How to Fix a MySpace Virus
MySpace, arguably the first popular social networking website, has periodically been scrutinized for various security and virus issues. The virus most typically referred to as the MySpace virus is actually the Koobface.a worm that posts comments containing links to phishing sites on other account-holders' profiles. The goal of these phishing sites is to collect private information that can lead to incidents of identity theft. Once infected, the worm spreads to the accounts of any contacts listed within your friends list. You can remove this worm from your computer and prevent its recurrence.
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Instructions
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Open your Internet browser and access your MySpace account. Remove any suspected friends from your MySpace account. Log in to your account. Click on the "Edit Friends" option. Select the accounts that may have generated the worm. Click on the "Delete Selected Friends" button.
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Click on the "My Account" option at the top right corner of the account page. Remove personal information from your account. If you have added a graphics template from a website that is not affiliated with MySpace, it may contain malware code. Remove it as well. Select the "Password" option. Enter your current password and then create a new one. When you are finished, click on the button to "Save All Changes."
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3
Clear all temporary Internet files that are capable of storing viruses.
Internet Explorer users: Open Internet Explorer. Click "Tools," "Internet Options" and "General." Find the "Browsing" section. Click "Delete." Opt to delete files, cookies, history and form data.
Firefox users: Open Firefox. Click "Tools" and "Clear Private Data." Delete cache, cookies, history and form data.
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Close your Internet browser and return to the computer desktop. Right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Properties" from the shortcut menu. Select the "System Restore" tab and "Turn Off System Restore" from the available options. Click "Apply" and "OK." This process will prevent viruses from reinstalling once you restart your system.
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Click "Start" and "Run." Type "winmsd" (without quotations) into the "Open" field. Click "OK." Click the plus sign (+) to expand the "Software Environment" grouping. Select "Startup Programs." If any Koobface references are found, run one of the reputable, free, online virus scanners such as AVG or Trend Micro to remove it (see Resources section).
In the rare occasion that the online antivirus program does not remove the virus, it will be necessary to manually remove it. Click "Start," "Run" and type "regedit" in the "Open" field to access the Windows Registry. Search for any references to "Koobface." Click on the file name to highlight and press the "Delete" key to remove it.
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Tips & Warnings
Prevention is always the best cure. Install an antivirus software program and keep it updated. Do not add MySpace contacts that you do not know to your friend listing.
If you find these steps confusing or difficult, please consult a computer professional for assistance, especially when accessing the contents of the Windows Registry.
If conflicts do not allow the removal of any virus file, reboot your system in Safe Mode.
