I was affected by the “winupdate” virus to the point I had to format my hard drive and start over. I’ve read a lot about how to get rid of the virus but I haven’t seen anything as to how I may have gotten it. What I know is I got it after installing Limewire. Was it installing Limewire that gave me the virus or was it a file I opened once downloading it from a Limewire source? I want to be sure that just installing Limewire will not infect me again. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Devin

If you downloaded LimeWire from the official website, then it was most likely caused by something you downloaded. Unfortunately, if you've accidentally downloaded a hacked version from another site, then it could have spyware or other viruses bundled with it.

If you download LimeWire from the official web site at www.limewire.com then you sould be fine.

I downloaded it from Limewire. Paid $18.88 and have the Pro version. That being said, you think I'm good to go?

Devin

Devind

As you said, "you are good to go", but it is almost commiting computer suicide if you go back onto the P2P network without an anti-virus app.

I, like many people, use Norton AV 2005 but there are FREE anti-virus apps around, so you don't have any reason not to protect your PC.




UK Bob

Nope. LW is only an app that connects you to the Gnutella Network, which, in turn allows you to connect to other users/computers. Gnutella is an open network. LW is not responsible for any viruses you may pickup while downloading.

The best thing to do is: Learn the diff file sizes before downloading. Dont just click on something to download because users have a habit of sticking in viruses/trojans/worms which are very small files. Music files do not contain viruses.

If you are downloading illigal software, games or exe, those will most likely contain the viruses in them so beware and you can get a free anti virus cleaner fron snapfiles.com under their freeware section.

Thanks everyone, for your help. In the process of cleaning up my computer I picked up McAfee's virus and firewall software. So hopefully I'm set. I have learned so much over these last few days. My brain is fried!

Devin