MSN/ Windows Live Messenger viruses

Even MSN/WLM program are not free from virus spreading. Your computer can easily get infected if you are not pay special attention to the contents that are shared. Zipped files or website links that come with funny lines like “How do I look in this picture?” or “Download that quick!” sent from one of your contacts are not always innocent. Do NOT promptly accept all the files as they can be viruses that can seriously damage your computer’s system.

How do I know if this is a virus and not a file sent by one of my contacts?

1. It often appears out of the blue, without the need of starting a conversation.
2. It will not reply to any of your questions and will keep sending you the same file again and the same line.
3. If you write to your contact, he/she will not be aware that a folder is being sent by him/her.
4. Your contact can also send you a link to another website that states: “Download this http:www.@@@@.com”.

Hence, all you have to do is to decline it. If it was indeed one of your contacts’ file, he/she will ask you why you have not accepted it and can send it again; so it will never be worse than a damaged system.

What do I do if I accepted the file?

If you have accepted the file, you might probably have the virus on your system by now. It will start sending the same message to your contacts to spread the virus.

Start by changing your display message to warn your friends not to accept any files from you for the time being. (e.g. “Do NOT accept any files sent from me – IT’S A VIRUS!! :( “

To remove ‘IM-Names’ and PIC1234(1)(1)(1)(1)(1).exe virus

1. Go to your “Start” button and click “Run”
2. Copy the command msconfig in it and click “OK”
3. When the System Configuration Utility window pops up, click the “Startup” tab.