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When trying to delete files from a USB storage device, the files appear to delete, but are listed again soon after deleting them. Think I may have a virus, but Webroot doesn't see a problem when scanning the device. Any one elseseeing this?
@ wrote:

When trying to delete files from a USB storage device, the files appear to delete, but are listed again soon after deleting them. Think I may have a virus, but Webroot doesn't see a problem when scanning the device. Any one elseseeing this?

Hi Jed,

 

Welcome to the Community Forum,

 

Just wondering if you can click format that USB drive? Saving the files in a folder on your desktop then format USB. Will that work?

 

 

 

Best Regards,
Thanks for the suggestion Sherry.

No, I copied the files to a new folder on my desktop and tried to open them there as a precaution before formatting the USB, but get an error message saying the file(s) can't be located.

Actually now I've noticed the files on the USB are short-cuts rather than the actual files themselves.

Strange?
Hi Jed



I had another thought and you could have PUAs where malware isn't detected with Webroot. If you would like to check for them I can post that for you.



Regards,
Hi Jed!



I have to agree that sounds strange!
Yes please, thank you very much Sherry. 
Hi Jed,

 

Here you go! This is the Communities write up so hopefully you can fix whats going on. If not you can always Contact Support.

 

 

What you are seeing and describing sounds like it may be what we on the Community refer to as a PUA. (Potentially Unwanted Application) These are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behavior that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools.. but they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.

 

WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behavior that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see THIS LINK for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.

 

For those that are not detected by WSA, please see this KB Article. It has some easy to follow directions on locating and removing PUA's. You may also want to submit a Trouble Ticket, especially if you cannot remove it easily from the directions in the KB Article.

 

For those that ARE detected by WSA, but cannot be removed automatically, you can submit a Trouble Ticket.  Webroot Support will help you get these annoying 'crapware' off your computer at no extra charge, and the additional examples may help to better automatic removal of that particular PUA for all users in the future.

 

To make sure that your WSA is checking for PUA's with the best proficiently, it sometimes helps to reset the PUA detection within WSA's settings. For PUA's that had previously been scanned and determined to be OK, but have since been added to detection/removal, you may want to complete the following steps:

 


  • Open Webroot SecureAnywhere
  • Click on ‘Advanced Settings’ from the top right
  • Select ‘Scan Settings’ from the left side
  • Unselect the option “Detect Potentially Unwanted Applications”
  • Click on the Save button (you may have to enter in a CAPTCHA)
  • Reselect the option to “Detect Potentially Unwanted Applications”
  • Click on the Save button
  • Run another scan with Webroot and remove any items that get detected.
To help avoid PUA's in the future, remember to read all of the information when installing or updating software (Adobe downloads often have those "extra special offers"attached... PUA'S!: often the PUA included will be mentioned, and you can opt out of installing it.  Those check boxes you see? Usually only one of them is for the User Agreement of the software you want, the others are for the junk you don't.

 

 I hope this helps you both understand, and resolve the problem and if not please let us know!

 

 

 

 

 

 
Thanks very much Sherry - can't tackle this tonight, but will tomorrow and let you know. Very much appreciate your help. Cheers!
Hi Jed,



No problem we will be here 24/7!



Have a good night!



Cheers!
Well done Sherry!

 

 

I reset the PUA detection function in WSA, scanned, found some malware, removed it and was then able to delete the files from the USB device and reformat it. 

 

All is well with the universe again.

 

Have good one.

 

Jed.
@ wrote:

Well done Sherry!

 

 

I reset the PUA detection function in WSA, scanned, found some malware, removed it and was then able to delete the files from the USB device and reformat it. 

 

All is well with the universe again.

 

Have good one.

 

Jed.

Good Morning Jed!

 

Boondabah!! Great news! I'm always happy to know that we could help a fellow member in resolving their issues.

 

Now wasn't that simple?;)

 

Have a Great day and Thanks for getting back to us!! So come on back and join in for the fun and learning that we have in this Community!!:D

 

 

Best Regards

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