what's win32:spyware-gen? thanks

system · 2007-12-09T02:04:11.000Z

my avast check out it and i don’t know what is it.

DavidR · 2007-12-09T02:49:37.000Z

What is the infected file name, where was it found e.g. (C:\windows\system32\infected-file-name.xxx) ?
Check the avast! Log Viewer (right click the avast ‘a’ icon), Warning section, this contains information on all avast detections.

The malware names often don’t prove to helpful even if you do a google search for the name as there is no standardisation or naming convention. However, this -gen suffix usually relates to a generic signature that is trying to catch a type of malware. Unfortunately spyware can be a number of things, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware, so this signature may be not be looking for specific but general actions, so it isn’t easy to define what the spyware might be.

As clear as mud and this is often why a search for the infected file name may also return more detailed information.

Lisandro · 2007-12-09T12:25:39.000Z

We will need more information to be able to help you:

Which OS are you using? Is it up to date?
What avast! version and VPS file (virus database) number?
Like David asked, what was the filename and path where the virus was found?
Which actions have you taken to try solving the problem?
Do you use a firewall? Which one?
Do you have any other antivirus installed in your system? Had in the past?

FreewheelinFrank · 2007-12-09T12:27:45.000Z

There are a number of good free scanners you can use to check for spyware:

AVG Anti-Spyware Free (Requires Win2k/XP)

Ad-Aware Free

Spybot Search & Destroy

SUPERAntiSpyware Free

a-Squared Free

Announcements