posted on April 17, 2001 12:26:57 PM new
What is this virus and any link to eliminate? I use Norton but some nut said she infected via email. I doubt it, but let me know.
posted on April 17, 2001 02:19:42 PM new
Thanks to all, I was lucky enough to escape two virus' today. Snow White which came through and the one mentioned above. I didn't open either .exe file. Here's the link for more info on it..
Norton just released the fix on the 12th last week.
posted on April 17, 2001 05:35:26 PM new
Hi Empires. You're very lucky you knew not to open this attachment because the W32/magistr@mm worm is extremely destructive and can damage your computer to the point where it's no longer operable. Not only does it delete and/or overwrite files on your system, but if you're running a Windows 9X or Windows ME based system it will clear your CMOS memory which is needed to boot your system and if possible, it will erase your flash BIOS. BTW, this worm is not just limited to Outlook Express, but also infects the sent item files from Netscape and possibly other email programs.
I never open any .exe files or attachments that arrive via email when I'm online. Even if I'm expecting one I will wait until I'm offline to open the attachment after I've moved it out of the email. I also recommend that everyone turn OFF the preview pane and put Outlook Express in the Restricted Security Zone with everything disabled. Here is a good site that explains how to secure Outlook Express. http://www.tames.net/security/oesettings.htm Also, disabling Windows Scripting Host (wsh) and all unsafe ActiveX Controls in the Internet Zone along with setting the safe ActiveX Controls to PROMPT will help to secure your computer in general.
posted on April 17, 2001 09:43:32 PM newBlanche There were two files in this email. One was a document, (which I opened), and the other was the exe. file which I never open. Norton didn't catch it since (I think if I read it correctly), they just placed the update on their site Apr. 12.
Now, I haven't noticed anything yet and don't suspect I will. What I read only mentions the Outlook problem not Netscape which only means to me that those doing bad things are now infultrating Netscape browsers as well, either via email or address book.
I don't use Outlook, even though I like it alot. I just notice that the problems created ususally come from Outlook moreso than Netscape.
You get a BIG tip of the hat for the site offered in your post. I love sharing good tips that spare us the nonsense created by computer vandals.
Thank You!
The Snow White virus that came through the same day, was from an ebay customer that likely doesn't even know she has it on her system. I received it about 6 times so far, never opening it yet thanks to people like yourself posting here on AW tipping us off in advance. Cool stuff!
posted on April 17, 2001 11:08:10 PM newEmpires, you are very welcome. I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about if you didn't open the .exe file.
You're right about OE having more security holes than any of the other email programs but there are ways to close many of these holes if you know the secure settings. Unfortunately, many folks don't realize the problems with OE and don't know the solutions so they become infected with a virus which is sent on to someone else and the whole thing just becomes a vicious circle.
Learning safe email habits is also important because the security settings by themselves won't provide 100 percent protection and the two major rules to remember are NOT to open attachments online and to turn OFF the preview pane in OE.
I'm glad you knew how to protect yourself as well as all of the folks in your address book.
You get a BIG tip of the hat for the site offered in your post. I love sharing good tips that spare us the nonsense created by computer vandals.
