Why am I suddenly getting this security warning

This the the second time since yesterday. I exported, thru Onedrive, the contacts from my phone to my desktop, after which I tried to move the file to a local folder, then this happened. I have not altered my security settings

Spam/Scam-ware infection. You've clicked/downloaded/visited something you shouldn't have

Run MalwareBytes, to start with.

Whatever you do, DO NOT CLICK anywhere on that message window or the link in it

idgat said:

Run MalwareBytes, to start with.

"0" threats found.

idgat said:

Whatever you do, DO NOT CLICK anywhere on that message window or the link in it

Too late for that. It was the only way to close it, or move the file, or so I thought.

Turns out it only occurs when I drag and drop from anywhere on my encrypted data partition, to another folder on that partition, or to either my non-encrypted OS partition my other non-encrypted data partition.

However, copy/cut and paste, in either direction, to or from or within the encrypted partition, no problems.

EDIT: I discovered that this is a pretty common problem, with a couple solutions How to fix "These files might be harmful to your computer" Windows Security alert?

I chose to uninstall Internet Explorer. Seem to be fine now. The only puzzle is what caused it in the first place?

kitpzyxmsir said:

The only puzzle is what caused it in the first place?

idgat said:

You've clicked/downloaded/visited something you shouldn't have

This^^^ All too easily done unsuspectingly.

idgat said:

This^^^ All too easily done unsuspectingly.

Ran Malwarebytes



Since it's clean, is there no way to control this alert?

It's likely due to the ADS Stream containing zone information.

See:
How to Disable Downloaded Files from being Blocked in Windows


OPTION TWO
To Enable or Disable Downloaded Files from being Blocked using a REG file

Windows identifies the file type and the respective security settings. Based on the Zone Information, if it identifies an attachment or file that might be unsafe, it prevents you from opening the file, or it warns you before you open the file.


The Zone.Identifier is an alternative data stream (ADS) stored by Windows in files downloaded from the Internet, email attachments or saved on your disk and you get a security warning when these files are used. (Unless you disable as per the tutorial).

The posted diagram is a legitimate one.


I get it if I copy a file from my Favourites folder.

It's all to do with folder Integrity levels.
See TBkrekmeup's answer in Windows 10 Links Toolbar...File Download Security Warning - Microsoft Community

TBkrekmeup said:

1. Run cmd.exe as Admin
2. Type the following and press enter:
ICACLS "%userprofile%\Favorites\Links" /Setintegritylevel (OI)(CI)Medium

or RonnieHatley's variation on page 2 of that thread

RonnieHatley said:

1. Run cmd.exe as Admin
2. Type the following and press enter:
ICACLS %USERPROFILE%\Favorites\Links /L /T /SETINTEGRITYLEVEL MED

Best of luck,
Denis

Try3 said:

The posted diagram is a legitimate one.


I get it if I copy a file from my Favourites folder.

It's all to do with folder Integrity levels.
See TBkrekmeup's answer in Windows 10 Links Toolbar...File Download Security Warning - Microsoft Community

or RonnieHatley's variation on page 2 of that thread

Hi Denis,

What did I do wrong?





Is it possible it might be addressed with a Macrium image restore that is many months old, or will it just be imposed again thru WU?

The idea is that you alter the folder that is causing you the problem.
In your case, I believe that it's your Desktop - %UserProfile%\Desktop unless you have relocated it.

Can you move other files off your Desktop? If so then read Callender's post #7.

Denis