Will extracting a virus infect my computer?

[jackmendonza]

Let's say there is a virus called virus.exe in a zip file, extracting it will trigger the antivirus and av will quarantine it. If I disable my antivirus (which somehow also disables windows defender), extract virus.exe (without double clicking or running the exe) and upload it to virustotal for a scan, will my computer still get infected?

[SuperDave]

There's no guarantee that your AV will catch it. Windows Defender is your AV. Use this method of scanning that file.
This may not work if the file is zipped.
Why don't you let your AV quarantine it?

Please go to VirSCAN.org FREE on-line scan service
(If more than one file needs scanned they must be done separately and logs posted for each one)

1. Copy and paste the following file path into the Suspicious files to scan box on the top of the page.

Code: [Select]

Insert File Path
2. At the upload site, click once inside the window next to Browse.
3. Press Ctrl+V on the keyboard (both at the same time) to paste the file path into the window.
4. Click on the Upload button.
This will perform a scan across multiple different virus scanning engines.
Your file will possibly be entered into a queue which normally takes less than a minute to clear.
Important: Wait for all of the scanning engines to complete.
5. Once the Scan is completed scroll down and click on the Copy to Clipboard button. This will copy the link of the report into the Clipboard.
6. Paste the contents of the Clipboard in your next reply.

[denisehilton]

Your comment has been removed. Please do not post malware advice, or post here in the malware forum, unless you need help.Superdave.