AIM "Virus?"

LuaBlanca · #1 06-20-2003, 10:35 PM

I IM-d someone on AIM tonight and they sent me a URL link. I clicked on it and it wanted me to download something to run the site, I didn't download it, but I chose the option to open the file from that location. Now, whenever I IM someone new, it sends them a link too....WHAT is this?!

AlphaSigOU · #2 06-20-2003, 11:32 PM

Actually it's not a virus, but a Trojan Horse program. A virus could be part of a Trojan, which can range from cheap and dirty 'viral marketing' as you are probably experiencing to destructive programs that will wipe out a hard drive.

Jadey28 · #3 06-21-2003, 10:46 AM

AHHHH! I just discovered the Trojan Horse virus on my computer last night! I ran my Norton Anti-Virus, I found the location of the virus, but I can't remove it! I get some type of message saying that I don't have access to the area??

If you know how to get this off the computer, will you please help me? I am really close to backing up my hard drive and taking my computer to Gateway to have them remove it. But if there is another way to get rid of it, I would love to know! Thanks.

AlphaSigOU · #4 06-21-2003, 11:03 AM

Norton wouldn't quarantine the virus? But then I don't go very often on AIM.

Once you put the virus in quarantine (and you did update your virus definitions, didja?) you should be able to delete the infected file; though you may hafta re-install AOL IM.

Lesson learned -- unless you KNOW what you are downloading is from a trusted site or you know who is sending you a file and you made previous arrangements beforehand (even if it's a good AIM chat buddy), do NOT open the file! This goes the same for all you people who download music and stuff on Kazaa.

krystle · #5 06-21-2003, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LuaBlanca
I IM-d someone on AIM tonight and they sent me a URL link. I clicked on it and it wanted me to download something to run the site, I didn't download it, but I chose the option to open the file from that location. Now, whenever I IM someone new, it sends them a link too....WHAT is this?!

God, I am so sorry...Yes. and I know its me your talking about. I wasnt ANYWHERE near my comp when you IM'ed me to warn you...I was actually, like 15-20 minutes away from my house...And it took me off of away message when you IM'ed me...BLAH.

I hate my stupid computer and I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOO sorry I didnt get to warn you in time...

It doesnt really mess up the comp, just sends the links...I'm sorry.

Dont hate me

LuaBlanca · #6 06-22-2003, 05:31 PM

Don't worry about it krystle, I think my Norton's fixed it...I've been using AIM all day and it hasn't sent the link....*whew* I'm glad you know that your computer has/had it because I was concerned you were going to IM people and not know what was going on! BIG Thanks to all who helped!!

texas*princess · #7 06-22-2003, 05:41 PM

MSN messanger also has similar 'viruses'.

One that I've experienced..

I was IM'ing a friend on MSN and all of a sudden their screen name 'messaged' me and asked if I wanted to see their 'most recent pic'.. and it will send you a file that makes your MSN messenger do the same thing. Weird!

Also like AlphaSigOU mentioned, ALWAYS virus-scan stuff you get on kazaa and other sites like that.

When I was an RA, one girl in the hall thought she downloaded a "really cool screen saver" and it turned out to be a virus that completely killed her system

Eirene_DGP · #8 06-23-2003, 01:35 PM

I had this same problem this past summer and I ended up getting the lastest version of McAfee to get rid of it. I also had to reload all of my software. Like someone else said, if you don't know who is IMing you...dont accept the message or check the link.

astroAPhi · #9 06-23-2003, 03:51 PM

I have to admit, I've gotten really bad about scanning files I download off KaZaA. I just download and click on it right away. I really ought to be more careful.