About this tag
Discussions tagged with 'critical files' on WindowsForum.com focus on system files essential for Windows booting and operation, such as the SAM file. Users report issues where antivirus software like Bitdefender or Avira falsely flags or quarantines these files, leading to boot failures, BSOD errors, and inability to access recovery tools. Common themes include troubleshooting false positives, recovering from system corruption, and restoring critical system files after antivirus interference. The tag covers scenarios where security software mistakenly treats legitimate Windows components as threats, causing severe system instability.
  1. Vincent Patrick

    Windows 7 Bitdefender "Cleans" Windows 7 SAM file. Now Windows won't boot. BSOD even on safe mode.

    I have Windows 7 64 bit with Bitdefender installed. This morning I was playing a game when Bitdefender notification fired-up and said it has quarantined the SAM file and that the system needs to restart to complete "cleaning". I haplessly did what my antivirus instructed and now my PC won't...
  2. mardique

    Windows 7 Avira going nuts!

    First, I don't know if this is the right place to ask this one but since Avira's website offers absolutely no help at all, I'm going to try. After yesterday's update (03-31), Avira started scanning as usual. This time however, it started giving an extreme ammount of virus report. Basicly, it...
    • mardique
    • Thread
    • antivirus avira critical files false positives software repair system restore update user issues virus w32sality
    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support