Q: My Word Doc attachments arrive to PC's with a virus

Amanda,

In my first post, where I provided the Outlandish Josh link, I provided another discussion topic link, wherein the poster had no problem clearing up the problem. That topic, again, was at:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2782109&#2782109

Ernie

Amanda,

By default, clamXav does nothing.
You have to set it to scan, and when it does, you have to specifically
set it to report virus detection. You have to set it to update, as well.
It only quarantines (moves) files if you specifically set it to do so.
It only deletes infected files if you specifically set it to do so.

As long as you follow Josh's directions, you'll be fine. Use clamXav to identify the infected files and follow his directions to clean them. You don't even have to move them. Essentially, he's telling you to get rid of the macro in Word and turn off macros. Then you'll use clamXav identify and segregate infected files (remember to clean your thumb drive, too). Then he gives a step-by-step process for copying the content of an infected file to a clean document, saving the new cleaned-up doc, then deleting the infected version.

There's no risk of data loss/messing up files as long as you don't tell clam to automatically move and/or delete infected files.

If you have any questions on installing and using clamXav after carefully reading the manual, please don't hesitate to ask them.

-Wayne

   

Amanda,

I think that was a precaution, in view that some people's messages don't get sent and set in the Outbox. However, there is no reason not to delete the Outbox.mbox folder, since Mail will create a new, fresh, one when you next send.

It is essential to have no infected Word doc files to later open, and again infect the application.

Hope this helps.

Ernie

Amanda,

This is to get rid of all of the copies of infected docs in your email.

No, your Word Normal.dot template is attaching it to every Word doc you create, edit, open, or forward. When you attach an infected doc to an email, it's only being sent via Mail. Mail is passive in this, but it's keeping copies of infected documents in your sent mail.

-Wayne


   

You're welcome, Amanda.

-Wayne

Amanda,

Looks like you forgot to disable macros. Word>Preferences>Security>check "Warn before opening a file that contains macros" (after you've enabled macro virus protection, that is).

-Wayne