Hoax Virus Warnings

There appears to be another batch of hoax virus warning doing the rounds. Typical wording is as follows:

"Dear all,

I just found out that I received a virus that is automatically passed on through e-mail address books. I found it in my C drive. As you are in my address book you may find it in your computer too.

The virus called jdbe.exe is not detected by Norton or McAfee anti-virus systems. The virus sits quietly for 14 days before damaging the system. It is sent automatically by messenger and by address book whether or not you sent e-mails to your contacts. Here is how to check for the virus and how to get rid of it."

(Followed by removal instructions.)

These messages refer to a genuine file on your computer and should you follow the instructions and delete it, you will find that certain operations will fail.

Despite the publicity about hoax messages, the fact the so many people act on them and then pass the 'warning' on to their own contacts demonstrates just powerful these messages are.

Use the Delete key on the message not the file and tell the sender to retract the warning to others. They might be a little red-faced, but that is better than causing pain to others.