I think I did something stupid and need your help.

[EFF BrandyWine]

A message appeared in my email from Microsoft. It had to do with a new virus definition...the file was named q155285.exe...yes, I know, I didn't think and clicked on it and even clicked on the attachment (which did nothing) and then went to Microsoft and read on their site that they never send emails with attachments. Have I infected my dear pc with a worm? What are the sumptoms? How will I know? My anti virus brought up nothing but if it's a new definition? Stupid, stupid, stupid, she cried, banging her fist against her forehead????? Help!

[jono]

1. Yes, it's a virus

I got an email alert about it at work today. (Sorry, I don't have a copy or I'd post it.) It basically said that Microsoft NEVER sends patches out through email, only notifications of newly available patches; people must go to their site and download patches for themselves. So yes, you should check the website for your anti-virus software and see if you can get an update.

on edit: the email said symptoms include multiple extraneous entries in the computer's registry, and something about it also interfacing with Kazaa and IRC chat apps to propagate.

[Don_G]

2. It's A Very Good Possibility

Might go to your AV site and download the update and then run a scan on your computer. Nortons just added this one to their updates this morning.

[E_Zapata]

3. I have no doubt that you loaded a worm on your computer.

I am not sure what you should do.

Go to the symantec website or Norton's and see what they say about warnings and what to do.

It happens. Bummer.

[DrBB]

4. Yup--that IS A VIRUS

The latest one is presenting itself as a Microsoft patch. Often comes with "Microsoft support" in the subject line.

I'm a Mac user, so I don't know exactly where to tell you to go for help, but this is a known virus. Check the Norton site?

[short bus president]

5. yes, this is likely a new worm

LBN post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=121918&mesg_id=121918

Reuters story: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3471069

[Cooley Hurd]

6. A search for 'q155285.exe' on Symantec's website doesn't say...

...what it is. However, Microsoft will never email patches to you, so I would say it's something malicious...

Link to Microsoft - Info on "Sven" virus

[EFF BrandyWine]

7. Thank all of you for such quick responses.

My AV shows no virus. I think I might have quarantined it before I did the DUMB THING. It shows as a quarantined item and nothing has happened so far. Should I warn my email address list? I could kick myself because I know better. I NEVER open attachments, sometimes even from people I know...supid to the n'th degree!!!!! How long would it take for such a thing to manifest itself? Do I dare open any work files? Help is needed again....thank you.


:bounce:

[Don_G]

8. If Your AV Program Isolated It

Your computer should be okay. Still, I would update your anti-virus program and do a complete scan to be on the safe side.

[EFF BrandyWine]

9. I did the scan. All appears well.

How would I know if something was not right? I can't believe I did something so stupid and fell for such a ploy. Kill malicious program evildoers! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Also did the live update. (Put sign on my back: "Kick me".)