Re: [OT] Computer Virus Trouble Follow-Up


"Brian Running" <brunning@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:g2cei.5316$bP5.534@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
There's little to stop malicious software changing files of
any type long after they were created.

That's what I was afraid of. So, I guess I've nothing to lose by loading
them back into the machine -- they're the main reason that computer is
even around, if I lost all those photos and music files, there'd be no
reason to keep it. So, I load 'em in, and hold my breath. Keep my fingers
crossed, too, and put a rabbit's foot into my pocket. Any other high-tech
preventatives you can recommend?

It isn't likely that any of your data files have been infected unless you
actually opened them after the virus infected your computer. In any event,
an infected data file is not going to infect your computer unless you
actually open it. After you've loaded all the data files back onto your
computer and before you open any of them, re-scan the computer with your AV
software, and scan as thoroughly and as deeply as it will allow you to.
Another thing, if you haven't already, open Windows Explorer, click on
"Tools", "Folder Options", then click on the "View" tab and uncheck "Hide
extensions for known file types". Having that on as a default is the
stupidest thing MS ever did, because an executable malicious file can take
the same name as an MP3, graphics file, movie file, data file or anything
else and if you open it by doubleclicking the file, you allow the
ex4ecutable to run and risk screwing up your computer. If you can see the
extension, you'll immediately see that "Walking the Dog.exe" is NOT an MP3
file.
Hopefully, you already know this, but if not, take heed! If you aren't
familiar with any extension name, don't try to open it by double clicking on
it. Open the program that it's associated with and then open it using that
program's "File", "Open" menu.


.

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