I an trying to do a full system scan but I keep getting 'ERROR: Malformed database'. What do I do?

Occasionally one of the ClamWin signature database files will get corrupted. That is what the malformed messsage is telling you. It happens to me once/twice a year. Just delete all the files in the database (there should be 4 of them--bytecode, main, daily, and mirrors), and then do a manual download of the database right click on the ClamWin system tray icon and select "Virus Database Update", or click on the globe from the ClamWin graphical user interface.

Regards,

Thanks Bob. I read what you are saying. However, I'm a 62 year old non-tecky Grannie and haven't a clue how to go about it! I'll try though! Thanks again. June

Found the files, except there is no Byte code file. I'll delete the other three and see if I can reinstall data base.

I've done it! Thank you so much Bob. Now I feel secure again.

Good job, Andy! If you were missing the bytecode file, that is probably why the malformed database message.

The bytecode signatures detect complicated viruses. The main signatures detect the bulk of the viruses. The daily signatures detect recent viruses and are combined with the main database several times a year. The mirrors database tells ClamWin the worldwide locations that have the Clam signatures. Sometimes you may see a temp (temporary) file or two in the signature database also, but they are just left there during the scanning process. clamWin should delete them automatically at some point. If they hang around for a couple of days, you can just delete them manually.

The ClamWin File Locations tab will tell you where the important files are located on your computer--signature database, update program (freshclam), and scanning program (clamscan).

We're pretty close together in age!

Actually, it’s good job June (the wife). Andy won’t have anything to do with the tech side of the computer. Goodness knows what he will do if I ‘go’ first! I tear my hair out when something goes wrong – like the virus we just had that sent 1500 e.mails to our address book! But when I apply myself and get help from someone like you, it’s so satisfying afterwards. Isn’t the Internet amazing? I would never have communicated with someone half way round the world like I just have. Thanks for your help. You really seem to know what you are doing. Great ‘talking’ to you. June from UK

So the truth comes out via the better half!

ClamWin is an "on-demand scanner" that only scans when scheduled or when you do a manual scan. It does not scan in "real-time" as files are placed on your computer. You should have a real-time scanner to keep viruses off your computer and use ClamWin as a backup scanner. One real-time scanner I like to recommend is Microsoft Security Essentials, available at https://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials on the web. It is simple and easy to use, and you can use it on computers running Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 operating systems.

The free Clam Sentinel program, available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/clamsentinel/ on the web is a small little program that lets you use ClamWin as a real-time scanner. It is a decent scanner, and it is also very simple to use. All functions are available from a shield icon in the Windows system tray at the bottom right corner of your computer. If you decide to use it, be sure to read the Simple Guide and Better Protection articles that come in the installation package. Sentinel is a separate project from the ClamWin project.

Welcome to ClamWin!

Regards,

Well, downloaded the program and attempts to scan files gives the same problem "ERROR: Malformed database"
No trace of the data base files can be found in the ClamWin program folders.
There are no references to them in the user interface.
Where are the four files found please?
Thanks, Rich

Right click on the ClamWin icon in the system tray at the lower right hand corner of your screen to bring up a ClamWin menu. Then click on the preferences tab. Then click on the File Locations tab. The Virus Database Folder information shows where the ClamWin signature database is located on your computer. You will have to go there using Windows Explorer. Delete all four of the files and then do a manual signature update. That should fix it.

The database should not become malformed very often--say once or twice a year. If it is more than that, or if it becomes a constant occurrence, that is a problem.

Regards,

GuitarBob,
I did find them afterall. However after 5 more attempts to download/update the database files
and finding they too are corrupt, I give up.
My original download showed over 25 errors in the process.
Is there any other site or source to get these files?
Thanks,
Rich

I think it is probably best to download via the ClamWin program. I suggest that you uninstall ClamWin and then re-install it. You may have a corrupt installation if you are continuously unable to download the signatures. Please get back here if you still have problems after a re-install. Perhaps something is preventing you from downloading.

Regards,

GuitarBob,
oh, it downloads the files 100% just fine. Immediately afterwards they are decoded or installed and I get the error.
Rich

Well, try an uninstall and then a re-install of ClamWin and see what happens. If you still get an error, see if you can access the Virus Update Report, copy it and past it here (right click ClamWin system tray icon, Display Reports) . You might also copy and past a scan report if you get that far. Also let us know your version of Windows, type of firewall, and if you are using any other antivirus/security software.

Regards,