Windows Backup, Thunderbird and Malware

  • Thread starter Vanadium 50
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In summary, Windows Backup is a built-in feature of the Windows operating system that allows users to create backups of their files and settings, providing protection against data loss. Thunderbird is a popular email client that offers features such as encryption and spam filtering. However, it is still vulnerable to malware attacks, which are malicious software designed to harm or disrupt a computer system. It is important for users to regularly backup their data and be cautious when opening emails and attachments to prevent malware infections.
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TL;DR Summary
Looking for help in creating a successful, automatic backup under Windows 10, with some complications from malware.
Every week, my Windows 10 system backs everything up unto my Linux file server (from where it is backed up again). This is with the Win7-compatible utility. It worked without any issues for years, all automated.

Around the new year, it started failing. With some detective work, it appears that the problem is:
  1. Windows won't backup a malware-infected file. Fair enough.
  2. At some point, someone sent me malware in an attachment. Happens.
  3. If I clean the malware from the Windows PC, Thunderbird notices a missing message and dutifully redownloads it. This re-blocks the backup.
The obvious solution is to find the infected file on the mail server, and delete it there, The problem is to find it, I get maybe 100 messages per day and a window of maybe a month, so there are thousands of messages I would need to sift through.

The next most obvious option is not to backup the local Thunderbrid data directory. The problem with that is that the granularity only goes down to c:/users/vanadium. I presently can backup successfully excluding that, but that's not much of a backup, is it?

What is my next step?
 
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  • #2
I think there ought to be a setting in Thunderbird whereby deleting a message locally also deletes it off the server. That should fix it.
 
  • #3
In principle, yes. But I don't want messages deleted, at least not right away. This is especially true in Windows, where applications steal the focus and its easy to delete something you don't want to.
 
  • #4
As usual, posting fixed things...

So. upon a reboot, I am now able to select items in AppData. Holy smokes is there a lot of cruf there. With Mozilla and Thunderbird deselected (plus some long-since uninstalled software also gone) it runs just fine.
 
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  • #5
Is cruf a word? I like it....
 
  • #6
Do you suspect a possible name/name range or file extension, so you can use your email programs internal search engine?
 
  • #8
I think he mean crud but I guess it could be cruft. They are somewhat synonymous.
 

FAQ: Windows Backup, Thunderbird and Malware

How do I create a backup using Windows Backup?

To create a backup using Windows Backup, open the Control Panel, go to 'System and Security', and click on 'Backup and Restore'. From there, you can set up a new backup by following the on-screen instructions, selecting the files you want to back up, and choosing a destination for the backup.

How can I back up my Thunderbird emails?

To back up your Thunderbird emails, you can manually copy your profile folder, which contains all your emails, settings, and other data. The profile folder is typically located in the 'AppData' directory on Windows. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools like MozBackup to simplify the process.

What are common signs that my computer might be infected with malware?

Common signs of malware infection include slow computer performance, frequent crashes, unexpected pop-up ads, unfamiliar programs starting on their own, and changes to your homepage or search engine. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's advisable to run a malware scan.

Can Windows Backup be used to create a system image?

Yes, Windows Backup can create a system image, which is a complete copy of your system's state, including the operating system, applications, and files. This can be done through the 'Backup and Restore' feature by selecting 'Create a system image' from the menu on the left side of the window.

How do I remove malware from my computer?

To remove malware from your computer, you should use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to scan and remove any detected threats. It's important to keep your security software updated and to run regular scans. If the malware persists, you may need to use specialized removal tools or seek professional help.

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