[SOLVED] Can anti-virus scanning corrupt files?

[TheFlash1300]

Do anti-virus programs introduce changes to the files they scan, or do they only read them, meaning it's impossible for an antivirus program to change/corrupt files? For example, if the system crashes or the anti-virus app crashes while scanning a file, could the file become corrupted? If the anti-virus program changes the files while reading them, and then the program suddenly crashes without having time to retreat the change it introduced while reading, could the files become corrupted?

Is scanning for viruses 100% safe for files, or is there a chance something wrong to happen and make the file corrupted/unreadable?

 

[Lutfij]

If the anti-virus is actually malware, then yes it can corrupt files. If the files were corrupt to begin with and you used a legit anti-virus, then sometimes the files end up getting corrupt after a clean. You will need to keep in mind that not all viruses behave the same way or are coded to attack the same file, they will be targeting a specific file type in order to cripple said system.

If you practice healthy browsing habits and don't download suspicious content onto your platform, not to mention that you're working with Windows 10's defender, you should be safe.

 

[PsychoPsyops]

Open command prompt in administrator mode, then type "sfc /scannow" without quotes and hit enter.
This command scans for and repairs corrupt files.
Also stay away from Norton antivirus, they have been known to make their own viruses to make it look like the program actually finds them often to appear more useful.