Fix: Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because the File Contains a Virus

There are various reasons for encountering system errors on devices and one of the prominent causes of system errors is system viruses. In this case, the users sometimes face virus-infected error message on their screen.

It might be “ERROR_VIRUS_INFECTED” basically followed by the error notification “Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus.”

Here is how to troubleshoot the issue of virus threat on your system:

1. Deactivating “Windows Defender”

Users use numerous antivirus software to fix virus related issues, but if you are working on Windows 10, then it has its own antivirus tool known as “Windows Defender.”

If you wish to turn it off, then follow these steps:

1. First of all, hit Windows + I keys simultaneously in order to launch Settings.
2. Then, navigate to the option “Update and Security” located inside the “Settings” application.
3. Go to the left-hand side panel and then tap on “Windows Defender” and then deactivate the option “Real-time protection” located at the right side section.
4. Now, the “Windows Defender” will turn off, and you can work or run your file without any glitch.

In some cases, users reported that the above method would only deactivate “Windows Defender” provisionally, and this causes the software to get activated automatically after a span of limited time.

In this case, you should edit the registry entries to deactivate it completely. To do so, follow these instructions:

1. First of all, tap Windows and R keys together from your keyboard and then type “Regedit” in the provided Run dialog box. Then tap “Enter” or “OK” to finish.

Note: Before editing your registry, you have to take a backup of your data. 

• If you wish to take a backup, you have to select the “File” tab and then go to the “Export” option.
• After that, hit the “All” option in the “Export Range” section.
• Then, tap on the “Save” option.

2. Now, go to the left-hand side panel and then hit the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender” option key.

3. Now search for the “DisableAntiSpyware DWORD” at the right side section. In case the “DWORD” isn’t present there, then you should right-click on the empty space at the right-side panel.

4. Then select the “New” option and then tap on “DWORD.”

5. Now, type the keyword “DisableAntiSpyware” option as new DWORD’s name and then double click on it.

6. After that, adjust the value to 1 and then hit the “OK” tab to save the changes.

7. Now, the “Windows Defender” will be deactivated permanently.

Note: You can also use the “Group Policy Editor” tool to turn off “Windows Defender” permanently.

2. Adding Issue Creating File to Exclusions listing

In case you are trying to open a specific file or folder, and you are facing a virus threat issue, then it might be possible that your file is identifying false issues. In this case, it is recommended to check first that your file isn’t affected by any spyware and virus.

If your file is safe, then add it to the “Exclusion” listing, and after that, try to expand your file again. Most possibly, this method might resolve the issue.

3. Deactivating and Removing the Antivirus Software

In case your system also holds some third-party antivirus, then you should follow the under-mentioned instructions:

1. First of all, you should have to check that if it is compatible with your system or not. It is important because some 3rd Party antivirus software are not compatible with other software. 
2. After that, turn it off and then check that the issue creating file is running smoothly. 
3. If not, then remove the antivirus program from your computer.

4.  Switching to A New Antivirus

In case the third party antivirus tool isn’t helpful to troubleshoot the issue, then it is advised to the user to remove it instantly because it may affect your system and OS also. 

After deleting the particular antivirus software, it is recommended to select a secure and effective software and install it that can fix the issue.

5. Deactivating “Avast” Antivirus Tool 

You may be facing the issue due to the corrupted “Avast” antivirus tool. It is advised to check it properly and then remove it from your system.

6. Performing Scanning Under Safe Mode

In case you are still facing the “ERROR_VIRUS_INFECTED” issue, then it is recommended to perform a complete scan under safe mode to remove existing bugs, malware issues, and much more. 

Follow these instructions to perform the scan:

1. First of all, launch “Start Menu” and then hit the “Power” tab.
2. Now, hold down “Shift” and tap the “Restart” option located on the “menu” option.
3. From the available options, hit the “Troubleshoot” option and then select “Advanced.” Then select the “Startup Settings” option there.
4. After that, hit the “Restart” tab.
5. When it reboots successfully, hit any of the safe mode options from the available listing.
6. Then, do all the important scans to delete all the malware and bugs.

James Robert is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cybersecurity. She writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. Her articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs, and websites.

Source - Operation Did Not Complete Successfully