Newbie forum
Newbie forum?
Can anyone suggest links for newbies where it is possible to ask simple questions like:
Q1. When installing a new program you usually find recommendations like: "It is strongly recommended that you exit all Windows programs/applications before running this setup program." What is meant by all programs? Does it include anti-malware programs? Does it include all those small programs that seems to be running in the background? Should installation (I don´t know if this is possible) be done in safe mode?
Q2. As a result of running an anti-rootkit program I can get the result that there is an unknown hidden file (e.g. location C:\sccfg.sys). But when I temporarily selects Show hidden files and folders and unchecks the Hide protected operating system files option I cannot find the file. How can I find such files?
Q3. When deep scanning for anti-virus using my anti-virus program, is it best (is it possible) to do this in safe mode?
PS. When I retired from active work life a year ago at the age of 71 it was embarrassing to be at my own without access to an IT department. I knew almost nothing about security, computer maintenance etc. It was a real blessing when I found Gizmo´s site. I only wish I had found the site before I bought my home computer and started to install prgrams, so I could have done things right from the beginning. Many, many thanks Ian "Gizmo" Richards for your very valuable work!
Well looking at your list of apps you shouldnt have any problems installing things without turning them off. You may hit a few stops if Comodo pops up asking if it is ok to install said program or is it allowed to access certain system files. Normally thats fine and just click yes and it all works but if the installer goes full screen e.g. Nvidia graphics drivers, then the pop up might show in the background and you not notice. If the install does stop then you can Alt + Tab to see if a pop-up message has occured and respond accordingly.
In regards to the sccfg.sys file (and also one called Hook which you might get a warning about too) it is related to Folder Lock and will disappear when you uninstall Folder Lock. It isnt anything to be worried about.
Thank you for your answer. After uninstallation the sccfg.sys file was no longer hidden (and no root-kit warning appeared anymore), so I just threw it away.
Thank you Peter! I have XP Home Edition (and since yesterday SP3), NOD32 2.7, ThreatFire 3.5, Spy Sweeper 5.5 (quite slow) and Comodo Firewall 2.4 (the latest Swedish version).
1. This is reassuring - I would feel quite uncomfortable turning off my anti-malware programs.
2. I will read more about this. I have Folder Lock installed, so this seems to be the cause. Sophos Anti-Rootkit considers the file to be removable, but clean up not recommended for this file?! NOD32 says about C:\sccfg.sys (trying to translate from Swedish) that it cannot get hold of the file, the file cannot be opened.
You're welcome to post more "simple questions" on this thread.
ALthough it would be helpful if you mentioned your OS, named the anti-malware you are running etc. The more specific you are, the easier it is to find help.
1. I'd never turnoff anti-malware programs. In general, you can ignore the "Close all programs" message; but if a particular application won't install, turn off other programs one-by-one.
2. In general, when you encounter a "mystery file," google the filename for more information.
http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=111631
"sccfg.sys" removal can be tricky. If all else fails, try here:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/someones-removal-guide.htm
and follow the "Related Topics".
3. It's not normally necessary to scan in safe mode, but it depends on which anti-virus prog. you are using.
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