Microsoft KB Archive/264237

= Windows Media Content Files and Viruses =

PSS ID Number: 264237

Article Last Modified on 10/18/2001

-

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows Media Player for Windows XP Home Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player for Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 7.1
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 5.2
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.0
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.1
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.2
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.4
 * Microsoft Windows Media Player 7

-



This article was previously published under Q264237



SUMMARY
This article describes the potential for encountering viruses in Windows Media files.



MORE INFORMATION
NOTE: This information is accurate as of June 6, 2000, and is subject to change without notice. It is important to protect your computer against viruses by using an antivirus program. Microsoft does not provide any antivirus functionality in Windows, so you should install an antivirus program to protect your computer.

In addition to the audio and video content, Windows Media files can contain data that runs your browser and opens a specific Internet address. For example, the content may open a Web site that is related to the audio or video content, or may contain text and graphics such as a banner advertisement. Windows Media Player ignores any scripting or similar commands; any links contained in the content are handed off by Windows Media Player to the browser. At that point, the browser security settings apply to any content that you view in the browser.

For more information about viruses and antivirus software manufacturers, refer to the following articles:

129972 Description of Computer Viruses

49500 List of Antivirus Software Vendors

Additional query words: netshow wmp wms trojan wmt dbm

Keywords: kbinfo KB264237

Technology: kbWinMediaPlayer520 kbWinMediaPlayer600 kbWinMediaPlayer610 kbWinMediaPlayer620 kbWinMediaPlayer640 kbWinMediaPlayer700 kbWinMediaPlayer710 kbWinMediaPlayerSearch kbWinMediaPlayerXPHome kbWinMediaPlayerXPPro kbWinMediaPlayerXPSearch kbZNotKeyword

-

[mailto:TECHNET@MICROSOFT.COM Send feedback to Microsoft]

© 2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.