all scanners detecting less than ever

[princetongrad24]

MWB has always scanned 350k files every full scan, now it scanning 292k. superantispyware is detecting 36k files, when it usually does 200k..norton is doing 224k, when it usually does 400k.

[daledoc1]

Hi:

 

Just to be clear....

 

Are you talking about the number of files being scanned on your computer?

Or the number of signatures in the malware database?

Or (heaven forbid!) the number of malware detections the scanners (MBAM and others) are finding on your system?

 

I assume you mean the former?

The number of files on your system will change.

It is a dynamic process 24/7 unless the computer is turned off and not being used.

So there will never be exactly the same number of files on the computer from minute to minute.

Also, disk caching for MBAM (and other security programs) can make it appear that the scans are "skipping" files.

It is normal.

 

If you mean the second item, all security programs (including MBAM) revise & optimize their databases from time to time.

MBAM updates its signatures 10 or more times a day.

So the number of malware signatures detected will vary.

 

If you mean the last item I mentioned -- thousands of actual malware detections on your system -- then you may well be badly infected.

It seems that you have previously reported a number of PUPs and other malware in your earlier threads, and that several staff/experts have repeatedly suggested getting an expert to assist you with checking your system.

 

In any event, just as AdvancedSetup suggested in your most recent post >>HERE<<, it might be a good idea to follow the advice in this pinned topic: Available Assistance for Possibly Infected Computers.

The malware experts will guide you -- for free -- through scanning your system with a range of tools, and they will help you clean any malware.

 

 

Thanks and Happy New Year,

 

daledoc1

[princetongrad24]

Hi dale, when I say thousands of files, I mean that malwarebytes, and the others are only scanning that number. I am not talking about the blueprints for the definitions, or about ,malware on the computer(all scans come u clean. It is jsut odd, because usually malwarebytes always has around 350k, and now it just has 292..and suerantispyware was way lower too. the times also were shorter.

 

alwarebytes Anti-Malware (Trial) 1.75.0.1300
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2014.01.01.02

Windows 8 x64 NTFS
Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16384
compaq :: PC [administrator]

Protection: Enabled

1/1/2014 4:04:58 AM
mbam-log-2014-01-01 (04-04-58).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|D:\|)
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM | P2P
Scan options disabled:
Objects scanned: 293524
Time elapsed: 21 minute(s), 41 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

(end)
 

[daledoc1]

Hi:

 

OK, that's what I thought.

Those are not "detections", though.

Those are simply the number of files being scanned.

"Detections" suggest that the files are being caught by/picked up by/"detected" by the program as malware.

 

Couple things:

• There is no need to routinely run FULL scans with MBAM.  Quick scans are all that are needed.  Frequent full scans will only cause wear on your hard drive.  More info here: What is the difference between the three scan types in Malwarebytes Anti-Malware?
• As mentioned, the number of files scanned by MBAM (or any security program) will vary -- if you have deleted some data/programs/stuff from the system, then you will have fewer files to scan. If the number of files scanned by ALL of your different security programs has been reduced, then that would seem to be the case.
  • There is also the process of "disk caching" which will make the second of 2 back-to-back scans on the same files go faster.
• That scan looks clean. 
• But no 1 tool can possibly pick up or protect against 100% of all the many malware variants.  And I am not authorized or qualified to provide malware advice.  Without additional system scans, the expert can't tell, either.  So, if you would like an expert second opinion, please follow the advice from Firefox, AdvancedSetup (and myself) to head over to the malware removal section, as advised >>HERE<<.
  • The help is free -- it will only cost you a bit of your time.

I'm sure the experts/staff will have some additional advice.

 

Thanks,

 

daledoc1

[daledoc1]

Hi:
 
It looks as if you have started a post over in the malware removal section here: https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=139496?
 
From your DDS logs, it appears that you just reinstalled your Windows OS just 2 days ago, on 12-30-2013?
If that's the case, that may well at least partially explain why MBAM & Norton & SAS scans today are scanning fewer files & other objects -- if you have fewer programs installed and less data on the computer now than you did prior to reinstalling Windows, then there are fewer files, registry entries and other items to scan.
 
Having said that, please stay with that other topic until a malware helper has assisted you and given you the all-clear.
 
Please be patient waiting for help -- it is the holiday season, many of the dedicated helpers are volunteers, and the forum is quite busy at this time of year.
 
Thanks,
 
daledoc1

[princetongrad24]

thanks for checking up on me dale. I decided to do a clean install, although i have seen higher scan numbers in the past, which was what concerned me. Either way, i'll stay on top of it!

[princetongrad24]

I decided to run full scans again and norton, mwb, and sas are working properly now. mwb scanned 350k something, sas, did 169k files plus 69k registry, and norton is still scanning, but is around 300k as of now.

 

I notice with mwb that it will get to 180k and then do the other 150ishk really fast..i dont see how it's scanning properly(it always does this)

[exile360]

The really quick jump is due to registry scanning, which goes really fast. The number of objects scanned isn't just files, it's also processes in memory and many registry locations and folders. The number of objects scanned can easily vary greatly as the number of objects on your system at any given time can fluctuate, particularly if you run a temp file cleaner to clear out your temp files (something like CCLeaner etc.) or clear your browser's cache.