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As prevalent as computer viruses are (see
my recently updated article), there are at least as as many virus
hoaxes.
I have recently received many copies of the following virus hoax message:
"I found this on my computer so I've unknowingly passed on this virus to everyone I have e-mailed. Check out the directions on how to delete it and then be sure to let everyone else who you have written know it.
Please check your computer for a virus I inherited unknowingly that gets passed on to anyone I sent emails to. The virus will show up on all of your computers, but it apparently takes a while for it to be activated. The virus is programmed to activate after being on your C drive for a while. Because of the delay in activation, it will not get picked up by virus scan programs such as Norton and Mcaffee. When it does become active, it will erase all files and folders on your hard drive. The virus gets spread when you send out emails and it filters into Windows Command.
In order to find the virus, follow these instructions:
click Start (the windows menu)
Choose "find"
Choose "files and folders" select "C drive"
search for: SULFNBK.EXE
If you find this file, DO NOT OPEN IT! Select by right clicking your mouse and DELETE it. Then close the window and empty your recycle bin.
The good news is that you have eliminated the virus on your computer. The bad news is that you have transmitted this virus to anyone you may have sent e-mails to in the last month. Thus the reason for this message. Please contact everyone in your address book and pass this message along."
This is a hoax! SULFNBK.EXE is a Microsoft Windows utility that is used to restore long file names and should not be deleted!
Specific detail on this virus hoax and how to
restore the sulfnbk.exe file can be found at: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/sulfnbk.exe.warning.html
How to Spot a Virus Hoax Message:
The above message hoax is typical of many and should ring warning bells:
1. There is no genuine expert sending the message (i.e. Norton, McAfee, Semantec)
2. There is no backup documentation or web links to authoritative virus sites.
3. It urges you to forward the "chain-letter" to everyone in your
address book (legitimate virus alerts do no ask recipients to participate in
such a chaotic means of distribution.)
In general, never send off a message to everyone in your address book without checking veracity.
Some excellent virus and other Internet hoax
information web sites are:
If you find this article helpful, please let me
know by signing the Guest Book in the Contact
Corbin Section.
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