Happy99 virus

[Joe Wysong]

I received an E-mail today from someone who obviously got my address off this site. Attached was Happy99.exe which is known to be a virus. The message had no content so the only reason for sending it to me was to transfer the virus. It is my understanding that if you execute the file (run it), you will get a spectacular fireworks display and will then need to spend at least two hours reconstructing your files if you have an anti-virus program. If you don't, you may not be able to save your files.

Having spent the better part of three hours fixing the problems with the CD Manual file, I decided not to test Norton Anti-Virus and find out if the file is actually the Happy99 virus or just somebody's stupid joke.

If you receive any messages with an attachment with an exe extension that you are not expecting, don't get curious. Just delete.

Joe



tgjournal@gestalt.org

[Tom]

I received an E-mail today from someone who obviously got my address off this site. Attached was Happy99.exe which is known to be a virus. The message had no content so the only reason for sending it to me was to transfer the virus. It is my understanding that if you execute the file (run it), you will get a spectacular fireworks display and will then need to spend at least two hours reconstructing your files if you have an anti-virus program. If you don't, you may not be able to save your files.

Having spent the better part of three hours fixing the problems with the CD Manual file, I decided not to test Norton Anti-Virus and find out if the file is actually the Happy99 virus or just somebody's stupid joke.

If you receive any messages with an attachment with an exe extension that you are not expecting, don't get curious. Just delete.

Joe

I'm not the guy who sent it to you, but there are directions for removing it that don't look like they would take more than a few minutes to perform. For deletion directions go to :

http://www.icon.co.zw/happy99.htm

Supposedly it doesn't destroy or alter files or cripple computers, but is a nuisance to network administrators.



TacCambria@thegrid.net

[Walt Bilofsky]

I received an E-mail today from someone who obviously got my address off this site. Attached was Happy99.exe which is known to be a virus. <snip>

If you receive any messages with an attachment with an exe extension that you are not expecting, don't get curious. Just delete.

Good advice. I have even received EXE attachments from friends that I won't open. Even Microsoft Word files can contain macros with viruses. The only attachments I will open are picture files, unless I know the sender and specifically expect the attachment.



bilofsky@toolworks.com

[Lee H. Hodsdon]

Tom,

Thanks so much for the info. I learned I was the proud owner/dispenser of the virus on Friday, and spent the weekend wondering what the best course of action would be. Monday morning, TA DA the answer was before me!

I've sent e-mail to those I shared this with, hope all is well.

Thanks again,

Lee



lhodsdon@nh.ultranet.com

[Tom]

Tom,

Thanks so much for the info. I learned I was the proud owner/dispenser of the virus on Friday, and spent the weekend wondering what the best course of action would be. Monday morning, TA DA the answer was before me!

I've sent e-mail to those I shared this with, hope all is well.

Thanks again,

Lee

The directions at the website are a little misleading. In step 3 it is written on one line but it is actually two commands so you need to type DEL SKA.EXE (ENTER) and THEN the second command. When you're finished you can check your "W" file by typing in DIR W*.* This will list your whole file so you can verify it is gone. I don't know anything about the DOS system, my guru friend walked me through it. Good luck.



TacCambria@thegrid.net