> It's the "erase everything on your harddrive" that always clues me in. A
> virus would have to be running to erase something and it can't erase
> something that is running, therefore it can't erase itself (or the
programs
> required to run it). Any warning that says it erases everything must be
> inexact (read incorrect) and that calls into question the validity of the
> message.
Actually that's not exactly true. Files can be queued for deletion when they
are no longer being shared (used). A file can also delete itself in this
fashion (that's why you are asked to reboot after you uninstall certian
software programs). You could have all your files queued up and once you
reboot, they would be gone. I've never actually seen something like this in
action but it is theoretically possible. The best protection is to... all
together now.... "not open untrusted attachments" and also to read your
email using plain text. Using HTML email is not a very safe practice if you
are concerned with viruses. I also have my Nortons set to update my virus
definitions every morning. By the time I got the LOVEBUG message, I already
had the fix for it.
I could write a "proof of concept" app in VB if anyone wants to test
this...;-)
Steve
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