Inbox

By DON McALLISTER

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your internet questions.

* The W32. Datom. Worm is infecting a number of inbox readers' unprotected machines.

Get some anti-virus protection now. Most reputable virus scanners block this menace. It has a non-destructive payload - meaning it doesn't do any serious damage. It uses three files (Msvxd.exe, Msvxd16.dll and Msvxd32.dll) that are placed in the Windows directory, and relies on entries in the registry and a Windows start file called win.ini to activate. Removal instructions can be found at www.trendmicro.com/pc-cillin/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=WORM-DATOM. A

* Rachel wants to know how to block "Junk Mail" from entering her Hotmail mailbox.

Free Hotmail accounts tend to get swamped by spam no matter what you do, Rachel. But Hotmail does offer a junk mail filter. Open www.hotmail.com, login, click on Options/Junk Mail Filter. Set the level of filter you require from the four options of Off/Low/High or exclusive. Alternately, you can click Options/Junk Mail Deletion. Select "Immediate" or "Delayed deletion".

* "What are INF files?" asks James, who has several INF files that trigger his virus scanner. He is concerned that they can't be cleaned and wants to know what to do with them.

NF files are used in the installation process of many hardware drivers and software. Designed to automate the installation process, they're normally not required after the process is finished unless you need to un-install the program or driver at a later date. The file name will give a clue to the associated program so you can decide if you want to delete them.

* HELP Inbox to help other readers.

Several readers have removed "Sender Blocks" only to get the blocks again on reboot - a frustrating problem that seems to have appeared recently. Do any savvy readers out there know what the cause may be? Email Inbox.



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