Can just downloading an scr file open a virus

May 24, PM Subscribe I downloaded a. I was at least smart enough to trash the file instead of opening it, but is it likely that my computer is infected, anyway; that the file is executed merely by downloading it?

Best answer: If you still have the file maybe it's still in your trash , zip it up and send it to me. I'll analyze it on my sandbox and tell you what it is. Unlikely it's really a virus or trojan, but without more information, it's hard to say. Contact info in my profile. Response by poster: Mr. Barrett, I just emailed you the file.

How to open SCR files. You need a suitable software like Windows to open an SCR file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file? If you cannot open your SCR file correctly, try. Type the following and hit enter: www. If Windows is unable to open files with the www. Regarding my antivirus, I had a whole computer scan. I still recommend you change your steam password though.

Its fine. After the deletion of the file and running my virus scanner i changed both my email and password. I am currently doing another scan with another antivirus just to be on the safe side. I'd also use Malwarebytes from the official site and Process Explorer from technet.

I wouldn't count on an AV finding the problem. I recently discovered a strange malware before I knew about the above programs so I'm not sure if Malwarebytes would have found it. I didn't want to mess around and just reformatted and did a clean OS install. I'm not taking any chances. But that's just me. Last edited by Fearless Airlines ; 6 Jan, pm. I did some scans with Malwarebytes but seems alright. Costaaa View Profile View Posts.

Xontiac View Profile View Posts. An SCR file isn't a virus. Its a malware for sure, but its not a virus. With that technical stuff aside, the malware becomes active when executed.

When you just download and look at it, nothing will happen. If you execute it however, all bets are off. Theres no guarantee that a reactively used virus scanner or, to be technical again, malware scanner will help you for real. Cathulhu View Profile View Posts. Technically it's a screensaver file. Essentially it's just an EXE file by another name.

Its used rather often to disguise the nature of the malware to fool victims into believing it's an image file. It's a trojan, that's my point. A trojan is a sort of malware. Most things that people call "virus" nowadays are trojans or worms. Originally posted by Tpghost :. Per page: 15 30 Date Posted: 5 Jan, pm. Posts: