iexplore.exe.exp / notepad virus??

[vlad_tepes]

hello, this is my first time posting here and i hope i can get some answeres to a paticuler problem.

first, my wife and i have the same type of computers, toshiba running os xp sp2. she uses iexplorer 7 I use iexplorer 8. recently she complained of her computers harddrive reporting low drive space. i took a look at her computer and could not account for 33 gigs of missing space. upon closer inspection, i.e. searching every folder in program files i noticed a notepad document in internet explorer called iexplore.exe.exp that was 33gigs. of course it couldnt be opened so i deleted it. not happy to say her computer is running normaly.
but i noticed in my system i have this same file thats 1kb in size but was created on 8/20/09 at 4:49 am.

the contents of this file reads as follows:


######## EXCEPTION: 0xC0000005 at address: 0x0843B034: ACCESS VIOLATION read attempt to address 0x01401000
1: 08/20/09 04:49:13

1: 0
1: SymGetModuleInfo): GetLastError = 87

1: 1 SymGetSymFromAddr(): GetLastError = 126
1: SymGetLineFromAddr(): GetLastError = 126
1: SymGetModuleInfo): GetLastError = 126




i ran a virus scan using AVG, spybot and yahoo antispy. all have came up with nothing. i also run a selective scan with windows defender and it didnt detect anything in internet explorer.

anyone have any idea what this is and what its doing?

[shelf life]

Hi,

It looks like a system generated crash report for IE (I assume) since you found it in that folder.

[vlad_tepes]

Hi,

It looks like a system generated crash report for IE (I assume) since you found it in that folder.

Well, i thought of that but the file was created on my system a week before. And i know i have had an IE crash before then.

[shelf life]

Hi vlad_tepes,

I wouldnt worry about it, its harmless. Another application that use's IE may have crashed and generated it. All your scans are coming up clean also.

[vlad_tepes]

Hi vlad_tepes,

I wouldnt worry about it, its harmless. Another application that use's IE may have crashed and generated it. All your scans are coming up clean also.

ok, thanks for your help.

[shelf life]

Your welcome. Some tips for helping to reduce your risk:

10 Tips for Reducing Your Risk To Malware:
The Short Version

1) It is essential to Keep your OS (http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us),(Windows) browser (IE, FireFox) and other software up to date to "patch" vulnerabilities that could be exploited. This is also true for web based applications like Java, Adobe Flash/Reader, QuickTime etc. Check there version status here. (http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/online/) Malicious web sites can take advantage of vulnerabilities to possibly push and install malware to your computer.

2) Know what you are installing to your computer. Alot of software can come bundled with unwanted add-ons, like adware, toolbars and malware. Do not install any files from ads, popups or random links. Do not fall for fake warnings about virus and trojans being found on your computer and your then prompted to install software to remedy this. See also the signs (http://www.virusvault.us/signs1.html)that you may have malware on your computer.

3) Install and keep updated: one antivirus and two or three anti-malware applications. If not updated they will soon be worthless. Scanning frequency is a function of your computer habits.

4) Refrain from clicking on links or attachments you receive via E-Mail, IM, IRC, Chat Rooms or Social Networking Sites, no matter how tempting or legitimate the message may seem. Links could redirect you to malicious websites that host exploits. Attachments could contain malware. Do you trust the source?

5) Don't click on ads/pop ups or offers from websites requesting that you need to install software, media players or codecs to your computer--for any reason.

6) Don't click on offers to "scan" your computer. Install ActiveX Objects with care. Do you trust the website?

7) Set up and use limited (non-privileged) accounts for everyday use, rather than administrator accounts. Limited accounts (http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/useraccount.mspx) can help prevent *malware from installing.*

8) Install and understand the limitations of a software firewall.

9) Consider using an alternate browser and E-mail client. Internet Explorer and OutLook Express are popular targets for malicious code because they are widely used. See also: Hardening or Securing Internet Explorer. (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=6AA4C1DA-6021-468E-A8CF-AF4AFE4C84B2&displaylang=en)

10) Warez, cracks, keygens etc are very popular for carrying malware payloads. Avoid. If you install files via p2p (http://www.virusvault.us/p2p.html) networks then you are much more likely to encounter malicious code. Do you trust the source? Do you really need another malware source?

Happy Safe Surfing

Long version in link below.

[vlad_tepes]

yes, I'm well aware of all of these and use these methods vigorously the only one that i didn't know about was the alt+F4 to close a pop-up page.

[shelf life]

Thats just my "end speech" for all my posts. Its good you are aware of them, that puts you way ahead of many Windows users.

[vlad_tepes]

Ah, well thank you.