Unable to Scan 4,484 Files

[magnetic7]

I just ran a scan. Avast found 4,484 files that are 'unable to scan'. Reading through this forum I see it is not always the best idea to delete files that can not be scanned. What should I do? If I do decide to delete those files can I delete all 4,484 files at once instead of one at a time?

[.: L' arc :.]

-= You should consider the location of files before deleting them to get a bit of a guide of what is deemed necessary.. Just to be sure..

[Lisandro]

By examining 1) the reason given by avast! for not being able to scan the files, 2) the location of the files, you can get an idea of what program they relate to. You may need to expand the column headings to see all the text.

Files that can't be scanned are just that, not an indication they are suspicious/infected, just unable to be scanned.

[DavidR]

See http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=35347.msg297170#msg297170 this topic for more information on why files can't be scanned.

If you can give some examples of the file names, location and reason why avast couldn't scan them, password protected, etc. ?

[magnetic7]

Here's a screenshot of the results:

[magnetic7]

When I tried t do a system restore to get rid of the files,the calendar was stuck on this month. I can only restore back to a date where I know I had bad files.

[DavidR]

- You need to Expand Column Width, so that we can see the full path and file name, etc. - hover the mouse pointer over the column header divider until the pointer changes (see image) left click and hold down the key whilst dragging the pointer to the right.

Without knowing what the file name and the location are we can't associate it with a program and as such if it is reasonable/legit for the archive to be password protected.

[DavidR]

When I tried t do a system restore to get rid of the files,the calendar was stuck on this month. I can only restore back to a date where I know I had bad files.

Why are you trying to get rid of the files ?

As we have said, Files that can't be scanned are just that, not an indication they are suspicious/infected, just unable to be scanned.

[magnetic7]

When I tried t do a system restore to get rid of the files,the calendar was stuck on this month. I can only restore back to a date where I know I had bad files.

Why are you trying to get rid of the files ?

As we have said, Files that can't be scanned are just that, not an indication they are suspicious/infected, just unable to be scanned.

There's no harm in doing a system restore.

'You can use System Restore to undo harmful changes to your computer and restore it's settings and performance. System Restore returns your computer to an earlier time (called restore point) without causing you to loose recent work, such as saved documents, or e-mail, or history or favorites lists. Any changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible.'

http://www.ehow.com/how_2072039_computer-system-using-windows-xp.html

[DavidR]

There might be no harm, but what's the point as these aren't harmful changes.

System Restore is far from perfect and it can have unforeseen consequences and unless these are actually restore points will make no difference at all.

There are many, many reasons why a System Restore may fail. For example, see "Why are previous restore points not working?" in the "Troubleshooting" section of this official Microsoft page:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/plan/faqsrwxp.mspx

There's lots more on that page that's worth reading too. Note especially the sections on "Does System Restore protect personal data files?" (the short answer: no); "What should I do if System Restore does not work?"; "Why are my restore points missing or deleted?"; "Why does the System Restore Wizard lockup?"; and so on. Just a few minutes on that page ought to convince just about anyone that System Restore is not intended for heavy-duty system protection!

Your system your choice.

[.: L' arc :.]

-= I'm not sure, but it seems like the description is: "Archive is corrupted."

-= In that case, you may try running a disk check utility [My Computer --> Right click Local Disk C:\ --> Properties --> Tools tab --> Check now.. --> Tick automatically fix files system errors --> OK --> Reboot..]

-= At least, it could fix a few..

[cinchez]

Sorry to budge in but i have the same problem..or is it a problem?...

Its says "unable to scan Archive".....

Also, there is sooo many of them...more than a hundred....

-AnimeLover^^

[magnetic7]

There might be no harm, but what's the point as these aren't harmful changes.

The point is I've used System Restore in the past and had good results.

I did a boot scan and got 'Error 42127 {CAB archive is corrupted}' on two files.