my friend has a virus, could i catch it through an ipod?

[Thorsson]

always ensure you have anti virus software on the computer and scan all files before sending to ipod

[moogle]

Don't take that guys advice he's just posting for his free Scan delivery

thanks
but is there any way you could check if it had?

Yes you can, usually the virus or vbscript virus makes the autorun.inf file hidden so make sure you have show hidden files on (goto tools menu->folder options-> view tab and change the radio box to show all hidden files and folders)

If you see an autorun.inf file on the ipod it doesn't necessarily mean it's a virus. I have one on my PSP memory sticks to differentiate between the music and files. What you should do is open the autorun.inf file and check if it has lines like this picture where the paths are pointing to an .exe, .bat, .cmd, .com, .vbs etc file. Usually then you'll know it's a virus as there's really no need for an exe file to run unless your drive is a CD. What the clever viruses will do is when most people double click on their infected flash drive (applies to iPod if you can access as a flash drive too) the autorun program runs first and the virus file will startup and move you to the root flash drive folder so you don't detect anything. I only found out that my dads flash drive was infected after I couldn't get in by double clicking then when I right clicked there was a list of funny characters and I saw that the flash drive had a trojan called runauto on it. From then on I disabled autorun on my machine as I see it as a flaw now.

FYI you can only catch a virus by running executable files (.exe .scr .vbs .bat .cmd .com - the last 3 usually can't do much although they can execute actual .exe files which are located elsewhere in the system and possible can reset the bios using the password removal dos method but I'm not too sure on that one)

Files like jpgs mp3s and other stuff I won't say you can't but it's so rare that you will catch a virus from them. The only way you will is if the file exploits a flaw which is inherent in a program you use which is much rarer (like the way the runauto exploits the autorun.inf to automatically run executables)

Also another reason why I turn on show file extensions all the time as if you have them off someone can trick you into running an exe file by making it's icon the same as lets say an mp3's icon or a folders icon and then you go clicking it thinking it's harmless without knowing. Always have these settings on!

HTH

[2Cold Scorpio]

FTFW! That's the best thing I've seen in a looong time.

[peterb]

The greatest virus risk from sharing an Ipod would be the common cold - or any other virus that is spread by close contact with someone. Washing your hands before handling the ipod would be a sensible precaution, and you could wipe the case down with an antiseptic to kill any viruses that are on the outside. Disinfecting the earpieces is less easy - perhaps best option is not to share those.

[douglasb]

Don't take that guys advice he's just posting for his free Scan delivery



Yes you can, usually the virus or vbscript virus makes the autorun.inf file hidden so make sure you have show hidden files on (goto tools menu->folder options-> view tab and change the radio box to show all hidden files and folders)

If you see an autorun.inf file on the ipod it doesn't necessarily mean it's a virus. I have one on my PSP memory sticks to differentiate between the music and files. What you should do is open the autorun.inf file and check if it has lines like this picture where the paths are pointing to an .exe, .bat, .cmd, .com, .vbs etc file. Usually then you'll know it's a virus as there's really no need for an exe file to run unless your drive is a CD. What the clever viruses will do is when most people double click on their infected flash drive (applies to iPod if you can access as a flash drive too) the autorun program runs first and the virus file will startup and move you to the root flash drive folder so you don't detect anything. I only found out that my dads flash drive was infected after I couldn't get in by double clicking then when I right clicked there was a list of funny characters and I saw that the flash drive had a trojan called runauto on it. From then on I disabled autorun on my machine as I see it as a flaw now.

FYI you can only catch a virus by running executable files (.exe .scr .vbs .bat .cmd .com - the last 3 usually can't do much although they can execute actual .exe files which are located elsewhere in the system and possible can reset the bios using the password removal dos method but I'm not too sure on that one)

Files like jpgs mp3s and other stuff I won't say you can't but it's so rare that you will catch a virus from them. The only way you will is if the file exploits a flaw which is inherent in a program you use which is much rarer (like the way the runauto exploits the autorun.inf to automatically run executables)

Also another reason why I turn on show file extensions all the time as if you have them off someone can trick you into running an exe file by making it's icon the same as lets say an mp3's icon or a folders icon and then you go clicking it thinking it's harmless without knowing. Always have these settings on!

HTH

thanks, will try that
err... how do you disable autorun in vista?

[moogle]

thanks, will try that
err... how do you disable autorun in vista?

http://askabouttech.com/how-to-disab...play-in-vista/

That article explains it but ask here if you still don't know what to do.

[Hunain]

Yes, ipods do carry viruses, mine did a lot of times when it "went around" ...and I also had the size of my partition decrease, it was the folder in vista, wxsms something like this dont remember correctly, its quite an issue, you can google it.

[Thorsson]

Ipods also mean that you have succumbed to the dark side. Mind you these days there aren't many alternatives to Apple & M$ for portable music. Depressing.