PC Gamer (Italian) 24/PC Gamer IT CD 24 2-2.iso/OFFICE/XLscan97/XLScan97.exe/RCDATA/CABINET/Readme.txt

Text File | 1997-06-30 | 19KB | 493 lines

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 MICROSOFT(R) EXCEL VIRUS SEARCH 2.0 ADD-IN FOR MICROSOFT EXCEL 97
                           February 1997
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       (c) 1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

[To view this readme most effectively in Notepad, turn on Word
Wrap (Edit menu).]

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THIS DOCUMENT AND ANY SOFTWARE THAT MAY ACCOMPANY THIS DOCUMENT
(collectively referred to as an Application Note). THE APPLICATION
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Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are either registered
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or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other
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Inc. Other products and company names mentioned herein may the
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_______________________________________________
CONTENTS

Introduction
What Is the Laroux Virus?
Answers to Common Questions
Detecting the Laroux Virus
Installing the Microsoft Excel Virus Search 2.0 Add-In
Removing the Laroux Virus from Your System
  Removing the virus from files on disk
  Opening new workbooks safely
  Removing the virus from workbooks that you open
  Manually checking a file for the Laroux virus
Preventing the Laroux Virus and Future Viruses
What's New in Microsoft Excel Virus Search 2.0 Add-In
Uninstalling the Microsoft Excel Virus Search 2.0 Add-In
_______________________________________________


INTRODUCTION
============

Version 2.0 of the Microsoft Excel Virus Search Add-In can only
detect and remove the Laroux virus. If new viruses are discovered
in the future, Microsoft will provide information about what you
need to do to remove them from your files and prevent them from
recurring.

Please read this entire document for important information about
the Microsoft Excel Virus Search 2.0 Add-In, including problems
you may encounter when running it.


WHAT IS THE LAROUX VIRUS?
=========================

The Laroux virus is a non-harmful, non-destructive concept virus
that simply appends a module named "laroux" to workbooks. It does
not affect data or anything else in the workbook. This is the
first replicating macro virus ever discovered in Microsoft Excel.
The virus only affects workbooks created in Microsoft Excel
version 5.x for Windows(R) 3.x, Microsoft Excel version 5.x for
Windows NT(R), Microsoft Excel 95 for Windows 95 and Windows NT,
Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows 95 and Windows NT, including
certain localized versions of Microsoft Excel (for example,
versions of Microsoft Excel translated into German). This virus
does not affect any version of Microsoft Excel for the
Macintosh(R) or Microsoft Excel version 2.x, 3.x, or 4.x for
Windows.


ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
===========================

Q: What are macro viruses?

   A: A macro virus is a type of virus that uses a program's own
      macro programming language to distribute itself. Unlike
      previous viruses, macro viruses do not attach to programs;
      they attach to documents (workbooks).

Q: What is Microsoft doing about the Laroux virus?

   A: Customers have several resources for solutions:

   1. Virus Search Add-In. A free tool that detects and cleans
      affected workbooks is currently available on
      http://www.microsoft.com/.

   2. Third-Party Tools. Microsoft is working very closely with
      third-party anti-virus vendors to give them the information
      they need to create tools that protect against macro viruses
      in Microsoft Excel. Tools developed by anti-virus vendors to
      clean and detect the virus are already available.

   3. Customer Information. We will continue to make information
      available to customers:

      The Microsoft Web Site: http://www.microsoft.com/

      The Microsoft ftp site: ftp.microsoft.com

      Microsoft Technical Support: [phone] in the U.S.A.
      Contact your local Microsoft office for locations outside
      the U.S.A.

      Autoreply e-mail via the Internet: [e-mail]

   4. Long-Term Solutions. We are building technology into the
      next release of our product that will help prevent macros
      from executing and affecting your workbooks when you open a
      file.

Q: How do I know if I have the Laroux virus?

   A: See the section "Detecting the Laroux Virus" below.

Q: How can I get rid of the Laroux virus if I have it?

   A: If you are using Microsoft Excel 97, install and run the
      Microsoft Excel Virus Search 2.0 Add-In as described in this
      document.

      If you are using Microsoft Excel version 5.x for Windows(R),
      or Microsoft Excel 95 for Windows 95 or Windows NT, then you
      should use version 1.2 of the Microsoft Excel Virus Search
      Add-In. You can obtain a free copy of version 1.2 on one of
      the Web sites listed in resource #3 above or by contacting
      Microsoft Technical Support.

      If you have Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows 95 and Windows
      NT, then you should use version 2.0 of the Microsoft Excel
      Virus Search Add-In. The files accompanying this readme are
      version 2.0. Version 2.0 will not function with earlier
      versions of Microsoft Excel.

Q: Can I use the English version of the Microsoft Excel Virus
   Search 2.0 Add-In with non-English (international) versions of
   Microsoft Excel 97?

   A: The English language version of the Microsoft Excel Virus
      Search 2.0 Add-In is not supported for use on the
      international versions of Microsoft Excel 97.

