The operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus

There are many antivirus tools available online, But none can be described as perfect and there will always be malicious tools that can go unnoticed by even the most expensive and popular antivirus tools..

There is also another side of the medal and it is the false positives that are constantly reported by your antivirus tools even though the files are 100% legitimate. However, the judgment on whether a file is genuine or not is definitely hard to tell in the list and you should always pay close attention when handling these files.

These files must be analyzed by several different antivirus scanners before deciding that the file is a false positive.. The error code that sometimes appears below the message that appears in the title is actually produced by Windows, which makes it even more interesting. Follow the instructions below to learn how to handle this error.

Solution 1: disable Windows Defender temporarily

Since Windows Defender can produce some false positives when its settings are configured for full protection, it is normal to expect simple errors like this. However, when it comes to Windows and Windows Defender, there is no efficient way to run the reported file until Windows Defender is completely disabled.

Make sure to turn it on asap, as it is always dangerous to leave your computer unprotected for a long time.

1. Right-click on the shield icon on the taskbar and click Open.

1. When the Windows Defender Security Center opens, click on the shield icon below the start button, open virus and threat protection settings and disable real-time protection and cloud-based protection.

2. Navigate to the browser icon (the second from below) and uncheck Verify apps and files.

3. You can also disable SmartScreen if you think it will disturb you during the action you want to perform.

Note: Don't forget to turn on everything you just turned off by repeating the same process and turning on the components.

Solution 2: add an exception for the folder where the file is located

If you use multiple security tools in addition to Windows Defender, you should know that if you disable one of them, the other will start working. Fortunately, there is a simple solution which is to simply add an exception for the file you are trying to execute. If the file is on a removable storage device, make sure the device is connected before opening the antivirus screen.

To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Open your antivirus user interface by double-clicking its icon on the desktop or by double-clicking its icon at the bottom right of the taskbar.

2. Exception settings are in different places depending on different antivirus tools. It can often be found easily and without complications, but here are some locations of the most popular antivirus tools:

Kapersky Internet Security: Start >> Setting >> Additional >> Threats and exclusions >> Exclusions >> Specify trusted applications >> Add.

AVG: Start >> Setting >> Components (edit) >> Web Shield >> Exceptions.

Avast: Start >> Setting >> General >> Exclusions

In each case, make sure you choose the folder location correctly. What's more, don't click the file directly because most users claim that you should actually select the folder and not the file that you want to add to the exceptions.

Solution 3: Problems with Windows Explorer

It definitely sounds strange, but sometimes even Windows Explorer process is flagged as potential malware and prevents you from using your computer properly while showing error “The operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus”. Since explorer.exe is a genuine Windows process, you may not be able to solve the problem by disabling your antivirus or adding explorer.exe to the exceptions. Fortunately, there is an even simpler method:

1. I searched “Symbol of the system”, right click and select option “Execute as an administrator”. Copy and paste the following commands and make sure to hit Enter after each one.

sfc /SCANFILE=c:windowsexplorer.exe

sfc /SCANFILE=C:NWindowsN-SysWow64Nexplorer.exe

1. If everything goes as it should, you should get a message that should go along the line:

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

1. Even if this message does not appear, the problem can be solved, so be sure to restart your computer afterwards and see if the problem continues to appear.

Solution 4: Problem with Windows backups

This error can also appear when Windows Backup is running and the error is displayed when Backup is running on the problem file. If you have followed the instructions above and scanned your computer several times and you are 100% sure you are not infected, false positive may be due to cache and temporary internet files.

These files must be removed in all browsers you are using before proceeding to run Windows backup again. Follow the instructions below to clear Internet Explorer and Edge browsing data at the same time.

1. Scribe “Control Panel” in the search bar located on the taskbar and click on the first result.

2. Change the View by option to large icons and find the Internet Options section. Open it.

1. Stay on the General tab and look in the browsing history section.

2. Click Delete … and choose what you want to remove from your browser.

3. We recommend that you deactivate the first option called “Maintain website data from bookmarks” and check the next three: “Temporary Internet files and website files”, “Cookies and website data” e “Record”.

4. Click Delete and exit the Control Panel.

1. Restart your computer and check if the annoying pop-up continues to appear.

2. Open your Edge browser by clicking its icon on the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.

3. After the browser opens, click on the three horizontal dots at the top right of the browser and select Settings.

4. In the Clear browsing data section, click Choose what to erase.

1. Keep the first four options checked and delete this data.

2. The problem should go away in no time.