Will I get a virus before I get to scan it to make sure its safe, or could it open by itself just from being on my hard drive. I know exe program by themselves can be run atumaticly, but what if its in rar or zip format?
2006-12-11 16:56:36 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
would I have to actually click on this program to execute the virus?
2006-12-11 17:01:07 · update #1
In short - no. However, despite what you think, it might not be in a RAR or ZIP format - and you might be opening it without realizing that you're doing so.
First of all, just because the file has the ZIP or RAR icon, doesn't mean that it is a ZIP or RAR archive. Many viruses reside in EXE files that have such icons (or other innocent-looking ones - like those for Notepad or Word documents).
Second, some viruses use file names like blah.zip[many_blanks].exe. Windows doesn't display the whole name (because it is too long) and the blanks are invisible, so that all you see is "blah.zip" - but it's actually an EXE file.
Third, a file is opened not just when you double-click on it. If an EXE file has an icon, it is contained inside as a resource. In order to display the icon, the Windows Explorer has to open the file and read this resource. This happens when you right-click on the file and even when you just view the folder where the file resides. If the resource is specially corrupted, sometimes it can exploit a vulnerability in the code that is trying to display it and cause some code to be executed. There is a well-known (and often-used) vulnerability involving ANI (animated mouse cursors) files.
2006-12-11 19:58:28 · answer #1 · answered by Vesselin Bontchev 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rarely a program will be available in EXE format on Limewire. Typically, programs will come in zip, rar, or iso format. Besides audio files, none of the above mentioned formats are safe. They can all contain viruses. Download at your own risk. Zip,rar and iso formats are convenient ways to put 100's of files into one file. Use Winzip to open zip files. Use WinRar to open rar files. Use WinISO or PowerISO or MagicISO to open iso files. You can also use Nero to burn the iso into a working CD. Extract the files, then there will be a setup.exe file like any other program. I would recommend Bittorent for programs rather than Limewire. Limewire is more ideal for small videos and music files.
2016-05-23 07:52:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if it is actually in rar or zip format. Some sites attempt to trick your computer into running an exe file that looks like a zip, but it depends on your computer's software updates, etc. It's very unlikely though. In short, just don't download from a site unless you trust it.
2006-12-11 17:02:28 · answer #3 · answered by CodyBJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
exe files that are zipped will not run automatically, but it is your best bet to scan the file before you extract it, and if the virus is packed inside the software, it's a good idea to extract it to your desktop or a flash drive so that way it's easy to get rid of. but your best bet would be to extract it and then scan the internals of the folder for viruses.
good luck
2006-12-11 17:05:19 · answer #4 · answered by Doug 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Viruses in RAR or ZIP file will have to extract before they can do any damage. Do a scan before and after the extraction.
2006-12-11 17:25:02 · answer #5 · answered by Ted B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, its better you scan a zip/rar archive with an antivirus software before opening it.
2006-12-11 17:00:52 · answer #6 · answered by vamsy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one thing no one mentioned is that a virus can attach itself to a file you are downloading though chances of that are minimal and a good firewall or anti virus will notice and alert you
2006-12-11 17:10:01 · answer #7 · answered by lolstudmanclay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you can even if there was a virus in it your antivirus will alert you.
2006-12-11 16:59:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