More Details
------------

Q: What does the Laroux virus do?

   A: The Laroux virus is a non-harmful, non-destructive concept
      virus that appends a module named "laroux" to workbooks
      created in Microsoft Excel. It does not affect data or
      anything else in the workbook.

      A file infected with the Laroux virus contains two macros,
      Auto_Open and Check_Files. The Auto_Open macro runs when you
      open the file, and the macro then runs the Check_Files
      macro. The Check_Files macro looks to see if you have a
      Personal.xls file in your Microsoft Excel startup folder. If
      Personal.xls does not already exist, the virus creates one.
      This new file contains a module named "laroux" that contains
      the same Auto_Open and Check_Files macros that were in the
      infected file. This virus causes Microsoft Excel to copy the
      laroux module to the current workbook and every workbook you
      open thereafter.

      You might have a Personal.xls file even if this virus is not
      present on your system. Personal.xls is the default file
      name for the personal macro workbook where you store any
      global macros you record.


DETECTING THE LAROUX VIRUS
==========================

To determine if you have the virus:

1. Start Microsoft Excel.

2. Open any workbook (new or existing) if one is not open.

3. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and then click Macros.

4. If you see the following macro names in the list, the Laroux
   virus may be present:

      Auto_Open
      Check_Files
      PERSONAL.XLS!auto_open
      PERSONAL.XLS!check_files

   If you see only the Auto_Open macro, without the Check_Files
   macro, it's possible that the workbook does not contain the
   virus.

   If any workbooks that you have open in the background also
   contain the virus, you will also see the following names
   listed:

      'bookname'!auto_open
      'bookname'!check_files
      (where 'bookname'! is the name of the open workbook)


INSTALLING THE MICROSOFT EXCEL VIRUS SEARCH 2.0 ADD-IN
======================================================

The add-in program includes four files and this readme file. To
install the Virus Search 2.0 Add-In:

1. Quit Microsoft Excel.

2. Visit the Microsoft Excel web page
   http://www.microsoft.com/excel/productinfo/vbavirus/add_in.htm.
   In the "DOWNLOADING THE MICROSOFT EXCEL VIRUS SEARCH 1.2 and
   2.0 ADD-INS" section, click "Download and install XLSCAN97.EXE"
   under Microsoft Excel Virus Search 2.0 Add-in.

3. Start Microsoft Excel.

4. On the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.

5. Make sure Microsoft Excel Virus Search is checked. If you don't
   see this add-in listed, click Browse, and use the Browse dialog
   box to locate and select the Xlscan97.xla file. In the Add-Ins
   dialog box, click OK.

   The Virus Search Add-In program starts.

6. Click the Yes button to begin a virus search. To remove the
   virus from files on disk and shared network folders, follow the
   steps in the next section.


If you have problems with the installation, check the files below
to be sure they were downloaded to the proper directories.

╖  Xlscan97.xla and Xvbscan.exe should appear in your Microsoft
   Excel Library folder.

   By default, the Library folder for Microsoft Excel 97 is
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Library

╖  Scanload.dll should appear in your Office folder.

   By default, the Office folder is
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office

╖  Msvbvm50.dll should appear in your system folder.

   By default, the Windows 95 system folder is
   C:\Windows\System

   By default, the Windows NT system folder is
   C:\Winnt\System32


REMOVING THE LAROUX VIRUS FROM YOUR SYSTEM
==========================================

Once you have installed the add-in, you can remove the virus from
workbook files on your hard disk and shared network folders. After
doing this, you can continue to use the Virus Search Add-In to
periodically search for viruses.

Removing the virus from files on disk
-------------------------------------

The first time you load the Virus Search Add-In, workbooks you
currently have open are automatically scanned, and you can
optionally scan saved files. The add-in opens each file, and if
the Laroux virus is found, the add-in removes it and saves the
clean file.

If a workbook is protected for structure, is read-only, or is a
shared workbook, the add-in cannot remove the virus. If you have
workbooks with any of these restrictions, you can go ahead with
the scan to determine whether they have the virus. Then if the
virus is found, you'll need to unprotect the workbook, make it
read/write, or remove it from shared use, and then repeat the
virus scan.

Note: Before cleaning files on your disk or shared network
folders, close any other programs that are running. While the
Virus Search Add-In is running, do not start other programs.

Follow these steps to clean the files on your disk or shared
network directories:

 1. Close any open workbooks.

 2. If the Virus Search Add-In is not currently running, click
    Virus Search on the Tools menu.

    If the Virus Search Add-In is already running, respond to the
    prompt asking if you want to scan your files for the virus by
    clicking the Yes button.

 3. Click the Currently Open Workbooks And Disk Files option, and
    then click OK.

 4. When prompted that open workbooks will be saved, click OK.

 5. When prompted about scanning workbooks older than the date
    when the Laroux virus was first detected, click Yes if you
    want to check all workbooks regardless of age, or click No to
    check only workbooks that have been saved since the Laroux
    virus appeared. Clicking No may speed up the process by
    scanning fewer workbooks.

