C:\PROGRAM DATA\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\START MENU \PROGRAMS\BOOKING.COM.LINK IDENTIFIED AS SECURITY RISK BY ANTIVIRUS

Question

C:\PROGRAM DATA\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\START MENU \PROGRAMS\BOOKING.COM.LINK IDENTIFIED AS SECURITY RISK BY ANTIVIRUS After quarantine, download and restart attempt, computer unable to start. Had to get HP tech. Follwed directions to get PC back on line, Had to delete Windows and reinstall. Start all over again. Antivirus again tagged it as a threat, did not quarantine and since then successfully downloaded, restarted an update successfully.

Is this program a threat or not?

Answer 1

That file is just a shortcut stored in that folder to provide a link on your Start Menu for Booking.com, it is not a virus, it is a false positive that Malwarebytes is flagging.

Answer 2

Sorry, you'll have to get more basic. That file didn't come up when I used the search bar (on task bar) . How do I find it?

I have always used Norton and Malwarebytes. McAfee came with the computer.

Malwarebytes was the one that identified this as a PUP.Optional.Booking 'potentially unwanted file' . The others, including Norton Power Eraser didn't ID it at all.

(I know, too many antivirus', but I never had a problem with Norton And Malwarebytes together, plan to discontinue McAfee.)

The fact that the computer was unable to restart after that file was quarantined was a good indication it was needed and okay (?). All virus scans except that Malwarebytes were clean. MB targeted it again after restart and reinstalled Windows. I just left it alone this time.

Answer 3

Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

1

That file is not listed anywhere as malware, right click that file and select Properties, please provide a screenshot of the resulting dialog.

2

What anti-virus do you use on your PC?