Expert: James Filmer - 3/21/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi James i have a Trojan Malware in my Vista system computer. It is being picked up by the SuperAntispyware Free Edtion. It is rated 5 out of 10 according to the internet. How do i dispose of it?
Cheers
Peter

ANSWER: My understanding is Quarantine if removing something that might adversely affect your system (maybe they made a mistake?), or want you it later (to study maybe?). Remove everything identified as a threat is fine, unless you have a good reason not to.

"To move an undesired file such as a virus-infected file or spyware to a folder that is not easily accessible by regular file management utilities. The quarantine option is available in antivirus software so that companies can keep a record of which users have been infected, where the file came from and to possibly send the virus to the antivirus vendor for inspection. Spyware blockers quarantine files so that they can be restored if required." Zdnet.com definition for: Quarantine

The post here: http://forums.superantispyware.com/index.php?/topic/3477-trojanagentgen-splitdro doesn't really address your question, but some SuperAntispyware people are members, a great source of info too, if you need it.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi James sorry i have not got back to you.
Thank you very much for your information, it was helpful.

Kind Regards
Peter

Answer
No problem Peter. What I was saying simply is get rid of it. As far as I'm concerning from years of testing, anything SuperAntispyware considers a threat, is. However, they give you the Quarantine option just in case they're wrong. It's removed from system files, not allowed to affect your system, but not completely deleted in case they made a mistake. Either way, removing whatever it finds is always best. Even if it detects a tracking cookie from a safe site (sometimes they're needed for log-in and purchasing purposes). Use a third party temp file cleaner like CCleaner, to remove those cookies, Superantispyware won't detect them, and the site will add it again when needed.