Problem with Windows Malicious Software removal tool

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I just ran the Feb version of windows malicious software removal tool and got 1 infected file on both my computers. Both are running 8.1 . one is an HP laptop and the other is a Pro3. My problem is after completion the tool states no infected files were detected. I reran a second time and as it is running it says there is one infected file and yet after completion it says no files were infected. i rebooted and ran a full scan with the same results. This is on both of my computers. where do I go from here

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There may be a flaw in the detection system. If you’re getting clean full scans, I wouldn’t worry about it.

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I spoke too soon….Just to be cautious I ran full scans on both of my computers.  The surface Pro came back with 1.  The HP (which I did not run a full scan on initially)  now shows 8 infected files….

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If you are running a commercial virus program, I recommend you follow up with a full scan with it as well. Also consider using a malware remover like Malwarebytes Free.

1 user thanked author for this post.

apprams1

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I downloaded the Malware Bytes Free onto the surface pro and ran the scan and there were 653 threats detected .  After the quarantine I restarted and reran the windows malicious software removal and it now come up clean.  The removal tool is still running on the HP Laptop with a current total of 8 files infected so I will go the same route as I did with the surface pro.  Thanks for your help

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You may have one of those malicious files which are generated on a schedule, following something which you authorised to install previously.
The antiviruses are useless except for detecting the infected file which gets deleted once it is created, but it will get recreated and the cycle repeats itself.
That sort of viruses can be removed but only manually and if you understand fully what is happening and monitoring closely with Process Explorer and Process Monitor. This is not for everyone, but can be done and it is the only effective way to fix the problem, other than reformatting/reinstalling.
There are some chances that this is contained to your user profile under AppData folder and you may be able to get rid of it by resetting your profile. But be careful with your documents as they can easily be lost if you don’t understand all the consequences of resetting a profile.
Sorry, this is not something to be resolved in a forum, someone with high level skills should attend your computer or otherwise you should reformat and reinstall, but there is no guarantee that the malware is not somewhere among your files which you now consider useful.

3 users thanked author for this post.

HiFlyer, apprams1, woody

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OK,,,again I spoke too soon. Just to be anal I went back in and reran the windows removal tool yet again in both quick and full and got 1 infected file which is not being removed. This is on the Windows pro 3

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What, exactly, is the Removal Tool saying?

Have you tried running Malwarebytes Free?

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The removal tool would run and under infected files will have the number 1.  When the scan finished the tool would then say no malicious software was detected and if i clicked on view detailed results of the scan it would list all files scanned  with the words  not infected next to each file..

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If you are not running a commercial virus program, I would suggest that you do so. There are quite a few free ones out there: Bitdefender Free, AVG Free, Avast, Avira, Panda all have free programs. I have used all of these and have had no problems.

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