Accidental download?

Question

Accidentally downloaded a 27kb file from limewire. just installed norton, and an ip changer (in case of key logger) you think i should be okay?

p.s. I did not open the file, i deleted it, but it did complete within a few seconds so i could not stop it.

Answer 1

Much of the malware found on the internet today are Trojans, which are files that look like something else, but actually have a darker purpose. On the bright side, most have to be accessed in some way before they can work their magic. Wait a few days and run a full AV scan with updated Definition files from Symantec's website. If you come up clean, you should be fine.

If you feel that your AV could have been compromised by the file (doubtful, but it happens), use an online scan from TrendMicro's HouseCall or other company. They scan using protected files downloaded to your computer that haven't been tampered with. HouseCall is free from TrendMicro's website, and I believe McAfee and Symantec offer similar services on their websites, too.

Answer 2

Did you actually run this file that you downloaded? If not, chances are there was no harm done. (Unless of course, Limewire allows you to launch it after download.)

If you have the virus scanner, scan the file that you downloaded. Keep in mind that files can be downloaded from the internet, saved from an attachment on an e-mail and downloaded from peer-to-peer software usually without incident. It's typically if you go to folder where you downloaded and launch, open an attachement or, likewise, launch the file downloaded by the peer where the damage will occur.

You may want to create an 'incoming' folder you download from peers or 'save' from the Web or e-mail attachments that you can use to scan in bulk.

If you are somewhat paranoid, there are some free virtualization products out there you can use to run a virtual PC, copy over the files to the virtual computer, then run them. That way you sandbox them from your real computer. I've included a couple links for virtual machines if you wish to try them.

Answer 3

The file should not be able to run, unless you open it....
Find the file and delete it... Delete it from the recycle bin too.


If you want to be sure
http://forums.techguy.org/security/110854-security-help-tools.html

Its called the best on the net.... Best freeware virus scanners/ tools spyware removers out there...

(Dont just go wild with these programs, as some are very powerfull tools, an you need to understand that some of them like HijackThis, find the good and bad running files on your pc... So deleting everything something finds would crash your system,,

Theres also free PC help in the forums... Be sure to donate to help keep it free...

Answer 4

if you have scanned the accidental file and you havnt opened it then yes chances are you are fine.

Answer 5

now your pc is well going to be **** up