oem12.cat file in catroot subdirectory

[Stevan]

Can anyone tell me, what the files in the catroot
subdirectory are for? More to the point...the oem12.cat
file. I had a Norton Virus warning window pop up, and
tell me I have a virus MTZ.4510, in the oem12.cat file.
But it couldn't clean it. Now, when I scan the file.
Norton doesn't find the virus. This computer is doing
some very strange things! Please help.

Thanks!
Stevan

[Sharon F]

On Tue, 22 Jul 2003 16:20:10 -0700, "Stevan" >
wrote:

>Can anyone tell me, what the files in the catroot
>subdirectory are for? More to the point...the oem12.cat
>file. I had a Norton Virus warning window pop up, and
>tell me I have a virus MTZ.4510, in the oem12.cat file.
>But it couldn't clean it. Now, when I scan the file.
>Norton doesn't find the virus. This computer is doing
>some very strange things! Please help.
>
>Thanks!
>Stevan

Peeking at a copy of this file, it appears to be a security certificate
file from Microsoft. Related to hardware and perhaps driver signing.
Viruses can pick on any file within your system however I believe this
is the first time I've heard of one going after a CAB file of this type.

Norton should give the option to quarantine any file it can't replace.
You may need to expand a fresh copy out of the i386 folder that is on
your Windows XP CD. If your Windows was preinstalled and you don't have
the standard XP setup files on your recovery CD, look for an i386 folder
on the hard drive - perhaps on a hidden partiton. If present, you can
use that folder as a source for the file instead of the CD.

The MS Startup Configuration tool (start> run> MSCONFIG) has an "Expand"
button. Clicking on it brings up a series of dialogs that walks you
through the necessary steps for replacing that file.

Sharon F
MS MVP
[Windows XP - Shell/User]