Microsoft_AutoUpdate_4.19.20011301_Updater.pkg Reported by AVG Antivirus as a PUP

[RNH_48]

I use the free version of AVG on a Macbook Pro (early 2015, running macOS Mojave). I run Microsoft Office version 16.16.15. After support for Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac ended on October 13, 2020, when running an AVG Antivirus Deep Scan, Microsoft_AutoUpdate_4.19.20011301_Updater.pkg is reported as a threat (OtherUP-gen [PUP]); but it will not resolve.



I uninstalled AVG Antivirus and re-installed it. I updated the virus definitions. I went into the Libraries, found Microsoft AutoUpdate.app and moved it to Trash. I searched the Library for "Microsoft," and moved two plist files to Trash:



com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper.plist

com.microsoft.update.agent.plist



I purged the Trash folder. Then I re-ran AVG several times; the same threat is reported and it will not resolve. I guess the Microsoft Office Microsoft_AutoUpdate_4.19.20011301_Updater.pkg software has burrowed itself deeply into my Mac.



I searched the internet and haven't found a solution. A Mr. Rasmussen reported the same issue in the AVG Community; he is using a paid version of AVG. It seems odd that only two people reported this issue so far.



My son’s Macbook Pro (late 2011, running High Sierra) doesn't have this problem; but he has Microsoft Office version 15.41.



I cannot upgrade my Macbook Pro to Catalina, because I cannot run my Microsoft Office applications on Catalina.



Thanks

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