W32.Pokey.Worm - Removal

Delete all files detected as W32.Pokey.Worm. Windows 95/98/Me uses should remove the line that it added to the Autoexec.bat file.

To remove this worm:

1. Obtain the most recent virus definitions. There are two ways to do this:
   • Run LiveUpdate. LiveUpdate is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions. These virus definitions have undergone full quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response and are posted to the LiveUpdate servers one time each week (usually Wednesdays) unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, look at the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate) line at the top of this write-up.
   • Download the definitions using the Intelligent Updater. Intelligent Updater virus definitions have undergone full quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response. They are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). They must be downloaded from the Symantec Security Response Web site and installed manually. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, look at the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) line at the top of this write-up.
     
     Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available here. For detailed instructions on how to download and install the Intelligent Updater virus definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site, click here.
     
2. Start Norton AntiVirus (NAV), and make sure that NAV is configured to scan all files. For instructions on how to do this, read the document How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files.
3. Run a full system scan.
4. Delete all files that are detected as W32.Pokey.Worm

To edit the Autoexec.bat file:

NOTE: (For Windows Me users only) Due to the file-protection process in Windows Me, a backup copy of the file that you are about to edit exists in the C:\Windows\Recent folder. We recommend that you delete this file before you continue with the steps in this section. To do this using Windows Explorer, go to C:\Windows\Recent, and in the right pane select the Win.ini file and delete it. It will be regenerated as a copy of the file that you are about to edit when you save your changes to that file.

1. Click Start, and click Run.
2. Type the following, and then click OK.
   
   edit c:\autoexec.bat
   
   The MS-DOS Editor opens.
   
3. Look for lines that refer to deleting the contents of the \Windows or \Windows\System folders and delete any such lines/
4. Click File, and click Save.
5. Click File, and click Exit.

Technical Details