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Does scanning an external hard drive for viruses delete data?

Anonymous
2021-07-20T01:36:52+00:00

I have an external hard drive that I know has some viruses on it in the files I transferred. I'm wondering if I scan the drive for viruses will it delete my personal data? Do viruses attach to other files or are they separate files hidden within the folders of your personal data?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-07-20T02:14:24+00:00

    Hi Z. I'm Greg, an Independent Advisor, here to help you until the problems are fixed.

    Usually the virus can be separated out and quarantined so the file can be left untouched.

    While Defender is adequate real time protection which assures best WIndows performance, when Defender detects serious infection we need to switch to the very best on-demand scanners to find and clean up the infection. Make sure the external is plugged in and included in the scans.

    Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:

    https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ Make sure to only choose the Free version.

    In the Malwarebytes Settings (gear icon) > Security tab set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

    If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

    Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

    Then download, install and run a full scan with AdwCleaner:

    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle...

    Remove whatever it finds.

    Check for anything it finds but is still left over in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(86) to uninstall or delete them. I can guide you how to do this if there are problems.

    Also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001411.htm

    to disable anything you didn't add yourself and are sure you need. Ask back if in doubt.

    Then check for damaged System files by running System File Checker from Step 10 in this checklist:

    Windows 10 Performance and Install Integrity Checklist - Microsoft Community

    If completing all of Step 10 in above Checklist doesn't fix it then run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link: Download Windows 10, open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

    If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version using the slider buttons on it's front panel.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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