I got this after installing "TotalAV".

I installed "TotalAV" on my pc on 10/10/2026. After installing, I noticed the following on my pc:

These were the folders "TotalAV" installed on my pc. When I tried to look at the 2nd one ("~l-"), TotalAV anticirus told me the "explorer.exe" was identified as a virus, and as a result, TotalAV disabled my entire system. When I rebooted and restarted, I was met with a blank screen.
BTW, these 2 folders were placed on every physical drive I had attached to my pc.
"l-"
"~l-"

In addition, I had 9 files added to my c" drive. They were labeled "SCPCT01" thru "SCPCT09". The file types included 'PDF', 'JPEG', 'XLSX', and 'DOC' among others. I managed to open the 'DOC' file. What is saw was the word 'SCAPEGOAT'.

I was able to restore my main pc and remove "TotalAV". Once I uninstalled "TotalAV", the folders and files were gone.

Has anyone else encountered anything like this?

TotalAV is a bona fide app but has questionable marketing tactics. I would avoid it. Stick to Windows Defender aka Windows Security.

@bravem12000

Here's ten points, just for filling out your computer specs.

If you want a non-MS av/firewall, get Bitdefender Total Security...

I've been using it for 13+ years, no problems.
They also have 24/7 live tech support (free), by phone.

Bitdefender looks like this. I only use three of it's modules... the ones in the RED boxes...
I also have the Firewall set to "Block All" except what I allow with the toggles.
Occasionally, I'll have to let something else through the Firewall, like the "Media Creation Tool", for example.







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