How to React to an E-mail Message That May Contain a Virus

Computer viruses can be easily transmitted via e-mail. Some viruses attach themselves to outgoing messages without the sender even knowing about them. If you've received an e-mail virus and want to prevent it from spreading further, alert the person who sent you the message after safeguarding your own computer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anti-virus Softwares

1. Write down the e-mail address of the person who sent you the message.

2. Delete the message and any attached files.

3. Run a virus scan on your computer.

4. Take any other necessary measures to eliminate the virus.

5. Send a message to the person who sent you the virus alerting him or her that his or her computer is infected.

Tips & Warnings

• Methods of virus elimination vary among different viruses. Search the Web for information on any specific virus you come across.
• If the person who sent you the virus isn't very computer savvy, you may want to include a link in your e-mail where the sender will be able to find information on the virus and how to eliminate it.

on 12/19/2005 At this point, many viruses scour an infected computer's harddrive for e-mail addresses in their address books as well as other files. The virus then sends itself to every one of those e-mail addresses, often putting one of those collected e-mail addresses into the From: field.

So, if you get an e-mail you suspect is infected that says it's from say [e-mail], more than likely the e-mail did not originate from Amy's computer, but from someone who has Amy's e-mail address on their computer. Therefore, e-mailing the sender of the infected e-mail to let them know they have a virus, may just create more confusion.

on 11/22/2005 Friendly Internet technical support: all Windows users (especially Outlook Express 5.0 or lower) always go to www.microsoft.com
and download the latest service packs. The Kak worm and other virii often use security explotes in Windows OR Outlook.

on 11/22/2005 Never open any attachment that is an executable file - any file that has ".exe" after it. Unless you know the person sending it and you are expecting it, delete this e-mail.

on 11/22/2005 In Outlook Express, open the Tools menu and click Mail Rules, then Mail. In box 1 check the "where the message has an attachment." In box 2 check "highlight with color." In box 3 click the word "color" to pick a color.
This draws your attention to it!