Virus? What level of infection possible?

So I downloaded this .exe file on my moms comp and I went to install it.. But when I did the file dissapeared completely and did nothing. it was a 24kb .exe.

I had scanned the .exe with nod32 and it picked up nothing.

However, a dissapearing .exe that didnt "install" anything etc. etc. seems really suspicious. Anywho....

What chances are thats its a virus (it was a "Keygen/Crack" .exe type file from torrent)

why didnt nod32 grab it?
what is the potential level of infection?

Windows defender came up with nada too.

I unplugged that computer from my network/internet about 1-2 minutes after it was "installed" is there any chance my upstairs laptop was infected by it?

So I now plan to re-format the whole downstairs comp just to be on the safe side.. What do ya'll think.

 

just reformat it

 

A keygen/crack .exe that disappears into thin ear on execution qualifies as "suspicious" imho.

Redownload the file, send it to Eset for investigation and they can tell you why Nod32 didn't catch it. That way you also can help other Nod32 users.

1-2 minutes is enough time to infect computers from Alaska to New Zealand, so take into account, you might have to reinstall your notebook also.

 

Is there anyway to know if it got to my laptop? I mean what are the odds that it went to it? Everything seemed fine.. Infact everything on the computer the file was on seems fine too... Could it be nothing?

Where do I submit the file?



Also for reformatting, is it safe to backup some files I need off the system? or does everything need to be trashed.

 

Of course it could be nothing, it could be that both computers are just as clean as they were.
But because you wrote 'Keygen/crack .exe', I wanted you to take into account to expect the worst.
Let's hope it isn't.
If you have been able to find the file, upload it to VirusTotal.com.
That way you can scan it with antivirus and antimalware programs from 34 different companies.

Eset support can be found here; link.
Create an account on Wilders Security to ask/post questions there.
Or check Eset's country specific site links on this page; link.
Cheers.

 

Also for reformatting, is it safe to backup some files I need off the system? or does everything need to be trashed.

again what are the odds/how often do malicious files go through and affect more comps. than the one its installed on.. I would rather not have to re-do my laptop, I feel like the odds that even if my downstairs computer was infected, that my upstairs laptop being infected are like REALLY low.

 

You can save important files on external media like an USB-drive, CD-R, DVD-R, external HD etc.
That way you can always use different virus scanners later on to check those media.
About your laptop upstairs, connected to the desktop/network downstairs, I didn't mean to imply, your laptop is infected 100%.
You asked whether it was possible, if your laptop could be infected if it was connected to the network for only a couple of minutes.
I answered yes, it's entirely possible.
That does NOT mean it's certain of course.
Why don't you scan your laptop with your current anti virus program and for instance with an online antivirus scanner?

 

Just an update..
Re-installed everything on the downstairs comp seems to be working just fine

My upstaits puter is performing normally so I am assuming its fine. I plan to re-install Vista in the next couple weeks anyway so that will take care of that.

 

Just for future reference, always read the comments to torrent files before you download them. Often times people will complain if something is up.

 

Oh yea I definatly did... there was only 1 reply and it wasnt anything bad. good advice though thanks.