av.exe is a Windows file that is attacked by a trojan that enters the puter on a port opened by Instant messenger programs, or from websites that are hacked with the malicious code, iirc. have you been downloading AIM buddy pictures by any chance? it would easily have been stopped by a properly configured firewall backed up by regularly updated AV s'ware that has plug-ins for IM. I don't recommend you delete the file as other stuff needs it but you can get instructions on how to edit the registry to fix this problem from the Symantec or Macafee sites. There might even be a removal tool but I don't remember.

oh yeah you also need a security fix off Microsoft, MS03-040, to patch the hole in IE that lets the little bugger in. I presume you use IE.



Edited by - Tawakalna on 1/2/2004 1:51:53 PM

IE sucks! Use Mozilla, it is one great program, and is my browser of choice. You'd be surprised how many trojans, webpage vulnerabilities, and tracking cookies that you can avoid by not using IE.

Esquilax

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Ach, ye speak like a poet, but ye punch like one too! - Willy

Mozilla works with anything and it's very safe, granted. Anything is better than IE and Mozilla's a solid choice. But it's slooow and lacks functionality I find. Myself as I've mentioned many times *hint hint* I use Opera, ver 7.11 which i think is a superb browser and certainly the best around imho. i use it on 4 different platforms, including Linux and Solaris/Unix*. I love it. I can't stand using clunky hack-ridden boring IE, it's complete rubbish.

Mozilla actually works superbly on the Sun boxes, and Linux too

the only advantages IE has are that it's free, and most web-sites are optimized for it (well the vast majority of people do use IE) other than that i haven't got a good word to say about it you KNOW what I'm talking about, Esq!

If people will use IE then they must must must make sure they get all the updates asap including the Service Packs and protect themselves with solid Firewall and AV again both properly updated. I simply can't stress this enough. I don't get viruses, because I look after my system with these basic but effective precautions. i had one virus once, many years ago (94) and never since, although I'm dealing with them every day.

I know, Taw. Believe me I know. IE *shudder*. It's only useful for downloading MS products, and for site compatibility. I used Opera for a about a year, however when I upgraded to version 7, I had crashes, BSOD's, sites wouldn't respond, and I had many other problems. It was fast though, however I think that Mozilla 1.5 is just as quick. But then, I'm on a modem, so it's all the same to me .

Esquilax

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Ach, ye speak like a poet, but ye punch like one too! - Willy

Taw, thanks for your help, I found an entry for it at Symantec and instructions on removing it.