This simple tip should not be a substitute for anti-virus programs and keeping them updated, but can be an affective adjunct to anti-virus programs.
As always, remember that viruses can come from friends and family. Although not on purpose, if a friend or family email buddy received a virus unknowingly, they will propagate the virus unknowingly as well.
Because we have a tendency to look at email attachments, institute this easy method of intercepting some of the most virulent of viruses…the Visual Basic Script virus or worm (VBS). Follow these steps carefully and verbatim:
1. Click on Start –> Programs –> Accessories –> Notepad
2. Type: Visual Basic Script test document
3. Click on File and Save
4. In the file name box type: vbstestdoc.vbs
5. Remember where you are saving this file by looking in the ‘look in’ box at the top and then click Save
6. Close Notepad
7. Go to where you saved the file in step 5
8. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard as you RIGHT Click on the vbstestdoc.vbs file
9. Click on Open With from the menu
10. Scroll through the list and click once on Notepad
11. Make sure the box that says “always use this program IS checked and then click OK
This routine will force any scripts that you accidentally download or click on to open harmlessly in Notepad.
Then you will want to delete the culprit if it indeed is a VBS script file.
Sounds like a great idea. I have not heard of this before. When I opened the open with box, it suggested you use the Microsoft Windows Based Script Host. I chose Notepad, but wondered if the program suggested would do the same thing? I don’t know enough to know the difference, but I do have a Host file that I update regularly when they notifiy me….but not sure if I am talking about two different things? Interesting
This was just an interesting technique I read about it and posted to share for the ultra-paranoid out there. If you keep your Windows updates and antivirus/antispyware software running properly, I wouldn’t bother with this.
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