Infected by SonyBMG’s XPC copy protection?
Here is how to find out if you have been infected by SonyBMG’s XPC copy protection scheme:
First of all, this problematic spyware and security vulnerability is installed by certain Sony music CD’s. If Sony music CD’s have never been played in your computer, you are not infected. This malware infection is not contagious. It does not spread itself around. But it can make your system vulnerable to other nefarious creeps.
- The following tests will demonstrate if you have been infected:
1) From Windows, choose Start, then Run, then type cmd. At the command prompt, type (include the quote marks):
“cd windows\system32\$sys$filesystem”
If you are able to change to that folder, you have been infected. If you see the following message, then you likely are not infected: “The system cannot find the path specified.”
2) From Windows, open any word processor and create a text document (named test.txt). Once saved, rename the file to “$sys$test.txt”. Refresh the folder where you saved the file (by pressing the F5 button). If the file disappears, you have been infected.
If you have been infected, we suggest you file a complaint with your state’s Attorney General.
The State of Texas has already filed lawsuits against Sony. More info can be found at the following link:
The Electronic Frontier Foundation also has a good FAQ about this problem at the following address:
This certainly has become a huge problem for Sony. But it has publicized the serious problem provided by rootkit infections and malware.
And Sony is probably not the only outfit using such nefarious roorkit techniques. We suspect that there may well be other well known names in the media and software industries that are scrambling to cover their butts.
