What are hidden objects?
When you perform a system scan, you may get the message "Hidden objects were found.":
Usually, hidden objects are harmless. You basically have to differentiate between digital form and hidden Registry-Entries.
Hidden objects get created by the operating system or other various software, because the operating system or software needs these files to work error-free. In order that the user does not delete these files by mistake, they become hidden or invisible.
This circumstance gets utilized fully by Malware like Rootkits or other malicious software as well.
Until now, Avira is aware of following software, creating hidden objects:
- Acronis True Image
- The operating system itself
- Daemon tools
There is the following entry in the scanner logfile:
[NOTE] A memory modification has been detected, which could potentially be used to hide file access attempts.
To exclude, that the hidden objects are in fact malware, we suggest, to check your system again. Before you do that, you have to change the report type to get more information about the hidden objects. The instructions how to change the report type can be found in our article "Difference between report types Default, Extended and Complete".
After you have changed the report type, please check your system again. After the scan you will find the report file. In this file you find the place where the hidden objects were found.
In case you are still unsure how to proceed or you still do not know, if the hidden objects are in fact malware, we propose to use our Avira Rescue System. With Avira Rescue System you can browse your system for hidden objects and delete them, in case they are really malware. How to use the Avira Rescue System is described in this article.
If Avira Antivirus still detects hidden objects even though the system has been checked and cleaned, please get in contact with our Support.
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- Created : Friday, March 9, 2012
- Last updated: Wednesday, January 28, 2015
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