Wednesday, October 19, 2022 – Q&A: Is it safe to keep an infected file after it has been ‘cleaned’? – Q&A: Is it ok to disable ‘User Account Control’ in Windows?

Q&A: Is it safe to keep an infected file after it has been ‘cleaned’?

Question from Melba:  When my antivirus finds an infected file it gives me these options:

1 – Clean the file (i.e. strip the malicious code from it)

2 – Quarantine the file (i.e. lock it away in a safe place where it won’t be able to infect other files)

3 – Delete the file from the sytem

If it’s a file I actually use I typically select the “Clean” option, but someone told me that isn’t safe.

I’d rather lose one important file than put my entire system at risk by keeping a file that has been “cleaned”, IF there’s no guarantee that the cleaned file will be safe.

My question is, are files that are cleaned by an antivirus app safe to keep and use?

Rick’s answer:  Melba, all of the most popular antivirus apps generally do a great job at cleaning (and thereby salvaging) files that are infected with malware.

So I would say the answer is yes., it is indeed generally safe to keep (and use) a once-infected file that has had the infection removed from it.

But that being said, if it’s some random file that I’ve never heard of I’ll Google it to find out if it’s an important file that I really need to keep. If it is, I’ll let the antivirus app clean it and consider the matter closed.

However, if my research indicates that the file is useless to me (and to my computer), I’ll have the file quarantined instead. That way I’ll be able to recover it if I later find out that I (or my computer) do need it after all.

The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…

• Q&A: Is it ok to disable ‘User Account Control’ in Windows?

This post has my answer.

• Q&A: Can I create Linux installation discs and sell them on Ebay?

The answer just might surprise you.

• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.

Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.

Rick’s Daily Pick…

“Linux All-In-One For Dummies” (#ad)

Did you recently make the switch to Linux and need a really good tutorial for learning how to use it?

Or perhaps you already know the basics of the Linux operating system and you’re just looking for a really good reference guide to refer to when you need a little reminder?

Either way, this book would be an excellent choice in my humble opinion.

Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…

This simple tip will save you time, money and freezer space

This is the best way to store frozen ground meat.

Tech news that caught my eye…

• New data reveals Spectrum as the fastest Internet provider

• Social Media: The black market for blue checks

• Microsoft lays off hundreds of employees

• Google just revealed another totally new operating system

• Apple will release macOS Ventura and iPadOS 16 on October 24

Wondering how you can help me keep doing what I’m doing?

1 – If you’d like to help support my work, you can do so by leaving me a tip.

Every penny of your tip will go towards my blog’s web hosting and other related fees, which are substantial.

2 – You can Forward this email to a friend along with a short note of recommendation. (Just click the “Forward” button or link.)

Rest assured that anything you can do to help me keep helping folks will be greatly appreciated.

Have a question, comment or suggestion? Hit the Reply button and reply to this email. I love hearing what you have to say…

Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.

Your tech buddy,

Rick Rouse
https://www.RicksDailyTips.com