New unknown "autoexec" file listed in "Local Disk (C:)"

[Dave]

A new file named "autoexec" now appears in the "Local
Disk (C:)" files in the "My Computer" menu, with its text
description appearing in blue rather than black like the
other known files. It is unidentifiable except as a 1kb
MS-DOS Batch File.

Similarly, the Local Disk (C:) has begun to appear in
the "My Computer" menu with the text description "Local
Disk (C:)" in blue rather than black as everything else
appears.

Does any of this represent a problem?

[Leon]

"Dave" > wrote in message
...
> A new file named "autoexec" now appears in the "Local
> Disk (C:)" files in the "My Computer" menu, with its text
> description appearing in blue rather than black like the
> other known files. It is unidentifiable except as a 1kb
> MS-DOS Batch File.
>
> Similarly, the Local Disk (C:) has begun to appear in
> the "My Computer" menu with the text description "Local
> Disk (C:)" in blue rather than black as everything else
> appears.
>
> Does any of this represent a problem?

Sounds like VBS.AutoExec.Trojan.

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/vbs.autoexec.trojan.html

Go to http://securityresponse.symantec.com/ and run the Free Online Virus
and Security Check. Removal tools are available at the site for any worms
or viruses found.

Leon

[Leon]

"Dave" > wrote in message
...
> A new file named "autoexec" now appears in the "Local
> Disk (C:)" files in the "My Computer" menu, with its text
> description appearing in blue rather than black like the
> other known files. It is unidentifiable except as a 1kb
> MS-DOS Batch File.
>
> Similarly, the Local Disk (C:) has begun to appear in
> the "My Computer" menu with the text description "Local
> Disk (C:)" in blue rather than black as everything else
> appears.
>
> Does any of this represent a problem?

Have you recently installed some new software?

Another poster said

"Assuming you are using Ntfs, the blue files indicate that
they are compressed (or encrypted.). This is an option under
Tools>Folder Options>View"

I would check for viruses anyway.

Leon

[Dave]

Thank you, Leon. I now understand the blue issue.
Innocuous per-se, simply means files are compressed.

I have Norton installed and do a daily virus scan. I
have also done Lavasoft scans. I delete a lot of bad
files as a result, but this "autoexec" file befuddles.
It seems innocent, perhaps even critical to some other
legitimate file. I'm experimenting by placing it in the
Recycle Bin to see what effect it has until I get
something more definitive. Thank you again.
>-----Original Message-----
>"Dave" > wrote in message
...
>> A new file named "autoexec" now appears in the "Local
>> Disk (C:)" files in the "My Computer" menu, with its
text
>> description appearing in blue rather than black like
the
>> other known files. It is unidentifiable except as a
1kb
>> MS-DOS Batch File.
>>
>> Similarly, the Local Disk (C:) has begun to appear in
>> the "My Computer" menu with the text description "Local
>> Disk (C:)" in blue rather than black as everything else
>> appears.
>>
>> Does any of this represent a problem?
>
>Sounds like VBS.AutoExec.Trojan.
>
>http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/v
bs.autoexec.trojan.html
>
>Go to http://securityresponse.symantec.com/ and run the
Free Online Virus
>and Security Check. Removal tools are available at the
site for any worms
>or viruses found.
>
>Leon
>
>
>.
>

[Leon]

"Dave" > wrote in message
...
> Thank you, Leon. I now understand the blue issue.
> Innocuous per-se, simply means files are compressed.
>
> I have Norton installed and do a daily virus scan. I
> have also done Lavasoft scans. I delete a lot of bad
> files as a result, but this "autoexec" file befuddles.
> It seems innocent, perhaps even critical to some other
> legitimate file. I'm experimenting by placing it in the
> Recycle Bin to see what effect it has until I get
> something more definitive. Thank you again.

I don't think autoexec.bat is even used by XP.

It's on my drive but has nothing in it.

Leon

[Dave]

Still a puzzle. My son warned me not to place it in the
Recycle Bin suggesting that it might in fact have
something to do with the automatic execute function such
as in automatically starting the CD drive when media is
placed in it. Still don't know. Dave
>-----Original Message-----
>"Dave" > wrote in message
...
>> Thank you, Leon. I now understand the blue issue.
>> Innocuous per-se, simply means files are compressed.
>>
>> I have Norton installed and do a daily virus scan. I
>> have also done Lavasoft scans. I delete a lot of bad
>> files as a result, but this "autoexec" file befuddles.
>> It seems innocent, perhaps even critical to some other
>> legitimate file. I'm experimenting by placing it in
the
>> Recycle Bin to see what effect it has until I get
>> something more definitive. Thank you again.
>
>I don't think autoexec.bat is even used by XP.
>
>It's on my drive but has nothing in it.
>
>Leon
>
>
>.
>