MSN Messenger Virus?

Yesterday my sister clicked on a similar link after which Zonealarm got deleted. We weren’t too sure as to what exactly it is, so she formatted her PC on my request.

Today some other person sent her a similar URL, which she showed me, so that I don’t accidentally open any such URL if sent to me.

I have removed my sister’s email address. It was part of the url that was sent. Here’s a screenshot:

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What exactly is this and why would it delete zonealarm.exe (or whatever the exact name for Zonealarm happens to be)?

Re: MSN Messenger Virus?

Might be a Trojan.

As an advice for everyone, if someone sends you a link with with strange filenames or extentions, better not to click it, unless you are really sure what you are clicking at.

Re: MSN Messenger Virus?

Looks like to be a phishing attempt !

Check this site:
http://www.fraudeliminator.com/index.php

Use the plugin for forefox.

So the person who sent you the link is not in your list? If yes, the NEVER trust any such message from anyone. You can be 100% sure that its not safe.

But still, If your curiosity is tempting you to click on the link then first do a little investigation before you clickd on it.

Just a few simple steps can tell you a lot more and kill your curiosity:

  • type www.imdownloads.net in any browser window.

  • In this case its clear after only 1 step.

  • sometimes you might need to do some more onvestigation (which can be done here):
    ==> http://www.nic.com/


Re: MSN Messenger Virus?

Also check this thread I opened short time ago: [scam] A phising site](http://www.paklinks.com/gs/showthread.php?t=183478)

Re: MSN Messenger Virus?

I guess sis & I then need to change our passwords. :\

I wasn't even familiar with the term phising. Thanks for the info. Is it worth installing fraudeliminator software?

Also, the one that messed up my sister's PC was by someone on her list. However, the second time it was by someone who is not on her list.

Re: MSN Messenger Virus?

i came to open a url which automatically save a file in my pc and started deleting my stuff...

I got all my music deleted which was about 3000+ mp3 songs.

and i got all my F:/ partition deleted , which had lots of dvd rip movies.

o well, i wonder what that was :(

Re: MSN Messenger Virus?

^ do u remember the URL ... any info will be appreciated

Re: MSN Messenger Virus?

If you got a message from someone not in your list then in privacy settings for your messenger, you have unchecked the checkbox 'Only People in my allow list can see my status & send me messages'. This setting can also be used to check if your are signed in (even if you block everyone on your contact list). I suggest to turn it on, so if someone wants to send you message he/she should first add you to his/her contact-list, you'll then get a messageBox that someone has added you and you can the allow or block him/her.