My first virus. Yechh!

So I was running through my email the other day and up popped what looked exactly like a Microsoft update screen including a EULA checkbox which I automatically checked and moved on.

A few seconds later I realized that Microsoft does not generally update in this manner and in any case no follow up screens resulted from my checking the box.

Uh oh. At that moment I began received a series of message: “Sonic Activation Module”, software I’ve never used. These messages refused to go away no matter how many times I tried to close them.

Then I noticed the PC slowing down and checked CPU usage; it was nearly 100% with no apparent programs running. I shut it down and looked in my Windows XP for dummies book which recommended a procedure to rectify this mess, as follows:

· Erase all restore points

1. Restart

2. Click Start, right-click on My Computer, and choose properties;

3. Click the System Restore tab and select the Turn Off System Restore check box;

4. Click Apply and the click OK

5. Restart

6. Update antivirus program with the latest definitions, scan and disinfect your entire computer

7. When the computer is disinfected, repeat Steps 1 through 4, except that in Step 2, uncheck Turn Off System Restore.

· Then create a new restore point for future use.

It worked! Wow, I may have a whole new career in IT. Not.