IE Virus Warning?

[Mike :-\)]

I was browsing with IE 6.0.2800.1106, and when I visited a
certain site, I had a window pop up that has a top window
bar identifying itself as "Microsoft Internet Explorer"
and warning that it had detected a virus. The grey window
had the following warning,

Your system may be
Infected and Unstable.

Click on OK

to Scan and Disinfect
Your System Now!

It had buttons that said "OK" and "Cancel"

I have a screen capture of the window

I am not aware of any capability for IE to detect or
remove viruses. Is this legit, or is it someone duping
browsers into allowing access to their computers?

HELP?!

 

[Charlie Tame]

IE always shows "Microsoft Internet Explorer" as title unless told to do
otherwise... it's not IE doing this but some pop-up using IE is all.

It is likely that the test now or "Okay" button would simply direct you to
some site selling an AV system.

Unfortunately this is a bit like saying "You might have high cholesterol" -
it's designed to worry you into taking some medicine <g>.

If you want to post the address of the actual site I'm sure someone will be
able to see exactly what's going on.

Charlie

 

[H Leboeuf]

It's probably a SPAM using MS messenger. Try are trying to get you to by
some security software. Ignore it or disable the function completely.

How to Prevent Windows Messenger from Running on a Windows XP-Based Computer
By default, Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition install
Windows Messenger, and the user interface does not provide a way to remove
or to uninstall Windows Messenger.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302089 (Ver. 4.4, 4.5, 4.6. 9/23/2003)


Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement Appears
A Messenger service window appears that contains an Internet advertisement
that is similar to the following text:
Messenger Service
Message from source to your_computer_name.ISP_name on date time Message Text
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330904 (XP/W2000 11/4/2003)


Stop Messenger SPAM
http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/spam/messenger.php


Stop Messenger SPAM
The developer of the messenger spam software indicates on their web site
that "these messages are completely anonymous and virtually untraceable.
With this program your IP address never shows up anywhere."
http://www.stopmessengerspam.com/