For all you anti-virus disbelievers....

[Pretender]

I was downloading the latest assignment from the web for AP Comp Sci class...it downloads in 2 seconds (like always, gotta love DSL ), but I get an error "Cannot copy file, access is denied, make sure disk is not write protected or full" when it finished. After checking my disk space, I was a little confused, but tried again. Same problem. Saw a message box from my scanner (Trend PC-Cillin) hidden behind some other windows I had open saying it had quarantined the virus since it was uncleanable. Turns out the file had a macro virus in it (W97M_CAPUT). It suddenly made me think of the thread here a few days ago that mentioned that you can't catch a virus if you use common sense and don't download from untrustable sources.



BTW, is it safe to open a doc file if it has a macro virus as long as you don't run the macro or somethin? I've never used a document with macros in it so I'm a little unsure.


BTW, if you want to test your scanner, the file is link removed.

 

[slipperyslope]

Norton cleaned the file for me.

Jim

 

[Pretender]

Blah, Pc-cillin said it couldn't clean...could you send me the cleaned version (email is in profile).

 

[Valhalla1]

uhhh I don't know how well the mods like posted links to virii on the message boards

 

[Pretender]

Yeah, you're prolly right. Link removed.

 

[Monel Funkawitz]

I can't see how they would get mad. As a scanner test, right? Anyone can find active virii with a search engine in 2 sec anyhow. It would be different if he didn't tell anyone it was infected.

BTW, I have this really cool screen saver you gotta check out everyone! It has WAYY cool graphics!

<~><~>

 

[Pretender]

I agree monel but with the way the mods have been banning I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

[Valhalla1]

yeah, thats the only reason I said anything, the mods are ban-happy these days...

&quot;thinning the heard&quot;

 

[piku]

pretender - I'm almost 100% positive that you can open the file without activating the macro. You might lose some necessary functionality of the document, but it can be done. I think Office defaults to asking you if you want to run any macro.

 

[perry]

How ironic, Norton picked up the exact same thing on a system at work today... Must be making the rounds again.

 

[Pretender]

I just checked Word2k...it's set to prompt me before running any macros. I think I'll still use the virus as an excuse not to do the homework though

 

[3615buck]

It's not safe to open an infected word document because of the autoexec macros.