Dear List Members: Please DO *NOT* REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE in any way that will cause the reply to go to the list. We want to stick to genealogy as much as possible on the list, not get sidetracked. For further information, contact me PRIVATELY. Better yet, check your online antivirus resources. Please DO *NOT* REPORT VIRUS ACTIVITY to the list under any circumstances. Contact me personally. I will deal with the situation as circumstances warrant. There is a new strain of a virus (actually a worm, for the technically minded) that can *APPEAR* to be closely connected to a mailing list. It is called BadTrans.B and I have received many copies of it over the past few days. Here is how to recognize it: 1. The "from" address begins with an underscore or space, e.g. "[email protected]" or " [email protected]" but is otherwise an address you might recognize as genuine. 2. The "subject" is taken from a message you sent to either an individual or a mailing list. 3. There is no *visible* content or attachment. Here is what to do: 1. Make sure you have updated your antivirus *software* since November 25, 2001.** 2. Make sure you have updated your antivirus *definitions* since November 25, 2001.** 3. Make sure you are running your antivirus software at all times. This used to be optional, a matter of personal preference. It is no longer either, for responsible netizens. 4. Do *NOT* send a warning to the list. If you believe it might be helpful, send me a message *privately*. **Note: if you have an automatic update function in your antivirus program, it will take care of all this for you. No virus is currently capable of passing through a RootsWeb list. However, BadTrans.B makes it *APPEAR* that this is happening, and uses list messages as a source for new targets. Therefore, as list admin I need to act in certain situations. Here is what I will do if a subscriber to one of my lists appears to be infected: 1. I will unsubscribe the address and block resubscription. 2. I will contact the infected subscriber to explain what has been done and to offer assistance. 3. On reasonable assurance from the subscriber that the bug has been cleaned from the subscriber's PC, I will allow resubscription. Remember, infected subscribers are victims, not evil people. However, with reasonable precautions taken we can all help to limit the spread of such bugs. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Karima List Administrator