Prevent AGS from triggering antiviruses
Please note that the discussion about this topic is constantly updated on the AGS forums : How to remove alternate data streams from AGS files
Introduction
AGS works very well but it's not a big, corporate software that uses all the latest security mechanisms (such as certificates, permissions and stuff) to make it immediately recognized by antiviruses as harmless. In particular, there's a thing called "alternate data streams" that sometimes makes your antivirus panic. We help you getting rid of that issue. This trick was originally found, once again, by the guys from Wadjet Eye.
What are "alternate data streams" ?
You don't need to understand what alternate data streams are to get rid of the issue. We just explain briefly, so that you have a better idea of what you're doing.
When a file is stored on your computer by your Operating System (typically, Windows), it's written in a particular, standard way, that Windows will be able to read later. That's called the "File System". That's how Windows sorts out and writes your files, under the hood. In Windows, the File System is called NTFS, and it's different on each big system: For example, in Linux and Macs, they use instead the "NFS" file system. And on USB sticks, they've been using the old "FAT32" file system for a very long time, to avoid compatibility issues.
Long things short, sometimes, Windows needs to mix data from a foreign file system (e.g. NFS) into its very own NTFS data. For example, when some files also need to be read on another system. That's when "alternate data streams" come in. They are a way for Windows to remind itself: "You don't understand this chunk of data that's written there? Well don't worry, that's normal, that's because it's from another system. Just keep it there and don't mess with it. Also, don't display it in the Explorer".
So far so good. The trouble is that some smart arses started to use this to hide data, possibly fraudulent stuff. Alternate data streams started being used by viruses, for example. Don't get it wrong, it's very legit, but seeing alternate data streams in yoru files makes antiviruses suspicious of them, no matter what. And since AGS has started becoming cross-platform, there will be some alternate data streams in your files.
How do I clean my game files from "alternate data streams" ?
(under redaction)