I recently received the email below requesting a
response. When I responded there was no reply and I have
found that the address is bogus. I probably send some
vital information about my computer to someone out there,
but I have not noticed any deterioration in operation and
a virus check revealed nothing. I did stumble across a
file, c:\documents and settings\owner\local settings,
that has about 1 GB of files (tempNER...cmp). The "cmp"
extension is not registered in my machine. Does anyone
know what is going on here? I am concerned that someone
is using my machine, but don't know how. If that is
happening, what kind of remedial action is necessary to
block this acitivity?

email:
Dear Registered Microsoft User,

Due to validation issues with your Product Key for your
Windows OS Platform, we need you to validate your
information so we can insure nobody else is using your
product key. Each computer must have a unique Product
Key, this problem usually happins if you install Windows
twice on the same machine and use the same product key.
We need you to verify your information so we can send you
a New Product Key VIA USPS. This also includes a
information packet including ways to secure your Windows
Platform from malicious hackers. Your reply is needed so
you can continue to receive updates from Microsoft and
always be up to date with the newest Service Packs.
Please follow the directions below to complete the
process.


1. Click Here to be redirected to Microsoft Secure
Server (THE "CLICK HERE" SHORTCUT HAS AN ADDRESS OF
http://badkeys.mircosoft.ch/...NOTICE THE "mircosoft")
2. Fill all the required fields and press "Continue".
3. Insure your information is correct, and then fill in
the required fields and press "Submit'.
4. Please print the final page to keep reference to.
5. Your done! Please except the package in 4 to 6 weeks.


Please do not reply to this e-mail confirmation. It was
sent to you through an automated system that is not
monitored. If you have additional questions, you can call
Microsoft Customer Service Monday through Friday, 8 A.M.
to 10 P.M. (Eastern Time), at (888) 218-5617 (toll-free
in the United States).
Microsoft highly recommends that users with Internet
access update their Microsoft software to protect against
viruses and security vulnerabilities. The easiest way to
do this is to visit the following website:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

Jim;
Any files in a temp folder can safely be deleted preferably
immediately after a reboot.

The Email is bogus apparently an attempt to steal personal
information:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/badkey.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...oups/setup.asp
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"JimS" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:06fe01c3d678$9f4eb160$(E-Mail Removed)...
> I recently received the email below requesting a
> response. When I responded there was no reply and I have
> found that the address is bogus. I probably send some
> vital information about my computer to someone out there,
> but I have not noticed any deterioration in operation and
> a virus check revealed nothing. I did stumble across a
> file, c:\documents and settings\owner\local settings,
> that has about 1 GB of files (tempNER...cmp). The "cmp"
> extension is not registered in my machine. Does anyone
> know what is going on here? I am concerned that someone
> is using my machine, but don't know how. If that is
> happening, what kind of remedial action is necessary to
> block this acitivity?
>
> email:
> Dear Registered Microsoft User,
>
> Due to validation issues with your Product Key for your
> Windows OS Platform, we need you to validate your
> information so we can insure nobody else is using your
> product key. Each computer must have a unique Product
> Key, this problem usually happins if you install Windows
> twice on the same machine and use the same product key.
> We need you to verify your information so we can send you
> a New Product Key VIA USPS. This also includes a
> information packet including ways to secure your Windows
> Platform from malicious hackers. Your reply is needed so
> you can continue to receive updates from Microsoft and
> always be up to date with the newest Service Packs.
> Please follow the directions below to complete the
> process.
>
>
> 1. Click Here to be redirected to Microsoft Secure
> Server (THE "CLICK HERE" SHORTCUT HAS AN ADDRESS OF
> http://badkeys.mircosoft.ch/...NOTICE THE "mircosoft")
> 2. Fill all the required fields and press "Continue".
> 3. Insure your information is correct, and then fill in
> the required fields and press "Submit'.
> 4. Please print the final page to keep reference to.
> 5. Your done! Please except the package in 4 to 6 weeks.
>
>
> Please do not reply to this e-mail confirmation. It was
> sent to you through an automated system that is not
> monitored. If you have additional questions, you can call
> Microsoft Customer Service Monday through Friday, 8 A.M.
> to 10 P.M. (Eastern Time), at (888) 218-5617 (toll-free
> in the United States).
> Microsoft highly recommends that users with Internet
> access update their Microsoft software to protect against
> viruses and security vulnerabilities. The easiest way to
> do this is to visit the following website:
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>