To delete or not to delete?

[pjfb]

Just downloaded and run avast! for the first time and it found 9 viruses, all of which are now safely stored in the virus chest .
However, having been through the Help contents, I can't find how I decide whether to delete them or not.  I am afraid that if I delete them, I may delete a crucial file by mistake :'(.
If they are safely stored in the virus chest, aren't they harmless because they can't be accessed?
Or should I delete them anyway because they might escape?!
Please give me some advice.
Many thanks
pjfb

[lee16]

Hi pjfb,

We need a little more info to be of any help:

What OS are you using?
What is the filename and location of the files?
What are the infection names?

--lee

[xistenz]

Generally, if you move something to the chest, and your computer still works fine, then you can rest assured that you haven't removed an important file.

If they are safely stored in the virus chest, aren't they harmless because they can't be accessed?

Yes, they can do no harm if they are in the chest

Or should I delete them anyway because they might escape?!

The only way they will escape is if you let them

[Lisandro]

If they are safely stored in the virus chest, aren't they harmless because they can't be accessed?
Or should I delete them anyway because they might escape?!

They're safe there. No worry.
Answer Lee's questions and we could help you more.
Welcome to forums 

[pjfb]

Thanks guys.
Additional info re infected files (filename, original location, virus) as follows:

1. bqxdihrdtzx.exe, c:\bqxdihrdtzx.exe, Win32:Trojan-gen.{UPX!}
2. dload.exe, c:\WINDOWS\dload.exe, Win32:Trojano 027 [trj]
3. exdl.exe, c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\exdl.exe, Win32:Exdl[Adw]
4. exdl0.exe, c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\exdl0.exe, Win32:Exdl[Adw]
5. exdl1.exe, c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\exdl1.exe, Win32:Exdl[Adw]
6. loader2.ocx, c:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\loader2.ocx, Win32:Trojano 874 [trj]
7. MQEXDLM.SRG, c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MQEXDLM.SRG, Win32:Exdl[Adw]
8. optimize.exe, c:\WINDOWS\optimize.exe, Win32:Trojan-gen.{Other}
9. saaphook.dll, c:\WINDOWS\saaphook.dll, Win32:Trojan-gen.{Other}

Any further advice and some principles to follow very gratefully received.
pjfb

[Lisandro]

Except for the file 6, I think they're safe to delete.
Are your system working well without them?
How long were they sent to Chest?

Like I said before. They're safe on Chest. Let them at least 15 days. Test your system. After that you can delete them.
About file 6, maybe you can Google its name to see what you get 

[pjfb]

Thanks again, Technical.
I only downloaded and used avast! for the first time this morning, so as you suggest, I will leave them in the chest for a couple of weeks and see how the system runs (no problems so far).
pjfb

[Lisandro]

Ok, you're new here. Some of us don't 
Feel free to ask your questions and try to help the others on the forum 

[Eddy]

6 is part of the ADW_SPEYLOD.B

There could be more on that system (reg keys). I suggest to run HijackThis and make sure everything is gone.

[bob3160]

pjfb
You still haven't told us what operating system you use but,
with reguard to item #6, if its Windows ME or better, you'll also need to disable System Restore.
You can look at the following thread for more information.
http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/grayware/graywareDetails.asp?SNAME=ADW_SPEYLOD.A

[pjfb]

Hi Bob.
I'm using Windows 98.
I've also now downloaded a firewall (basic version of ZoneAlarm) and Spybot, and am therefore hoping that I'll be better defended in the future against the gremlins.
I've recently started playing the casinos online which is where I suspect a lot of the viruses came from.
Thanks for your advice
pjfb

[bob3160]

pjfb
Since you've been cruising the internet without a firewall, I'd defenitly follow
Eddy's advice and get install and run HijackThis and his Excellent HJT FileAnalyzer.
More help on his website and you'll also find some help on its use in the HelpfulShortcuts
link in my signature.

[niko]

Hi Pjfb,

I've also now downloaded a firewall (basic version of ZoneAlarm)

Please read VLK notice in "Avast! home/Pro" for ZA users

[pjfb]

As recommended, I've downloaded and run HijackThis and got a log file.
Since you've all been so helpful so far, can I post the log file to this board for your comments, or should I go elsewhere for advice on what to do with the HijackThis results?
pjfb

ps I've read VLK's comments re ZA, Niko, but have got version 4.5 of avast!, so no conflict there, but a good reason not to download the upgraded version until they've fixed it.  Thanks for the tip, quand-meme.

[lee16]

Since you've all been so helpful so far, can I post the log file to this board for your comments, or should I go elsewhere for advice on what to do with the HijackThis results?

Of course you can post it here, we always help with hijackthis logs here 

--lee