iPods shipped with Windows virus

Apple has warned video iPod users that some of its most recently shipped devices may include a Windows virus.

The company said a small number of video iPods made after 12 September included the RavMonE virus. It said it has seen fewer than 25 reports of the problem, which it said does not affect Macs or the player itself.

The Mac maker apologised on its website for the problem but also used the opportunity to hit out at Microsoft.

Apple said on its site: "As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it."

Apple VP Greg Joswiak said the virus was discovered last week and added the company has been working around the clock since then to discover the root cause of the problem. Joswiak said it was traced to a particular Windows machine in the manufacturing lines of a contract manufacturer that builds the iPods for Apple. The company declined to name the maker.

The company said computers using up to date antivirus software should detect the virus, rated as a low risk. It is urging iPod users without such protection to install antivirus software.

CNET News.com's Joris Evers contributed to this report

Ina Fried writes for CNET News.com