Switching off Windows Scripting Host

The new Kournikova along with the ILOVEYOU infection all relied on a vulnerability in Visual Basic Scripting. Both contain attachments ending in .vbs which the user must click on to become infected. In order to limit the risk of infection you should turn off Windows Scripting Host. Doing so will prevent you from executing .vbs scripts by double-clicking. By disabling this it is important to note that this only prevents SOME viruses from infecting your computer. It is important to install and use an up-to-date virus package. The ones I recommend are either Norton Anti Virus or Sophos.

Windows 95

Open "My Computer"

Select "View/Options"

Click on File Types tab

Find VBScript Script File

Select Remove

Click OK

Windows 98

Click on Start

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

Windows NT

Open "My Computer"

Select "View/Options"

Click on File Types tab

Find VBScript Script File

Select Remove

Click OK

Windows 2000

Open "My Computer"

Select "Tools/Folder Options"

Click on File Types tab

Find VBScript Script File

Select Delete

Click OK