Expert: Lorry - 12/27/2008

Question
can a virus remove pictures?
system using XP "lost" pictures in folders. All gone.
Is this possible?  Could the pictures have been lost if power is turned off and back on - lots of times.

Answer
Hi John,

A JPEG is a file can get infected. However, in order to activate the virus, the file must be run. As the JPEG file is an image file, it will not be executed as long as the image is not processed by any other type of program.

Hence, if the image is executed by a program alike a library or a database, the system can get infected.

From: http://en.kioskea.net/faq/sujet-384-a-jpeg-file-can-contain-a-virus

Try using System Restore, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore and restore to an earlier date when the pictures were there. If that works, back them up before they are lost for good.

To verify if there is a virus on board, using Internet Explorer, go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

Click "Continue to Symantec Security Check", in the next window click No when asked if you want to close this window, that will bring you to a window where you should click Virus Detection.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

Hope this helps!
Lorry