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why wont scanners pick up all viruses?

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why wont scanners pick up viruses? im having problems and iv scanned my computer with 4 different programmes avg, defender,malwarebytes and microsoft only the last one picked up a clicker trojan but it told me it couldnt be removed.

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  • tsimehC
    tsimehC Posts: 763 Forumite
    500 Posts
    Usually trojans embed themselves into system files which can't be accessed normally but it can be removed through Safe Mode.
  • quite honestly the trick is to have decent antivirus to prevent them getting in in the first place.
    If it is that bad you are best blowing it all way and reloading, but back up anything important first, if you can.
    Blackpool_Saver is female, and does not live in Blackpool

  • but how would you know what was good unless you tried them all and eventually one would pick something up.what should i look for when changing my security
  • CHR15
    CHR15 Posts: 5,193 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Spyware and Virus' are completely different things, and need different progs to root them out.

    Just choose a Virus checker you get along with (which doesn't hog the resources on your PC slowing it down), choose some Anti Spyware software (e.g malwarebytes) and ditch the Tin Foil hat.

    Don't let them panic you into thinking you should spend all your waking hours scanning for the monsters.
  • MsRed1
    MsRed1 Posts: 324 Forumite
    I use Avast Prof and haven't had any viruses just warning which it deleted. Malwarebytes found a couple of things a while ago. Also like ESET NOD32.
    I went away and now I'm back.:j:j
  • diable
    diable Posts: 5,258 Forumite
    quite honestly the trick is to have decent antivirus to prevent them getting in in the first place.
    If it is that bad you are best blowing it all way and reloading, but back up anything important first, if you can.
    The idea is to implement good practice and limit your exposure to malaware, viruses and any other nasties that are out there.
  • BritRael
    BritRael Posts: 1,158 Forumite
    why wont scanners pick up viruses? im having problems and iv scanned my computer with 4 different programmes avg, defender,malwarebytes and microsoft only the last one picked up a clicker trojan but it told me it couldnt be removed.

    1) Many new viruses are released every day. Therefore the detection products are always behind, and we can never be 100% safe. Are yours up-to-date?

    2) Virus detection programs (like all computer programs) do what they are told. So they can only detect what they are told to detect. If they all did 'everything', there would be no need to have more than one.

    3) Prevention is better than cure. Follow safe surfing practice (don't visit dodgy sites, don't open unsolicited e-mails etc.) and you might be lucky :)
    Marching On Together

    I've upped my standards...so up yours! :)
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