pdf converter missing

Bitdefender Pro is top of most AV lists over the last several years

Also, I downloaded the file from the FFS site to my system, through my security and then to Microsoft through theirs so It should be a safe item

As far as I am aware FFS runs when you trigger it - and stops when complete - Malwarebytes should not be stopping any of the downloads you've tried, so it may be set on too high a level - such as block all, you may want to check that

I do not use MWB 3 (I used to use Version two for several years - Full commercial version), but had issues with Version 3 causing a BSOD so switched to using only Bitdefender.

It may be worthwhile waiting for Jeannie to come online as I know she has used MWB for a long time including V3 I think and she may be able to suggest an option - If all else fails you can create a throwaway email address and PM the address to one of us and we can email the file to you, ( never post any address online - even here).

Malwarebytes and some AVs (Antivirus programs) blocking FreeFileSync (FFS) are a frequently reported problem on the FFS forums. I disable Malwarebytes temporarily, download FFS, install it, "sandbox" the FFS installation file by zipping it into a zipped folder (I use 7Zip) so I can save it for reuse later on, then reenable Malwarebytes and run a scan to make sure nothing "snuck" in while it was disabled (so far, nothing has). Norton is an AV that has also been reported for giving false hits on FFS.

FFS and its installation file are harmless. The installation file does contain a program called Open Candy which is a type program usually classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). However, it does not get installed on your computer. It only runs when the FFS installation file runs and all it does is offer to install one or two programs other than FFS (such as Google Chrome and the Google Toolbar). All one has to do to avoid getting these additional programs installed on your computer is to uncheck them while installing FFS. While I dislike PUPS like Open Candy, the people who write programs deserve to get paid for their work and the FFS developers make their money by getting paid to put Open Candy in FFS) rather than make us pay for FFS. As long as one isn't forced to accept the offered programs, I can live with that.

Unchecky is a tiny program that will automatically uncheck boxes for unwanted programs when running program installation files. While it does run in the background at all times, it is so tiny, you will never notice it. I have installed and running on all my computers. While I don't depend on Unchecky to catch all unwanted program offerings (it will occasionally miss one though that is rare), I like knowing I have a backup in case I miss one. I strongly recommend downloading and installing it (I have it installed on all my computers.

FFS only runs when you are actually making or updating a backup. While there are ways to have FFS automatically run a backup (something I do not recommend except in certain circumstances; I'll expand on that in a moment), it uses Windows Task Manager to initiate that so, even then, it still doesn't run in the background.

I do not recommend automatic backups because that would require keeping the backup drive(s) powered up and connected to the computer at all times, exposing them to the same hazards that the onboard drives in a computer are exposed to, such as malware infections, user error (such as accidental deletions), PSU failure frying the drives, theft, disasters (such as fire, floods, etc., a good argument for also maintaining offsite backups), etc. The aforementioned kind of circumstance where one may want to have an automated backup is a single folder that gets automatically backed up on a schedule to another folder, then that folder geting backed up later. I have Windows Task Manager set to backup the Favorites folder on my C: drive once a day to a folder on one of the data drives in my computer. That backup folder will then get backed up manually when I back up the data drive.

The same is true for my C: drive images. I save them to a folder on one of my internal data drive, which normally is a bad idea but that folder gets backed up when I backup that data drive. I keep copies of the images on my computer purely for convenience since I have plenty of room for them there.

urbanspaceman1 said:

Thank-you Jeannie, and thank-you again Nigel.
One final question before I start a B/U project: is FFS unique, or are there other good facilities for doing the job that may not flag MB3. It is probably a 'yes and no' as you would have already suggested it if there was, but just in case.
As always, your help is invaluable and much appreciated.

SyncToy is another folder/file syncing program that is often recommended. I found FFS easier for me to learn how to use (there still is a bit of a learning curve).

Btw, once downloaded and installed, FFS will not be flagged by MB3. Frankly, I've had far more trouble from MB3 than I have from FFS. If it wasn't for the four lifetime licenses I have, I wouldn't still be using it. Ever since Malwarebytes 2.0 came out, it has been buggier than a flophouse bed, the most recent offense being a definitions update bricking computers until a replacement update came out (fortunately, I caught the problem before it bricked mine).