Avast WEBforum

Other => General Topics => Topic started by: jborcher on October 28, 2013, 05:55:14 PM

Title: Files cannot be scanned. error message says they are password protected.
Post by: jborcher on October 28, 2013, 05:55:14 PM
I ran a complete system scan twice. each time the same group of about 15 files could not be scanned.  error message said files were password protected.  Has anyone heard of malicious code using this kind of trick to avoid detection, or could these really be files that need to keep users out in order for the OS to work correctly.

I'm running Windows 7 64-bit on a Dell Optiplex. Can't provide a list of the files unless I rescan and take a screen shot-- unless someone can tell me if and where the free version of Avast keeps a log file.

Thanks for helping.
Title: Re: Files cannot be scanned. error message says they are password protected.
Post by: marc-d-l on October 28, 2013, 06:20:15 PM
If you go to search in the top right hand corner and type in (files could not be scanned) you will get all the answers you need.
Title: Re: Files cannot be scanned. error message says they are password protected.
Post by: schmidthouse on October 28, 2013, 06:24:25 PM
I ran a complete system scan twice. each time the same group of about 15 files could not be scanned.  error message said files were password protected.  Has anyone heard of malicious code using this kind of trick to avoid detection, or could these really be files that need to keep users out in order for the OS to work correctly.

I'm running Windows 7 64-bit on a Dell Optiplex. Can't provide a list of the files unless I rescan and take a screen shot-- unless someone can tell me if and where the free version of Avast keeps a log file.

Thanks for helping.

Yes, there are 3rd. Party software that "password protect" their files (Adobe in one for example).
File 'unable to be scanned' are just that, unable to be scanned.
Title: Re: Files cannot be scanned. error message says they are password protected.
Post by: abruptum on October 28, 2013, 06:35:02 PM
In Downloads folder you probably have some Adobe installer.
Title: Re: Files cannot be scanned. error message says they are password protected.
Post by: jayp2 on February 13, 2014, 01:49:24 AM
I noticed when I did a quick scan that I received an error message stating some Files could not be scanned because of password protection.
I placed my mouse over one of the Files and found it had to do with flashplayer. I also saw the work "temporary file". So, I went to Internet Options and deleted all the temporary files. I did a quick scan again and this time there was not error messages. I hope this might help some one.
Title: Re: Files cannot be scanned. error message says they are password protected.
Post by: bob3160 on February 13, 2014, 07:42:47 PM

"Files that cannot be scanned are just that. Files that for one reason or another can not be scanned."
It doesn't mean that they are dangerous or suspicious or harmful. It simply means that these files need another element
before they can actually be opened and examined by your antivirus program.
In your case, the files are password protected and avast! doesn't know the password.
Once the password is supplied, these files will automatically be scanned by avast! before they are allowed to be opened.
There are many reasons for avast! or any other program not to be able to access a file.
In all cases, once that needed missing link is supplied, the file will be scanned before you're allowed to access it and,
at that time, you will either be able to access the file or, it will be blocked if it turns out to be something that will harm your computer.