Search your own library strangeness in Winmx...

[goldie]

TG mentioned a while ago that it's a good idea to check out what other users actually see in your shared folders. I always thought she was right about that and I make it a point to do it semi-regularly.

At one time, it was quite easy to do this by adding your name to your own hotlist (using any opennap server you happen to be logged into) but I've found that this method isn't working as predictably as it used to.

I then realized that you can do the same thing by utilizing the winmx chatrooms. Go in any chat, find your name on the list and go for it.

Haven't had problems until very recently.

The other day I searched my library and found tons of strange stuff on my drive I didn't know was there (or so I thought). Strange = animal sex (10 mgs worth), rap crap (which I can't stand), Debbie Does Dallas and other porn etc. All total, about 25-30 megs in a dozen .avi, .mpg and .mp3 files. Also a folder on my D drive: D:\b\ was added.

Immediately thought I'd caught a virus or trojan somewhere along the line (or so I thought).

Well, after an intense seek and destroy mission w/McaFee and The Cleaner (thanks sixxy) I am happy to report my system has no malware doing any wierdo alien invader shit on my computer.

What is happening is directly associated with WinMX chat servers.

The problem is fully repeatable (try it and see what "you" may be storing unknowingly).

Good buddy of mine (you know who you are) tells me the problem could be a corruption in the chatserver OR someone's idea of good, clean hacking fun.

In either case, just thought I'd warn you about it before you get the bejeezus scared out of you like I did (nothing worse than having your friends afraid of dling/accepting something potentially contagious from you).

Have a good one my buddies

GR