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FIX: Be careful files from the Internet can contain viruses
4 min. read
Updated onApril 3, 2024
updated onApril 3, 2024
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Key notes
You need to be very careful when you are working withMicrosoft Excelworkbooks and other Office documents because you can easily catch a malicious program or a virus.
Therefore, you may experience theBe careful files from the Internet can contain viruseserror messagewhen you tried to open an Excel document.
Due to the fact that many files are sent back and forth between business partners, colleagues, departments and companies via email, and they are randomly modified, this error may occur.
If you receive an Excel document from the Internet or by email and then open it on your own PC, you will first see the Protected View. However, the file cannot be edited with it.
What is the Protected View? It is asecuritymechanism from Microsoft. If you download a file from the Internet or receive it by email, you do not know whether there are viruses attached to the file.
This protection mode guarantees that you don’t let viruses or malware enter your PC.
How do I fix the Internet files can contain viruses error?
1. Configure your network drive as a trusted location
The entered path will be among your storage locations and will no longer be criticized by Microsoft Excel through error messages.
Usually, Microsoft Office files are stored on a file server on the network. This facilitates the control of the access permissions, and also the data backup.
2. Disable the Protected View option
When you are confirming with OK, the system will remove the NTFS hint that the file is from the Internet, and Microsoft Excel will no longer switch to the Protected View mode.
3. Install a powerful antivirus
The threat can be very real. Some file can contain viruses or otherwise be harmful to your computer.
Online threats are increasingly dangerous as time goes by and nowadays the ransomware and spyware attacks have spiked.
Apart from the dangers of getting infected documents, you still need to protect your PC against all threats and the recommended tool below is the best choice for that.
This security solution is light on your system, easy to handle by anyone without any training and it can counter any such dangerous attacks.
Not only that it protects your PC and your system, but it also covers your IoT devices like your webcam and your router.
Get it now! You can use its 30-day trial period to see if it checks your security needs for protection.
ESET HOME Security Essential
How can I download files safely from the Internet?
To save a file or image from the Internet to your PC, you have todownload it first.
You should take caution before you download something from the Internet because viruses, malware, and Trojans can easily attack your PC.
Therefore, the safest way to keep your PC running safely is to use good antivirus programs to scan all documents before they are downloaded.
You can check out our list including thebest antivirus software with a lifetime licenseto make sure you have successfully covered this issue.
One wrong click on the file attachments that are believed to be from a safe sender, and it may be responsible for infecting your entire system.
You should therefore be very careful when opening attachments from emails. If you have any more questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know by using the comments section below.
More about the topics:Cybersecurity,Excel
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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