, then copy and open up to scan here: http://www.virustotal.com/index.html#url-submission
After the scan has finished, and when available then check the file analysis link after the results came up. When some av solutions flag malware, you are ill advised to go on with the download.
Whenever in doubt, come here to get a confirmation whether the download link is OK and free of malware, crapware, spyware etc.
Thanks for reporting to us, because this will also help users to establish safe download procedures. So watch your clicks and stay secure, which is the wish of,
Thanks much guys! The only thing I could find under file shield that specifically says ‘self extracting dos executable’ and one for ‘win32’ under packers. Is that the ones you mean, they’re both checked? Maybe since it hadn’t activated yet, Avast didn’t pick it up. I just usually get a notice when any fishy comes down, let alone when I click on it.
Just so I know, I don’t think I’ve changed any settings, but is there a way to go back to defaults?
