[muppy03]

The virus cannot embed itself in Word documents, correct?

Word docs are fine to back up.

By connecting the HDD as a slave drive to another machine, Virut will not automatically proliferate to files such as .html, .xml files on a Mac?

The files will not execute simply by having the HD slaved to another machine. Do not run or execute them yourself.

Also, what are the chances that in the five hours my friend had this virus, a document would have been uploaded to the hacker?

I would hazzard a guess and say chances are slim but there is no 100% guarantee to be given.

[mike11237]

Thank you very much for answering my questions and diagnosing my problems; I really appreciate it. I will mark this as solved since you've done all you can. You have been a great help.

Oh yeah, and machines (even Windows ones) on the same wireless network wouldn't be affected if no files were shared right? My friend is concerned that others in his household could have gotten the virus through WiFi. Thanks.

[muppy03]

Oh yeah, and machines (even Windows ones) on the same wireless network wouldn't be affected if no files were shared right? My friend is concerned that others in his household could have gotten the virus through WiFi. Thanks.

Hi, I have been asking the experts, so as not to mis-inform you. There is a chance that the other computers could be infected, it all depends on what brought the ‘virut’ infection in. Also have any of the computers used the same USB items, such as a flash drive an Ipod or any such device.?

It is advisable to disconnect the infected computer from the network until clean. Each computer should also undergo an online scan, such as Kaspersky or ESET to be on the safe side.

[mike11237]

I'm fairly certain he got the infection by downloading an infected file directly from the internet. Thanks for the response. I don't think he has connected anything to other computers that he connected to his own. I think he has an iPod touch, which runs a form of OS X, so same deal.

[muppy03]