Do viruses infect music files?

Question

i just got a virus from the internet where i am constantly getting pop ups non stop and the computer spools for five minutes every time i try to open a new program and 15 minutes to actually boot up. i am planning on getting a portable hard drive soon to back up most of my digital photography and music library. however, i want to know if i were to move my digital photography and mp3 files onto my portable hard drive and reload all of it onto my new computer i plan on getting, will there be a possibility that the virus could latch onto those types of files and then infect my new computer?

much thanks,

sincerely,

-computer illiterate

Answer 1

Yes music files and any other file type can be infected with viruses and malware.

Firstly, scan your computer online here:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com

Then download the following:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removes Antivirus 2008/2009/XPAntivirus and many more:

http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Ant...

Download, install, update and select Quick Scan.

Remove all infections that it finds after scan.

Spybot S&D:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/downl...

Download, install, update and Immunize, then click 'Check for problems' then when complete select all and then 'Fix Checked'

SmitFraudFix:

http://downloads.securitycadets.com/Smit...

How to use SmitFraud:

http://cotojo.wordpress.com/2007/08/24/

I store almost everything on an external drive so my pc has the minimum to run, but before storing it I scan the folders/items for viruses and malware and once transferred I disconnect the external drive.

I also use and recommend Avast anti-virus, better definitions, anti-spyware and anti-rootkit built in, faster and more reliable:

http://www.download.com/Avast-Home-Editi...

Setup Guide:

http://cotojo.wordpress.com/2008/07/15

Answer 2

Hi there!

Viruses don't care at all what file is, they infect any file. You should have Anti virus Software on your computer. If you have not Anti virus program,  this one is pretty good

http://www.errordoctor2008.com

or this new program http://netcom3.mediapalace.net

If you wish, you can read about them on the blog http://www.squidoo.com/pcsecurity-i