the nature of one of my mp3 files has changed into something which cannot be modified, moved, deleted or even viewed. I tried VShred and it claims the file doesn't exist. It's there and I think it's a worm. Help?

Hi, it sounds like more of a corrupted music file to me, but I won't rule out viral or worm activity.

First, restart XP and as soon as you can, start tapping fast on the F8 Key on your keyboard. This quick tapping usually gets any one into safe mode even if you haven't been there before.

Log on, and if you do not have a password, simply hit enter leaving the password box empty. Go to the location of the file and atempt to delete it. If the file deletes, empty the trash can and simply Reboot normally.

Even if this works, you must still go online and do an ONLINE scan for viri, trojans and spyware etc.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Hopefully you are using an anti virus program and a firewall, if not, download a free one of each..... AVG for anti virus and Kerio personal firewall. Use them all the time, and beware of the places you surf or download.

I hope this helps you,
~Ana

:armed: I hadn't thought to use safe mode but I didn't mention that right-clicking the file does not bring up the options to cut, paste or delete. :nope:

This is happening after a crash. Some files were saved and this file managed to make it's way back on. Moments after I installed BitDefender and CounterSpy, determined to keep the ports clean, I pick up a spy alert for a backdoor trojan. i deleted it and the computer has been clean these few days but the file bothers me as I feel defenseless when unable to address the issue.

The file must die.

Originally Posted by Chalorn

:armed: I hadn't thought to use safe mode but I didn't mention that right-clicking the file does not bring up the options to cut, paste or delete. :nope:

This is happening after a crash. Some files were saved and this file managed to make it's way back on. Moments after I installed BitDefender and CounterSpy, determined to keep the ports clean, I pick up a spy alert for a backdoor trojan. i deleted it and the computer has been clean these few days but the file bothers me as I feel defenseless when unable to address the issue.

The file must die.

Chalorn, please still follow the directions I have given you. If you do that, and still have problems, we can look at further things to do to fix your system. Sometimes music/video files also become corrupted.
~Ana

I'm sorry I wasn't clear. When I brought up windows in safe mode, the same problem was there. When right-clicking the file, the options to move cut copy or delete were not present. when attempting to move the file with the mouse to anywhere outside of its folder (which is also undeletable due to the file) i'm told the file is in use.

hope that clears it up. just couldn't resist those @@@@ smileys.

Chalorn

Originally Posted by Chalorn

I'm sorry I wasn't clear. When I brought up windows in safe mode, the same problem was there. When right-clicking the file, the options to move cut copy or delete were not present. when attempting to move the file with the mouse to anywhere outside of its folder (which is also undeletable due to the file) i'm told the file is in use.

hope that clears it up. just couldn't resist those @@@@ smileys.

Chalorn

Chalorn, presuming you have done the online anti virus scan....clcik start->run->type into the run box -:

sfc /scannow

There is a space between the sfc and the /.

Have your XP disc ready, and windows will make sure that all of your files are in their correct place.

If this makes no difference, I suggest you post over onto the security part of the forum and see about getting a Hijack log looked at by the experts as you may have something going on in there that is not showing up here.

Hope we can get you sorted. I presume you have no media players open at the time you are trying to delete this file, and also, have you tried to delete the file via keyboard only? You can select it using your "tab" key, and then hit delete. Corrupt music files can be difficult to erase.

~Ana