Microsoft update patch - virus!

[ddeder]

A friend got an e-mail today purporting to be from Microsoft and containing a security patch. He clicked on the link and proceeded to infect his computer with a virus (DOH!). Now, any time he tries to open an application or just execute a .exe file, the computer gives him an error saying the file could not be found (such as winword.exe could not be found). I can do a search and see that the file does still exist though. Now this is a tough one since I do not know what the virus is, and even if I did, I can't run a fix program to fix it because it won't allow it. I can't even run MSCONFIG or REGEDIT. Trying to open Norton Anti-virus gives me the same error. Has anyone else seen this/know how to fix it?

Thanks.

 

[mechBgon]

With the virus having taken control of the computer, it may not be possible to break its grip without a full-blown reformat/reinstallation of Windows. But here's the culprit: info on the Swen virus, with link to a removal tool and instructions

 

[ddeder]

Thanks.

 

[RedDog75]

Link

 

[Jeff7]

And inform him too that big companies like that don't send out e-mail warnings. Symantec and Microsoft don't send warnings, just as Paypal doesn't send you e-mails asking for every single bit of personal information you know.
Some ISP's will e-mail warnings to you, but they will not contain files.

 

[lenjack]

The email in question did NOT come from MS. MS updates are only found at the Windows Update website.