Fake virus warning causing users harm

A fake virus warning telling users to delete important Windows files is spreading fast.

Anti-virus experts say the false virus warning, titled jdbgmgr.exe, which is a filename used by MS Debugger Registrar for Java, is being spread by well-meaning users. The email-based hoax invites users to search and delete the Debugger file. Once the file is deleted it may prevent some Java programmes running.

The fake warning was first spotted by Rob Rosenberger who runs a hoax alert service. His warning was then backed up by anti-virus vendor Sophos.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said: "If you receive an unsolicited executable file in your email, simply delete the email. This is a confusing hoax, but the message is simple: you should never launch or open unsolicited code on you computer."