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Every file I try to download is flagged as having a virus and is then deleted. The files include a .pdf file from irs.gov, a .csv file from a national pharmacy, a .pdf file from an insurance company, etc. The problem occurs whether I'm using Microsoft Edge or Chrome. I thought McAfee might be the issue so uninstalled that program letting Windows Defender take over security duties, first doing a scan that disclosed no viruses. The problem continues. I had Windows Defender scan for viruses, but none were detected. I can open .pdf files that were previously downloaded or that can be viewed within the browser window. These files will all download to my Fire tablet or Android phone without a problem, but not to my laptop. I've tried composing a new message in Hotmail and attaching a PowerPoint file from my hard drive. I receive the file fine and the slides display properly in my email account; however, when I choose the Download option, I again get an error message saying the file contained a virus and was deleted.
Even if every file on my own hard drive was infected with a virus, it seems unlikely that every file, regardless of file type, from every website I've visited is infected with a virus that isn't identified by my tablet or Android phone. I believe all my software is up to date. I am beyond frustrated! Thank you for any help you can provide.
Windows 10
*Moved from Windows forums*
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
Go to the McAfee site and get their uninstalling software and completely remove all of the McAfee code.
Then download Malwarebytes.
Also get the Avast uninstall software software and uninstall Avast.
just uninstalling in Programs and Features does not remove all of the code from the computer and this code is what causes problems.
I have the same issue. It's impossible to download Malwarebytes as some have suggested because, as you've noted, nothing will download successfully. The files, whether .pdf, .exe. or .jpg, always seem to download, get to Security Scan, then display the error message about the file containing a virus and being deleted.
This isn't an Avast problem. I was using McAfee Security Suite when the problem occurred. No problems were disclosed by McAfee during a full scan. I next uninstalled McAfee and had Windows Defender do a full scan. Again, no issues were identified, but the problem continues regardless of which browser is used. The computer otherwise is functioning normally.
*Merged reply from another thread*
I haven't. I'll give that a try. Thanks for the suggestion.
Have you tried Malwarebytes?
As I feared, during the automatic security scan of the Malwarebytes download, I get the same message:
"X file contained a virus and was deleted."