 6. In the Directory box, type the path of the folder on your hard
    disk or a shared network folder where you want to start
    scanning for the virus.

 7. In the File Types box, type all file extensions used on your
    system for Microsoft Excel workbooks or workbook templates.
    For example, *.xls and *.xlt are the default extensions. Enter
    the extensions in the format shown, separated by semicolons:
    *.xls; *.xlt.

 8. To search all folders within the top-level folder you
    specified, make sure the Include Subfolders check box is
    checked.

 9. Click OK. The add-in will prepare Microsoft Excel and start
    the scanning utility.

10. Click Start to begin the scan. The add-in removes the Laroux
    virus from any files in which it is detected and saves the
    cleaned files automatically.

11. When the scan is complete, click Yes to repeat the search
    starting from a different top-level folder, or click No to
    exit.

Note: If an alert message appears while scanning, click OK to
continue the search. If Microsoft Excel or the Virus Search add-in
crashes due to a corrupt workbook file, manually delete the file
from your hard drive or shared network drive.

Opening new workbooks safely
----------------------------

Microsoft Excel 97 includes a Macro Virus Protection feature. This
feature automatically checks all workbooks and workbook templates
that you open by using Open on the File menu or the Open button on
the Standard toolbar. If a workbook contains macros, the scanner
displays a warning message that lets you decide how to open the
workbook.

Macro Virus Protection does not recognize any particular virus, it
just detects macros stored within a workbook.  Therefore, you will
see this warning even when the macros are "safe."  If you are
unsure whether a particular workbook with macros is safe, click
the Disable Macros button. Then if you have installed the Virus
Search Add-In, use Virus Search on the Tools menu to search the
workbook for the Laroux Virus.

The Macro Virus Protection feature is turned on in Microsoft Excel
97 by default.  You can confirm the feature is turned on by making
sure the Macro Virus Protection check box (Tools menu, Options
command, General tab) is checked.

Removing the virus from workbooks that you open
-----------------------------------------------

If you decide to open a workbook with macros, you can check these
workbooks as follows and remove the Laroux virus (if found) before
you save the workbooks or pass the virus on to other workbooks:

1. On the Tools menu, click Virus Search.

2. Click the Currently Open Workbooks option, and then click OK.

3. If the Virus Search Add-In reports that the Laroux virus was
   found and removed from a workbook, it prompts you to save the
   workbook. Click Yes; this will save the clean version of the
   workbook over the version that has the virus on your disk.

Manually checking a file for the Laroux virus
---------------------------------------------

To examine macros manually for the Laroux virus:

1. If you do not have the Virus Search Add-In installed, choose
   "Disable Macros" while opening the workbook, so that it opens
   without running any macros that would otherwise run
   automatically.

2. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and then click Macros.

3. In the list box, delete any of the following macro names that
   appear:

      Auto_Open
      Check_Files
      PERSONAL.XLS!auto_open
      PERSONAL.XLS!check_files

   If the list contains the Auto_Open macro but the Check_Files
   macro is not present, the file may not contain the Laroux
   virus.

4. Click OK.

5. On the File menu, click Exit, and then click Yes to save all
   changes. The file no longer contains the Laroux virus.


PREVENTING THE LAROUX VIRUS AND FUTURE VIRUSES
==============================================

Once you have scanned your workbooks and removed the Laroux virus,
you can prevent the virus from returning by doing the following:

*  If you open a workbook from an e-mail message, or from a Web
   browser such as the Microsoft Internet Explorer, or from any
   questionable origin, immediately check the workbook for the
   Laroux virus using the Virus Search command on the Tools menu,
   as explained in the section "Removing the virus from open
   workbooks." Workbooks are not checked automatically (by the
   Macro Virus Protection feature) for the Laroux virus, so it is
   important for you to check them for the virus.

Version 2.0 of the Microsoft Excel Virus Search Add-In can only
detect and remove the Laroux virus. If new viruses are discovered
in the future, Microsoft will provide information about what you
need to do to remove them from your files and prevent them from
recurring. To minimize the possibility of acquiring any new
viruses that might appear, do the following:

*  Enable macros as you open workbooks only if you are certain of
   the reliability of the source from which you obtained the
   workbook.

*  If you aren't sure about the source of a workbook, open it with
   macros disabled, then use Virus Search on the Tools menu.


WHAT'S NEW IN MICROSOFT EXCEL VIRUS SEARCH 2.0 ADD-IN
=====================================================

Unlike version 1.0, the Microsoft Excel Virus Search 2.0 Add-In
does not make any changes to the Open command. The problems
associated with version 1.0 that affect how you open files do not
exist in version 2.0.


UNINSTALLING THE MICROSOFT EXCEL VIRUS SEARCH 2.0 ADD-IN
========================================================

When you uninstall the add-in, the Xlscan97.xla file remains in
your Library folder so that you can easily reinstall it later.

To uninstall the Virus Search Add-In:

1. On the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.

2. Clear the Microsoft Excel Virus Search check box, and then
   click OK.

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