inconsistencies in scans between 2 computers

Diosoth · 16 Jul 2013

I run 2 separate PCs right now- a Gateway with Windows 7 x64 and a Dell with Windows XP x86.

This isn't a malware issue(both PCs are currently clean- the XP should be, it's a recent install with little activity, I'd be surprised if it's infected)), just a curiosity as to why he same program on each PC will show differing results...

I run Superantispyware on both. This program tends to flag all tracking cookies. On the Dell it wants to flag cookies from Youtube and Google, while it ignores the same ones on the Gateway.

I also keep TDSSkiller on hand. On the Gateway it flags "switchboard" which is a part of Adobe and a typical flag for being unsigned. It also flags !SASCORE which is apart of SAS. However, on the Dell it only flags 3 dell driver files for beign unsigned yet doesn't flag SASCORE(it wouldn't flag switchboard as I do not have the Adobe stuff installed on the Dell)

Is there a reason for inconsistent results from the same program on 2 computers? A difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of either the programs or the OSes? SAS has the same updated definitions and TDSSkiller is the same file on each. I ask because, supposing I do get a malware on one, and it were to jump to the other PC somehow(like if I'm using a flash drive to copy files over, or were to network both PCs together), would the program be able to detect the same infection on both if it's giving inconsistent scans on the same files?

cottonball · 18 Jul 2013

...supposing I do get a malware on one, and it were to jump to the other PC somehow(like if I'm using a flash drive to copy files over, or were to network both PCs together), would the program be able to detect the same infection on both if it's giving inconsistent scans on the same files? ...

Let me attempt to shed some light on your concern...

When dealing with malware, it is not a good decision to rely on one or two programs to get rid of it.

If the computer got infected, diagnostic programs come into play, and normally more than one is run. Based on what the diagnostics present, malware removal programs are run, and also there are generally more than one. You can compare the process to treating an individual with cancer. You do not start with surgery until you know what type of malignancy is involved, and where it is located.

As to the "inconsistencies" of the programs mentioned, you are dealing with two different operating systems, W7 and XP. A file called abcd in W7 may have code or properties that are slightly different from a file called abcd in XP. The SAS staff involved with malware definitions may be able to answer the question a lot better than what I can.

In any event, there are programs that work in both W7 and XP, others that work in W7, but not in XP, etc.
To deal with an infection in W7 the programs used may, or may not be the same ones used to deal with an infection in XP.

Bottom line, I would not lose any sleep over this. :)