If i were to download a program that knowingly has malware would it be possible to remove the malware & still keep the program?

Hi N3,

 

It's possible.... in theory

If you scan the program before installing it, your AV or AM program may remove the malware and leave the original program in tact.

But there's no 100% guarantee.

It would depend on the malware and whether part of it is hidden.

In all honesty, the best course of action would be to nuke the download all together.

At the end of the day it's just not worth the risk.

Logically you're right! Eset detected it before installation (i did not install it) as a variant of "Win32/InstallCore.PY". It's interesting to note that malwarebytes did not detect it.

variant of "Win32/InstallCore.PY"

Eset use this name to cover a variety of things..... mostly PuP's.

 

It's interesting to note that malwarebytes did not detect it.

This is why we always say to 'layer' your security.

There's no one security program that will detect everything.

Each program will be designed to look and detect certain types of malware.... and different programs will use different search parameters.

That could not be better said Pete. We are human and we want a single solution to everything and with software that seldom if ever happens.

While on the subject I know we can use Adw Cleaner and JRT Cleaner to remove Adware but is there any program running in the background that can keep it out other than the obvious Wot or Adblock Plus? Ad Muncher was a great program until it began to block everything I wanted to see.

we can use Adw Cleaner and JRT Cleaner to remove Adware but is there any program running in the background that can keep it out other than the obvious Wot or Adblock Plus?

As far as Adware is concerned, the best defence is 'Commonsense'.

If the install pages are read properly and you avoid the use of Download Managers..... there shouldn't really be much of a problem.

I know a lot of free programs will try and install some type of Toolbar...... but your browser comes with a toolbar and there's usually an option to customize it, so why add anything else?

Never think that just because the download or install suggests extra programs/toolbars, that you should install them.

Think for yourselves and decide for yourself what gets added to your system.

Very true Pete.