Host app service file flagged as malware in nitro 5 model AN515-58

mrzm238
mrzm238 Member Posts: 2 New User
edited August 2024 in Nitro Gaming

I ran a AVG full virus scan and "uninstall.exe" was listed in the results. I have a nitro 5 model AN515-58 with Windows 11. The program folder seems legitimate.

There is no indication this is malware from some reading online. The file was part of the directory in "C:\users\default\appdata\local\Host app service" and also 2 Windows folders. I quarantined the files. Is anyone familiar with this being a false positive?

[Edited the thread to add model number to the title]

Answers

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 14,971 Trailblazer
    edited August 2024
    https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/710686/host-app-service-file-flagged-as-malware

    3rd party AV programs can flag legit Windows system files as malware and even delete system files bricking your system, these AV programs also interfere with Windows security and the Firewall as Windows Defender Dashboard will be blocked to give priority to the 3rd-party programs. Not recommended, uninstall all AV, trial versions, bloatware and other pre-installed programs, note that some AV programs like McAfee require a "special" uninstaller that can be download from their sites. Turn on all Windows security features (the blue shield on task bar should have a green check mark) and use exclusively Windows Defender, make sure Windows is up to date, W11 23H2 version 22631.3958.

  • mrzm238
    mrzm238 Member Posts: 2 New User

    AVG did allow me to revert the files. After uninstalling the Host app service program Windows continues to operate. I believe it is only preinstalled software from Acer. AVG full/deep scans are apparently very sensitive.

  • LetGost
    LetGost Member Posts: 1 New User

    Sweet Jesus, Puraw is giving horrible advice. I actually registered with this throw-away account to warn others not to blindly follow his "recommendations".

    Please, DO NOT turn on every Windows security feature if you don't know what it does. It will leave your Windows just as bricked as any "third party AV" can do.

    The Windows Defender dashboard is NOT blocked by other AVs. You can literally check Windows Security Dashboard to see which AV is active. And Windows Firewall works great in combination with most AVs.

    While Windows Defender is one of the best free AVs out there, there is no reason to not install another reputable brand AV, especially since Microsoft has made it very easy for third party AVs to "hook on" to get deep into the system, without much overhead. And Defender still has nothing on most paid services, which offer more services and protections.

    As long as you're savvy enough to not fall for a bit of pressure to get the paid version, there is nothing wrong with most third party AVs, as long as it is a reputable brand.

    @mrzm238: You are correct, it is pre-installed Acer software and can be safely removed. Not even a minute of searching would have pointed Puraw to the same conclusion, instead of this brainfart and bashing of other brands. But hey, you can't get to 15k posts in 5 years without spewing a lot of BS and copy/paste garbage of course.

    Do mind that factory-installed software has an annoying habit of returning if you update anything.

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