Windows XP alters .exe's

[Guest]

Hi I have a question about something I am seeing with Windows XProf.Ed. I
have a folder with download files, which are mostly .exe files. But I
noticed that whenever I download a new file (eg. divx) it has the normal
little divx icon but shortly afterward it changes to a generic .exe box icon.
Also the file size is increased slightly. This caused me a big problem
before when it actually changed the exe for this program "newsbin" and
rendered it useless. What causes this and how do I stop it from mangling
files. I don't think it's a virus as I JUST reinstalled XP and I see it
happening already.

Dr.P

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=827315

Download Ad-aware SE and scan your PC for the presence of sp­yware:
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button

Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en

3 Simple Steps to Help Ensure the Protection of Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

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:

| Hi I have a question about something I am seeing with Windows XProf.Ed. I
| have a folder with download files, which are mostly .exe files. But I
| noticed that whenever I download a new file (eg. divx) it has the normal
| little divx icon but shortly afterward it changes to a generic .exe box icon.
| Also the file size is increased slightly. This caused me a big problem
| before when it actually changed the exe for this program "newsbin" and
| rendered it useless. What causes this and how do I stop it from mangling
| files. I don't think it's a virus as I JUST reinstalled XP and I see it
| happening already.
|
| Dr.P

 

[Guest]

What size are the divx files? Do the have an .exe extension before the icons
change? I have noticed this bug before and it has been submitted to Microsoft.

 

[Guest]

Hi Dr P again,

I found the problem. It seems there is a virus that changes .EXE files.
I'm sorry I don't remember the name. But if you see the symptoms better
install symantec (norton) anti-virus. It will pick out the virus and clean
most files. Some of mine were unusable afterward though. I had to go get
old backups of them. Also one virus ladden file couldn't be cleaned. The
solution is to run windows in safe mode (reboot and hit F8 a lot) then run
the anti-virus. That cleaned it out nicely.
Good Luck

P

 

[Guest]

Thanks. That's not the bug I was referring to though. It has nothing to do
with a virus. Good computing!!

 

[Kelly]

Thanks for the update, it will help others and glad all is well for you.
)

--
Happy Mardi Gras,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com