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Read some of the earlier threads on removal of bridge.dll - looks pretty complicated to a novice like me. My antivirus detected it but cant remove/move /delete it. So I decided to move the file ot a dummy directory. Funny, I saw (windows explorer) it in the dummy directory, but when I tried to click on it it just dissappeared (presto :confused: ) cant find the file again not even in recycle bin. PC seems to behave ok for now. Should I try to get it replaced and from where, and do I really need that file?

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Filename alone does not prove infection. "bridge.dll" is a common filename used by both legitimate software and by malicious components, so treat it as suspicious but verify before replacing or executing anything. The behavior you described (moving the file then watching it vanish) can mean a running process removed or replaced the file, or that a protection/antivirus component interfered. Do not download replacement DLLs from random sites.

Practical next steps to diagnose and remove safely:

  1. Record the full path, file size, timestamps and Properties -> Version/Digital Signatures for the file.
  2. From a prepared/clean machine, get Sysinternals tools (Process Explorer, Autoruns, Handle). In Process Explorer use Find to search for "bridge.dll" to see which process has it loaded; Autoruns will show startup entries that reference it.
  3. Boot into Safe Mode and re-check the file location; Safe Mode often allows removal of locked files.
  4. Scan with up-to-date antimalware (use a reputable on‑demand scanner in addition to your AV). If the file can be extracted, compute a hash and submit it to VirusTotal for multi‑engine analysis.
  5. If a protected system DLL is missing, use sfc /scannow to restore rather than fetching DLLs from random sites.

Given 's note that AV detected but could not remove it and flagged it as suspicious, follow the checks above before restoring anything. The removal roadmap referenced by — confirm running modules, startup entries, and signatures first — is the correct approach.

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Please click HERE bridge.dll is spyware

Member Avatar for alc6379

Read some of the earlier threads on removal of bridge.dll - looks pretty complicated to a novice like me. /QUOTE]

Moved to Security forum.

It's not complicated if you've got directions-- that's why we posted the directions, because that's exactly what we'd tell you to do.

If you have a particular question about a step in the instructions, why not just ask for clarification?

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