System32.exe XP? is this a virus

From: Taj (tajno1@yahoo.co.uk)
Date: 04/25/03 

From: "Taj" <tajno1@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 17:18:40 -0700

Previous post i wrote:

"When starting the PC to the desktop screen a message box
titled "C:\WINDOWS\System32\system32.exe" appears saying:

 "Windows cannot find 'C:\WINDOWS\System32\system32.exe'.
Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try
again. To search for a file, click the Strt button, and
then click Search."

I then have the option of clicking "OK". This occurs
everytime at start up now even though i don't remember
making a search for that file and i don't reme,ber
deleting it at anypoint."

Well a guy named Earl said this may be
a "W95.Smoker.Worm@mm" virus. I have some questions:

1)Reputable antivirus sites say this type of virus uses
the system32.exe file to start itself. I have been told
XP doesn't have a system32.exe file. Does this mean i
have the virus or not since the key file for the virus to
work isnt on XP. I think this virus was meant for
previous windows that had the system32.exe file.

2)There are many similar but DIFFERNT viruses like this
with different methods of removal involving the Registry
Keys. Since im not even sure if i have the virus should i
bother to follow the antivirus removal instructions.

3)If i should go through with removal- how do i choose
which type of virus i have. since the virus has not
executed properly (no system32.exe file-hence the reason
for the message at startup), i cannot tell what the
symptoms are . If i cant see the symptoms i cant identify
what virus type i have, therfore i dont know how to
remove it. HOWEVER like i say, there seems to be no
symptoms other than this startup message box which
implies the virus hasnt actually exectued yet , in which
case....

4) is there a way to remove the message that i recieve at
startup

PHEW ! thanks for reading this far! lets see whos the
first to understand this one.....

Taj

Quantcast