Question Malwarebytes detects TotalAV as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP.Optional.TotalAV)

[hakaru_eitara]

Hello ,
Please answer this post for Windows 7 sp1.
If Malwarebytes is already installed and you try to install TotalAV, it gets blocked.
It is described here:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/detections/pup-optional-totalavI

1---Is it safe to proceed with the installation of TotalAV?

2---If Malwarebytes Premium is already installed, is it advisable to install the free version of TotalAV alongside it?

3---As you know, support for Windows 7 has ended. Aside from upgrading to Windows 10 or later, what protection is recommended? Are antivirus solutions like Malwarebytes and TotalAV still sufficient for Windows 7?

4---There is something called Windows Defender in control panel , will it be updated to lastest update or as OS was ended , it is also end in support and receive lastest update?

 

[Lutfij]

1| I used BitDefender back in the day.

2| You don't need multiple antivirus's. One is enough.

3| Migrate to Windows 11 as Windows 10 is also going to run aground towards the end of this year.

4| It'll be disabled when you install an antivirus of your own. To add, Windows Defender during Windows 7 was horrible. It was only until Windows 10 came around is when Windows Defender was substantially good and you didn't need to install an aftermarket anti-virus. Ofc, just because you have an antivirus doesn't mean you shouldn't practice healthy web browsing habits(aka not visiting shady sites or clicking on suspicious pop ups).

 

[hakaru_eitara]

I used BitDefender back in the day.

Thank you , but I can't select the free plan , 🙁

 

[USAFRet]

Thank you , but I can't select the free plan , 🙁

I gave up BitDefender years ago.

The built in Windows AV tool, and functioning brain cells, is just fine.

 

[hakaru_eitara]

Windows AV tool

Thank you @USAFRet but I asked it for Window 7.

 

[USAFRet]

Thank you @USAFRet but I asked it for Window 7.

And still, yes.

But...Why Win 7? (pretty sure we've been down this road before)

 

[hakaru_eitara]

And still, yes.

But...Why Win 7? (pretty sure we've been down this road before)

Oh !!!
So WIn 7 can get lastest update as Win 10 does !!! I didn't know , thank you really
Yes, you're right , I have another OS (Win 10 ) , honestly , more comfort with 7 !

 

[USAFRet]

Oh !!!
So WIn 7 can get lastest update as Win 10 does !!! I didn't know , thank you really
Yes, you're right , I have another OS (Win 10 ) , honestly , more comfort with 7 !

Win 7 may still be getting some minor security updates.

But there are many downsides to continuing to use it.

If you have Win 10 elsewhere, why continuing with Win 7?
"more comfortable"? Give it up and move on. Everyone from a 7 year old to a 97 year old great grandma can do it....why not you?

 

[hakaru_eitara]

Win 7 may still be getting some minor security updates.

But there are many downsides to continuing to use it.

If you have Win 10 elsewhere, why continuing with Win 7?
"more comfortable"? Give it up and move on. Everyone from a 7 year old to a 97 year old great grandma can do it....why not you?

I understand what you are talking about 🙏
my Win 10 sometimes crashes , not working smoothly as win 7 , I couldn't install Free antivirus on it , I have ahd problem with some services , and I believe after installing win 10 , it has made system slowly like booting slowly ,

 

[USAFRet]

I understand what you are talking about 🙏
my Win 10 sometimes crashes , not working smoothly as win 7 , I couldn't install Free antivirus on it , I have ahd problem with some services , and I believe after installing win 10 , it has made system slowly like booting slowly ,

That is not the fault of Win 10.
Nor can be corrected with Win 7.

Your system has other issues.

 

[hakaru_eitara]

Your system has other issues.

Thank you. Could you please inform me of the possible underlying problems that may be causing this issue?

 

[Rokinamerica]

Tell us your specs on your PC and we might be able to assist.

 

[garioch7]

@hakaru_eitara ,

I am a newbie on these Forums, but I have considerable experience with malware.

You asked if TotalAV was good for protecting computers. The short answer is to consult reputable anti-virus testing lab results. From what I have seen, it does not score very well. Personally, I would not go near it.

The Malwarebytes PUP (potentially unwanted program) warning about TotalAV is based on its lack of efficacy in dealing with malware, as documented in independent testing. You could still install it and create an exception in Malwarebytes, but I would not recommend that.

As you have been repeatedly told my longtime contributors to this Forum, Windows 7 is no longer supported, and the support for Windows 10 home versions will cease before the end of the year.

From a security perspective, using Windows 7 now is high risk from a computer security perspective, and it has been for years! Windows 10, when security updates are discontinued, will also become increasingly vulnerable to malware attacks.

In a now-locked topic, you seem to have conceded to having, at one time, pirated software on your computer. That is a major malware attack vector. It becomes not a case of IF your computer will be infected, but only WHEN!

One often overlooked, but critical security practice, as referenced by @USAFRet in his signature, is a sound backup strategy. Even the best antivirus products can not protect 100% of the time for 100% of the newly emerging threats. Ransomware is a growth industry. It is increasingly sophisticated. The only 100% solution is offline system images, updated frequently. Personally, I entirely image both of my computers weekly, and store the images offline. The external drive is only connected long enough to create and verify the system images.

If you want to maximize your computer security, then follow the advice given here by senior contributors: upgrade to Windows 11.

Above all, stay safe in cyberspace, and stay away from torrents and pirated software.

Have a great day.

Regards,
Phil