Skype Virus for Window users – How to solve the problem, delete the virus and use Skype again

There is an updated version of this post. Please go to: Skype Virus 2012 – Remove the computer virus

Find our about the Skype Virus for Window users:

As some people with know or have been unfortunate enough to find out for themselves, Skype has a Virus. The virus is called ‘w32/Ramex.A’ and at the moment is only effecting window users. The way the virus works is by sending a chat message to your other Skype contacts, there are different clever versions of the message, saying different things, but they all have a web link that, if clicked on and opened, can infect the computer of the person who received the message.
Your computer will only become infected with the virus if the link is opened and downloaded.
[wp_ad_camp_1]Skype has quickly been updated to stop this virus from spreading, but each user will need to do this manually. But it does seem that with help from antivirus software companies they have stopped this virus before it got out of hand.

Our advice is that you make sure your antivirus software on you computer is up to date and run a scan of your computer to be on the safe side, (Its good to do this once in a while anyway)

Here are the steps to remove the Virus from your Skype!

Windows

1. If the Skype icon is displayed in the system tray at the bottom right of the screen, right-click it and select Quit.
2. Click Start, type “run” and press Enter. (On Windows XP: Click Start and then Run.)
3. Type “%appdata%skype” and click OK.
4. Locate and delete the file shared.xml. The file may be displayed as shared if file extensions are not displayed by default on your computer.
5. If you cannot find this file:
   • Click Start, type “run” and press Enter. (On Windows XP: Click Start and then Run.)
   • Type “control folders” and click OK.
   • In the View tab, ensure that Show hidden files and folders is enabled.
   • Repeat the instructions from the beginning.
6. Restart Skype.

Mac

1. Open Finder and locate the following folder: ~/Library/Application Support/Skype
2. Delete the file shared.xml.
3. Restart Skype.

The ~ sign means your home folder. You can find your home folder by opening Finder and selecting Go > Home from the [wp_ad_camp_4]menu bar or pressing Command (Apple), Shift and H keys at the same time.

Linux

1. Go to the following folder: /home/YourLinuxUserName/.Skype
2. Delete the file shared.xml.
3. Restart Skype.

The Skype folder is a hidden folder – please check Show hidden files in your file browser to view and access it.

There is an updated version of this post. Please go to: Skype Virus 2012 – Remove the computer virus