Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geek Speak => Topic started by: stana on 14/12/2007 19:25:50

Title: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: stana on 14/12/2007 19:25:50

Hey guys. This isnt really science, but id like to take this oppertunity to tell you a virus is being sent round on forums and on MSN. It will say something like

they banned my account because of THIS picture they said. Its not Bad at all. Man Am i angry.

They will then send you the 'picture' (VIRUS) and you will also be infected.

Anyone got any ideas on how to remove it?

Title: Re: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: another_someone on 15/12/2007 02:19:23

Have you made sure you have the latest Windows updates applied to your system from Microsoft.

Image based viruses work because of bugs in Microsoft software (buffer overruns in the image processing), and usually when Microsoft hear about it, they try and get into a panic and fix it (although it still take a few weeks, at minimum).

Ofcourse, that does not tell you how to clear it once you have let it in.

It depends on the type of virus involved as to how it can be cleared.  It can be as simple as simply running an up to date virus checker on your system, and let it do its work; to getting as nasty as having to reinstall your entire system.

Title: Re: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: stana on 15/12/2007 10:38:54

thanks

Title: Re: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: rosalind dna on 15/12/2007 11:07:37

The only pictures that I have downloaded with my MSN were my photos so safe.

Thanks

Title: Re: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: paul.fr on 24/01/2008 14:33:32

Stana,
My niece got this virus (i forget the name) check Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/en/gb/default.aspx) for a patch / removal tool. Thers is one there...somewhere...

Title: Re: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: JimBob on 30/01/2008 02:32:14

Get Kaspersky - more expensive but well worth the price.

Title: Re: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: paul.fr on 30/01/2008 02:40:38

Or do what i do, simply annoy and wind people up. You then have no friends and this negates the whole concept on MSN and other such programmes.

Incidentally, if anyone wants to be my friend and chat on line, then my im handle is:
billynomates@lonely.com

Title: Re: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 30/01/2008 07:54:08

Quote from: paul.fr on 30/01/2008 02:40:38

Or do what i do, simply annoy and wind people up. You then have no friends and this negates the whole concept on MSN and other such programmes.

You & me both

Title: Re: What is this IM (Instant Messenger) Virus warning?
Post by: Monox D. I-Fly on 02/01/2019 06:47:44

Quote from: JimBob on 30/01/2008 02:32:14

Get Kaspersky - more expensive but well worth the price.

Ah, Kaspersky... That was reliable 10 years ago, but not now... Now it tries to quarantine everything...