I opened a piece of span in my bulk folder. Does that mean I have a virus now?

Question

I'm a computer hyrochondriac. Seriously. We don't get along.

Answer 1

Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam,
Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam,
Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam,
Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam,
Spamity Spam! Wonderful Spam!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5627694446211716271

Answer 2

Relax.

It is very rare that your computer will become infected by simply opening a spam e-mail. However, it IS possible.

There is an exploit called WMF exploit that embeds nasties in graphics using the wmf format, and all you would have to do is open the infected mail. However, Microsoft issued a "patch" for this vulnerability, about a year and a half ago. Those with fully updated and patched Windows (you?) are immune from this exploit.
Another good reason to visit Windows Updates often!

Opening attachments or clicking a link in an e-mail is much, much more likely to infect you, then just opening an e-mail.

You didn't say who your e-mail provider is, but don't forget that most of them will scan your incoming mail at the server level, and block infected mail before it can reach your inbox.

I am sure everything is OK with your computer!

Answer 3

If you have just opened the message from bulk it does not do any harm. But if you have clicked or downloaded anything from that email like any file or exe, then you may be infected with a virus.

By just opening a spam mail to see the contents of the email does not harm you...
So next time be careful not to click any link or download anything from spam emails.
Mainly spam will be generated to do some business for example, many spam emails will advertise some products for cheap rates...

Answer 4

Don't open any links in a spam mail.
I don't be live that you have a virus/adware/spyware just opening the mail.

To be safe: Scan with you antivirusprogram.
If you don't have it: Get it, but first scan with some online scanners like http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=00&pkj=TINPLGWSBZHYZIFKWOZ&bhcp=1 and http://www.bitdefender.com/

Also use Ad-Aware SE Personal http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php and Spybot-S&D http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Freeware.

Online Virus- & Trojanscan
http://www.alken.nl/online-virus.html

If you don't have a firewall ZoneAlarm has a free one http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=34std&ctry=&lang=nb&lid=trial_zaFamily

NOTE: Have only one antivirus program and one firewall installed on your computer.
Adware/spyware removers are ok to have more of.

Answer 5

Not every piece of spam is intended to attack your computer; some of them are just selling junk. Run a system scan to make yourself feel better.

Answer 6

Not likely, but you may have spyware or adware.

If you have Windows Defender, it should fix it for you the next time it runs. Spybot and Ad Aware are good, too. google for them.

Answer 7

ELfaGeek wrote what i was going to write....
i personally use Ad Aware and its great for spyware