Why does the number of objects vary when virus scanning? Forums

UncleNorm

Hi! I'm running WinXP Home +SP2, legal edition! I run Spyware Detector by MaxSecure and AVG Free, as well as Win Firewall and pop-up blocker.
The installation of WinXP involved a total reformat and was a result of a total seizure of my computer, which resorted to self inspection using chkdsk! Up to that time, a virus scan was taking up to 1.5 hours and accounting for 50000 objects. Windows Defender (not reinstalled!) once scanned for 2hr 9min and found over 1.7 million objects!!
Since the reformat, the daily virus check by AVG has seen the number of objects being scanned somewhat reduced but the number still varies considerably. EG: 1 Feb, 12935; 8 Feb, 14990; 9 Feb, 13960; 10 Feb, 15167; today, 12 Feb, 13984...
Before a daily scan is due, I delete all files and cookies from the temp int folder and delete the history element. I can't believe that the normal use of a computer to surf the net (and then remove files and cookies) can generate so many files, some of which might then disappear.
The computer seems to be working well enough but I get very nervous when numbers change in such a way.
I know there are MHF colleagues who are far more expert than I and I would enjoy reading their views. Does my computer have an undetected problem? Am I being paranoid? Now that WOULD worry me!

Thanks in anticipation from UncleNorm

dreamcatcher

I don't think you have much to worry about, as you pick up an incredible amount of files using your pc just as you describe.
I don't use my laptop for much more than emails and visiting this forum most of the time, but virus scan, and malware scans, are scanning several million files.

Pusser

You need to go into Tools, Folder Options, View in Explorer and tick Show Hidden FIles and folders. You will now notice a new directory appear called Local Settings under each user name. In here you will find a temp directory with loads of crap in which you can safely delete all that is within. Then go to the windows directory, ignore warning and find another temp directory and delete all that is within although you may find one or two files that will not delete as they are being used i.e. WGa a microsoft genuine advantage file which so far I have not found out what advantage there is for us, only Microsoft.

You will also see a temp internet directory as well and check that is empty.

Up to you but I would get rid of all antivirus and spy stuff and not load windows defender and end up only with AVG antivirus, AVG antispyware and comodo firewall if you feel insecure. This trio will not slow your PC down.

Next I would download Hijackthis (one word) found easily on Google search. Look at all the things being loaded and remove stuff that you have uninstalled or things your do not need but do check you are sure on what you are deleteing. If in doubt leave it.

I would then undo the restore feature of XP which you can find in the Help section as a link, run the antispyware which if if hits a virus will provoke AVG antivirus to respond and once all clear, enable the restore feature back to what it was and create a new start point.