Windows 10 Identifying VSL Software Install Files As A Threat

[DaddyO]

I wanted to uninstall/reinstall my VSL software in hopes of fixing a problem. Because of a hard drive failure I had to download the install files from my Cloud Service. These files are the most recent versions of VE Pro, VI Pro, and MIR Pro.

When the downloads were finished, Windows 10 identifies them as a potential hazard, something I had never experienced with previous handlings of VSL files. When I ignored this and double-click the VE Pro file to begin installation, Windows again warned that the file could be harmful.

I'm fairly certain this is just some Windows update that treats files more suspiciously than before, especially because a Google search returns nothing about malware attached to VSL files. But just in case, I thought I'd post here to see if anyone else had experienced this and had bad results. 

[Paul]

Hi DaddyO, 

Thanks for reporting!

What are your firewall/security settings, and what did the messages say exactly?

Best, 
Paul

[DaddyO]

I do not remember the exact words of warnings triggered after the downloads were complete, but they including wording that these files were not commonly downloaded and might be harmful. They gave me the option to continue or abandon the files. I assumed Windows was overreacting, since I trusted VSL. But then the listing in my Downloads folder had a warning symbol next to each VSL software install file with the options to Discard or Keep.

When I opted for Keep and double-clicked on a downloaded install file, I got the following:

"Windows protected your PC

Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk."

 

The only button available was "Don't Run." I had no option to go ahead with the install.

 

Windows Defender is turned off, and I run the free Avast Anti-virus, which I have always run with no adverse reaction to VSL files. The Avast File Shield is turned on, but the messages I get are from Windows.

 

I'll be happy to provide whatever further information you need. Thanks, Paul.

 

Edited to add:

 

After further efforts I uncovered an option for the install files to "Run Anyway."

 

When I did so, the installer warned me that the files were corrupted, so I should get new files. Also, Avast scanned the files and passed them through.

 

Looks like I just need to re-download the files. I will advise if there are any further problems, otherwise I guess there is no need for you to pursue this. Thanks, Paul.

 

 

[Paul]

Hi DaddyO,

We just checked, no troubles here.

Could it be that your local copy is infected? What happens if you use the installers from MyVSL?

Best,
Paul

[DaddyO]

They were files that had just been downloaded from MyVSL.

After my most recent post in this thread I recreated the warning but there was a "more" option I had not noticed before that did allow me to ignore the warning and continue with installation. Everything is working fine so far. I edited that post to reflect this, but I should have posted the update separately and spared you your efforts. As always, thanks for the outstanding support from VSL.