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Posted by Roger Wilco on October 9, 2005, 11:02 am
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> I'm having problems getting a program to work.
What program - is it a secret?
> I've found off the internet a helpfile that claims to solve my
> problems.
Another secret?
> The solution involves activating a registry file and placing a dll
file
> in a specific directory.
Why so vague?
What do you mean by "activating a registry file" - is this a registry
patch (something.reg)?
> I've virus checked both files... and nothing.
The dll could be an executable file and the .reg file should be a text
file fully readable in notepad if you know how to read registry patch
files.
> I've looked inside the registry file with notepad, all I can see is
> numbers and letters.
The same could be said for this posting. :))
> I've tried opening the dll file with notepad and all I can see is
junk.
> (Erm... yes you've guessed it... a newbie when it comes to these
> things...!)
This would be expected when attempting to view an executable in notepad.
> Can someone tell me:
>
> - Is it dangerous to install the registry file?
Invoking a .reg file will modify registry keys and can be nearly as
dangerous as invoking an executable file. A corrupted registry can leave
you with a totally useless operating system.
> - How can I make sure the dll file isn't a virus?
You can't, but scanning the file with several AV scanners (such as are
available at the "virustotal" site) can come close to making you sure.
Keep in mind that viruses aren't the only bad thing out there - if this
is a piracy attempt (trying to use a legitimate ad supported software
sans adware) and someone wanted to trick the pirates into screwing up
their systems by making trojan bombs - the AVs might have little chance
of recognizing them. Only after a large enough number of users fall
victim does the AV community become aware. At least with viruses (and
worms) the number becomes large enough sooner and the ability to defend
gets implemented sooner.
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