Need some Windows Help - OT

[HarryD]

Hi all, I know this is OT but I want to get this seen soooo....

My wife got an e-mail today from what "claims" to be Microsoft asking us to click on an attached program (installer8.exe) to install some patches.

The e-mail subject is: "Net Security".

Now, my BS meter is fully offscale since I could not imagine Microsoft sending such an e-mail. Is this a scam?

Thanks to all and to Wayne for your indulgence also.

[Danskman]

Don't do it.

Go to Microsoft.com, and click on Windows xx upgrades/downloads. You can do a system scan there, and it will tell you any security upgrades, drivers, etc. that you need to download. Then at a minimum do the security downloads that are labeled "critical".

Probably electronically signed by Bill..... Delete it.

[Icemaster]

DON"T DO IT!!! It's a bug.

See below:

http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.swen.a@mm.html

[HarryD]

Mike,

Thanks. I always use the Microsoft web site to do my updates.

[emcon5]

Don't do it.

http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=description&virus_k=100662

Mcafee has a good database of current (and past) virus threats here.

And also a good list of hoaxes here. When someone sends a virus warning about a horrible pox that will erase your hard drive and give you crabs, check to see if it is listed as a hoax before you follow it's instructions and delete any files on your computer or forward it to everyone you know.

Tom

[HarryD]

Icemaster,

Thanks for the link.