Well, NO, you want us to say that technically your choice is wise and your sister's is not. But this is not the case. 3/43 (without knowing WHICH AV marks them on VirusTotal) is NOWHERE near being a sign that those files actually contain a Virus of ANY kind. All it means is that checking throroughly those files would be wise, but in actual practice, and depending greatly on the specific files and on the specific AV's that detect them, probabilities are much greater that they are false positives then that they actually contain a virus or malware. The files may be affected by a Virus, but you need to actually PROVE this by ANALYZING them, your "specific" argument about VirusTotal and 3/43 - as is - is moot. The "general" problem is elsewhere. Your sister, and consequently your mom, are doing an illegal activity - no matter if limited to a handful of pirated games. What you should really do is instead of trying to prove on semi-statistical basis (with no grounds in this particular case) that using WAREZ is wrong because they contain virus, convince them that using WAREZ is wrong from a moral and legal standpoint and should not be used. Go out, work some more, get a few extra bucks, BUY the games your mom likes to play, give them ORIGINAL to her as a present. jaclaz my point about "3 strikes" is a baseball analogy. As I said, "many positive results." If i put up the files on virustotal.com i believe there were a lot more than 3 scanners coming up with results for legitimate malware, not cracks. Something a lot closer to 28/43, not 3/43. Whether the files are infected or not, well there is a such thing as false positives, but when they are testing positive for trojans or worms, not just the fake cracked software signatures, well it is enough reason to purchase the software legitimately or at least avoid using those files, (unless you want to spend your time studying each file individually to ensure there is no virus infection, which frankly, I do not.) It is unfortunate that the question of morality will carry no bearing with my sisters, so i must unfortunately focus the technical/wisdom side. Thanks for the response though. I also thought it plain my question is not strictly a technical question, but a more complex question involving issues of trust, time, and yes technical issues. I always install software from a trusted source. I do not bother with warez, for reasons of trust, time spent to ensure cleanliness of file (which only raises the likelihood of a clean file, doesn't guarantee,) and yes, first and foremost, morality. It is also a question of risk. Last but not necessarily least, the question of wisdom. Is it wise to behave this way? No, in my opinion, it is very stupid. I will simply post the question to Steve Gibson of Security Now. http://twit.tv/sn He is a very well known and very highly regarded person in the computer security world. If he answers it on his podcast I will forward the answer to my sisters. I've listened to him for several years now, and I can tell you I already know what his answer will be: "LEAVE IT ALONE. It is a bad idea, an unnecessary risk." Basically exactly what my point is. Exactly the point they are taking issue with. And cmon, manually examining the file is a huge waste of time. I fear I've wasted enough time already on this post. Seriously though. How many of you would install a game crack obtained through p2p coming up with many positive results for malware? Wouldn't you at least TRY to find a clean crack from a slightly more reputable source to use first? Why not just purchase the game and avoid the question altogether? Why would you engage in such risky and foolish behavior? Do you really have the time it takes to ensure the safety of your computer, using files such as this? I do not. I wish to spend my time on other more worthwhile things. I may end up buying her the games in question. Right now I have other priorities for my money.