Last night I got a messanger window pop up with a link in it which was supposed to have been from a friend, tite was something like 'this is you' foolishly I clicked the link thinking it was genuine but now belive it was a virus.

After clicking it a few windows appeared and dissapeared and I thought nothing off it until I discovered from another contact that they had been sent the likn from me so it seems to have sent it out to everyone on my contact list.

Anyone know what this is all about and have any ideas if it is a virus, and if it is what action I should take to remove it?

I noticed this morning that a new contact of someone I do not know has appeared on my list. I'v started by changing my MSN password, but think i need to take more action.

Was the originator a contact from Birskoda?

Was the originator a contact from Birskoda?

No

Just another friend, but it seems if it was a virus I have unkonwingly sent it on to several people and they have sent it on again so if its spreading that fast I was hoping someone else might have come across it.

Download something like Avast and run it on your machine. This will scan the hard drive for viruses. If it doesn't turn anything up, you might want to look at getting some anti-spyware software and run that against your hard-drive. Once you've identified what the virus/spyware is, you can search Google to find removal instructions

Chris

Sounds like the one that went around ages ago, I got it from Big K who got it from Ross. It will try to infect everyone in your address book.

Download something like Avast and run it on your machine. This will scan the hard drive for viruses. If it doesn't turn anything up' date=' you might want to look at getting some anti-spyware software and run that against your hard-drive. Once you've identified what the virus/spyware is, you can search Google to find removal instructions

Chris[/quote']

We use AVG Antivirus Free version from Grisoft. I have heard good things about Avast though.

As regards antispyware, I would recommend Spyware Blaster and Spybot S&D , as well as Adaware

Antivirus won't stop you getting it though, by clicking the link you've 'invited it in'.

Some info on MSN virus removal here - http://www.happy-messaging.com/messenger/virus/

Antivirus won't stop you getting it though' date=' by clicking the link you've 'invited it in'.

Some info on MSN virus removal here - http://www.happy-messaging.com/messenger/virus/

Is that link safe??????? :peepwall:

Antivirus won't stop you getting it though' date=' by clicking the link you've 'invited it in'.

Some info on MSN virus removal here - [url']http://www.happy-messaging.com/messenger/virus/[/url]

But if your antivirus definitions are bang up to date, would an AV program pick it up before it installs on the system?

We use sophos here at work and that has 'on access' scanning meaning that programs trying to run are scanned before they do. If they are a virus, they are stopped from launching and the user gets a warning... I'm sure other scanners work in the same way.

This might be slightly off topic or it might have been promted by the cause of the topic.

My MSN has just asked for an upgrade - it was already version 7.5 so it's a slight tweak - possibly another security patch.

Antivirus won't stop you getting it though' date=' by clicking the link you've 'invited it in'.

Some info on MSN virus removal here - [url']http://www.happy-messaging.com/messenger/virus/[/url]

Wrong.

My av (Nod32) runs all the time and checks internet con, email, internal system and M'S Office documents. It would stop a known infected file/virus from even saving on the pc let alone installing.

Wrong.

My av (Nod32) runs all the time and checks internet con' date=' email, internal system and M'S Office documents. It would stop a known infected file/virus from even saving on the pc let alone installing.[/quote']

Ok, so we'll not get into a my AnitVirus is better than your's debate.

Ok, so we'll not get into a my AnitVirus is better than your's debate.

No, you get what you pay for.

Its a nasty one that MSN virus, wrecked my laptop pretty quick. Had to reset eveything then found the win 32 file that was starting it up everytime I booted up with IBS start up editor. Deleated the file and everthing has been ok since.

touch embarrasing though.