6: Stop Script Virus Files
PROBLEM:
Windows scripting is a neat way for programs to cooperate, providing a very open collaborative environment among teams of computers. Thus, a simple script can make Windows do some very fancy tricks.
But a script can also force Windows to maim itself! That's called a scripting virus. And, since it looks like valid Microsoft code it's sometimes not detected by Anti-Virus programs. Additionally, the very open and trusting Windows environment says to hackers, "I dare you to bring me down!"
... Which they are more than happy to do!
SOLUTION:
Most real work doesn't use much scripting, the big websites only use safe scripting, and none of us really needs it for personal use. So why have it? Just turn it off!
These instructions are copied from the CNET web page for turning off script hosting.
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Windows 95
(Note: Not all users of Windows 95 will have Windows Scripting Host installed. It is available on editions of Windows 95 SR-2 and later. It might also have been installed separately or along with Internet Explorer 5.0 or later.)
- Open "My Computer"
- Select "View/Options"
- Click on File Types tab
- Find VBScript Script File
- Select Remove
- Click OK
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Windows 98
- Click on Start (the button on lower left of your Windows desktop).
- Click on Settings
- Chose Control Panel
- Click on Add/Remove
- Chose the Windows Setup tab
- Click on Accessories to obtain details
- Uncheck Windows Scripting Host if it is checked.
- Click on OK to save any changes
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Windows NT
- Open "My Computer"
- Select "View/Options"
- Click on File Types tab
- Find VBScript Script File
- Select Remove
- Click OK
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Windows 2000
- Open "My Computer"
- Select "Tools/Folder Options"
- Click on File Types tab
- Find VBScript Script File
- Select Delete
- Click OK
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BUT SHOULD YOU DO IT?
Once you remove the scripting host you've blocked most nasty scripts from your machine. Some say, however, that you should keep this scripting host, it's needed for some programs, and they wouldn't work right if they can't script. This CNET web page talks about whether or not to keep it.
It's up to you whether remove the scripting host or keep it. Personally I don't need it, and you probably won't need it. It might come in handy for extreme business or tech use, but there are other ways to do it without the scripting host.
Do you want your scripting host back? Just reinstall it from your Windows CD. Use the same steps, put the check back for "Windows Script Hosting," follow the guides and let your machine restore it.
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