More and more virus alerts for SEM.
Recently I have noticed on groups.io particularly, an increase in people reporting Virus alerts when downloading and installing SEM’s, even module packs from reputable module developers. Google Chrome particularly will even block downloads of modules.
Rest assured this is down to over aggressive Virus/Malware detection programs that are unaware of SEM’s and what they are.
Blocked Chrome downloads.
You can tell Chrome to continue with a download when it blocks one as potentially harmful, I have even known PDF files to get blocked! If the download is blocked (typically Chrome gives no warning but the file never completes downloading all you will see is this in your downloads folder:
When this happens look in the top RHS of Chrome and you’ll see this
If you right click on the download progress icon (Blue circle with a downward pointing arrow) it will give you the option to continue downloading. You will then be able to complete the download and open it.
Synthedit doesn’t scan new 3rd party SEM’s.
This can be a bit baffling and frustrating. The SEM’s are there in the correct place, but even with repeated scans SE doesn’t list them. This is a typical Windows 11 issue. What has happened is Windows Defender is unsure of what the SEM is, and it’s unsigned. When this happens find the SEM in File Explorer and right click on it, you’ll see this pop-up window
The key thing here is the Security message just above the OK button. Click on the Unblock check box, then the OK button, this will allow SE to scan the file and add it to the menu. Please note you can only unblock one file at a time, with this issue you can’t do a batch process.
Stopping Defender from scanning a folder.
If Defender is causing real problems with SEM’s (I have known it to scan the Modules folder and remove a complete set of SEM modules from a particular developer you can stop Defender from scanning your Modules folder. The official Microsoft instructions for doing this can be found here…
Please don’t ask me for help with your AV software, as I only really know the basics of MS Defender, it will be much quicker to do an online search for help on your specific AV software, or if that fails to help contact the company themselves.
Anti-Virus is a big problem, it slows my PC reduces my productivity, and limits the efficiency of my DAW.
To be 100% honest, I totally agree AV can be a monumental pain at times blocking downloads etc. And whatever the AV companies (Including MS) say it does slow down your PC every time it performs a scan.
However I really, really don’t recommend turning off your AV/Malware protection completely if you use the computer online at all. The only way to go without is have a separate PC for internet use, then have your VST development and DAW on a non internet PC without AV, and to transfer downloads from your internet PC to a USB stick, do an AV scan of the stick, then transfer and install your downloads on the non internet PC.