I found a zip file online that supposedly contains episodes of a TV show, but when I downloaded it, Windows Defender flagged it as a virus and deleted it right away. I'm curious if there's a way to safely download and extract the videos, possibly by keeping my PC protected and only removing the infected files. I've considered using a separate drive to download it, testing the files there, and then wiping everything clean including any potential viruses. Any advice on how to do this without putting my computer at risk?
4 Answers
Honestly, if Windows Defender is flagging it, you should definitely steer clear. Zip files can be hiding malware even if they seem to only contain videos. If you really want to examine the contents, set up a virtual machine to isolate it from your main system. Just be careful not to connect it to your main network.
To be honest, if you’re unsure about the file, maybe just skip it altogether. Downloading it could lead to issues you won't want to deal with later. Look for safer alternatives.
It sounds like you might be dealing with a compromised file. If Windows Defender deleted it without you opening it, that's a big warning sign. If you trust the source, maybe try using a Linux live USB to extract the files. That way, you can scan them thoroughly with antivirus software and check for issues without affecting your main system.
The likelihood is high that this file is a scam or has malware. If you absolutely want to check it out, isolate your main computer, and scan the file on VirusTotal before extracting anything. But if it's being deleted automatically, it’s better to find a different source. No video is worth a virus!
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