I have this program on my computer waiting for me to install that has an EXE. file extension. I was told by my teacher not to open a file with that type of an extension as it could be dangerous, I also did a Google search to find the some other information about it, and found this:

An executable file is basically another name for a program. Virtually all programs that run under Windows or DOS are in the .EXE format. All of these files start with ASCII MZ but often those produced by different compilers have further identification. The TrID program has a number of these in its database if you need to know what compiler was used on the .EXE you have. If your EXE file extension association has been disabled, see the Associated Links for a possible fix. Note: This file type can become infected and should be carefully scanned if someone sends you a file with this extension.

I did a scan with AVG and no virus warnings came up, but am still unsure. Is there anything else I can do just to double verify that it does not contain a virus?

I don't think it will show up on the virus scan until it's already downloaded/installed. I would google the entire file name and see if you find any warnings about it.

how'd you get the file? downloaded? received in email form? are you trying to download a program?

if you don't know where the file came from, don't open it...

It cam from a friend of a friend. It was supposed to be Office 2007, but after viewing more closely found it to only be Publisher 2003. It was harmless, but not what I need. I looked at the properties of every component Scanned each and every file both all together and individually.

I would just go out and buy the program in I had the extra money. But being a student and working in a coffee shop really does not leave room for the extras.....lol.


Oh well thanks guys.

Its me. Im hacked into your computer

Download open office. It can be had here: www.openoffice.org. This is a microsoft office level suite and works as well if not better and is absolutely free.

http://www.openoffice.org/

Free open source version of most office apps.

Thanks for the suggestion of Open Office guys. I did download it last night being told that my documents would open in word. I typed a 3 page report on it and saved it to my flash drive to print off at school and it would not open. It had to be handed in today so I ended up having to retype it. Was not happy.

Use bit-torrents. Get anything you want. Don't worry about a manufacturer. It's not theirs. The copy that you are downloading, was created with exactly same amount of work and equipment as you going to use.

It's only a trick, to make you think you have stolen something.

It didn't work at school cause they use micro shaft and using open office you have to save your work as a microsoft office file for it to be able to open in MS office.

And yes scanning it before hand should pick up a virus if it has one. It does not have to be installed first.

Elaborating on what stet said, you have to click "save as" and manually change to the .doc/.xls/.ppt file type. If not, Open Office will save as a different file type.

I use Open Office and it works great.

Just because it has an .exe it does not make everything to be a virus.

Every program has an .exe file, which is a short version of "executable". So in reality, it's hard to differentiate between a virus and a real .exe , but no matter what, as I said, every single program has an .exe file. The only way to know it for sure who can't differentiate (there is a way) is the do a simple virus scan and if it doesn't pick it up, then it's not a virus.

The most viruses are on the internet, "download free" this and that, or various pirate programs "full version" from "warez" site.
So as long as your friend gave it to you and you trust your friend then just install it.

This has already been said, but you do have to save the file as an office file... Click 'File', 'Save As', select 'Ms Word 97/2000' and type your file name.

Only if a definition exists for the "virus" which there does not have to be in order to have ill effects for a pc. Sadly virus protection is fairly gimp against malware, spyware, rootkits, and bots. Even scanners which can find and remove something that the virus scanner missed (ad-aware, or spybot S&D) it can still lower browser security, install rootkits, or open access to future attacks . . . or it can cause damage and require extensive re installs to correct, or reformat.

Best bet is to always know what you have downloaded and how it works before installing it.

Honestly nothing can 100% prevent a virus except you.

Thank you guys for all your help. I was able to download a copy of Microsoft Office 2007 Blue Edition. I am a happy camper once again.

You're very welcome Whisper