After running repeated spyware scans and anti virus scans, and manually searching and removing what they could not... I still cannot remove the file called 'bridge.inf'. It is supposedly in the 'downloaded programs' file, but that folder is empty. It isn't causing any problems yet, but I would like to get rid of it just to be proactive. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Apparently 'bridge.inf' is related to adware of some sort. Most of the anti-spyware programs should be able to handle it, but apparently not always.
We can try to find it manually, which is a good example of searching for hidden files in general.
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I'll start by not being helpful, but will point you at this article from Symantec that covers the adware bridge.inf is related to: Adware.WinFavorites.
The reason it's not helpful is this quote:
"If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, write down the path and file name. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file."
Which, as I understand it, is exactly what you're attempting to do.
My guess is that the file is hidden. "Hidden" is a setting that can be applied to a file that causes it not to show up in normal views.
I would do the following:
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Fire up Windows Explorer
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Hit the Tools menu, Folder Options item, and then the View tab.
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In the Advanced settings box, look for the entry that says Hidden Files and Folders and make sure that Show Hidden Files and Folders is selected.
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Hit OK
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Navigate to the directory that supposedly has bridge.inf, and see if you can see it now. If you can, delete it.
If not ... the you might try searching for the file:
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Click Start, then Search, then For Files or Folders.
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Enter bridge.inf as the filename.
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Make sure that Look in: is set to your local hard drive C:.
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Click on the circled down-arrow next to More advanced options.
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Make sure that Search System folders, Search hidden files and folders and Search subfolders are all checked.
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Click on Search, and see what turns up.
If it still doesn't show up, then we'll need to know specifically what program is telling you it exists, to try and find out why it's doing so.
Related:
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Ask Leo! - Spyware: How do I remove and avoid spyware?
Article C2602 - March 24, 2006