[AT] Way OT Computer Virus question

[pga2 at hot1.net]

Stuart has a really good point here. This is precisely
why I don't use Outlook in any of it's variants. it is
just too big a target for this type of thing. I personally
use Eudora in the "sponsored mode". Much less prone to this.

Phil

----- Original Message -----
>From    : Stuart Harner <sharner at starband.net>
Sent    : Sat, 14 Apr 2007 08:48:10 -0500
To      : Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject : [AT] Way OT  Computer Virus question


>Charlie,
Without knowing what virus you did have, it is kind of hard
to know what is going on now.

However, here is a scenario based on past experience:

The bug you caught managed to get your email (and possibly
others from your address book) and sent it to someone.
That someone has either passed it on for payment from
spammers or is using it himself for evil doing.  The emails
you are getting are nothing more than spam, trying to get
you to either buy something, or worse yet, follow the
instructions they send, which will either re-infect your PC 
or open some ports, and expose your PC to more evil doing.

I would bet that if you spent some time (a waste in my opinion)
tracking down the source of these emails, they are not
legitimate ISPs.

In any case, keep doing what you are doing and ignore the
emails, unless you get one from your ISP, in that case,
call them, don't reply.

I use trendmicro.com for HouseCall online virus scan when
I get a system that has a bad virus.  Some viruses disable
your onboard virus scanner and firewall.  Some are even
tricky enough to make it look like they are running.
I have also seen viruses that prevent the installation of
a new anti-virus or firewall program. There is some nasty
stuff out there.

If you run a resident (up to date) virus scan, an online
virus scan, adware, and spybot type programs and they all
come up clean, you are probably virus free. 
Just ignore the spam.

If you know the name of the specific virus you think you
have, check out some anti-virus sites, they will probably
have specific removal instructions posted. 
Follow them carefully, especially if you have to edit the
registry.

Let us know how it goes.

Stuart