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Panda Protection

Virus Encyclopedia

Welcome to the Virus Encyclopedia of Panda Security.

Encyclopedia GetVirusCard True 0

FakeFormat

 
Threat LevelModerate threatDamageHighDistributionNot widespread
Common name:FakeFormat
Technical name:Joke/FakeFormat
Threat level:Low
Type:Joke
Effects:  It simulates the process of formatting the hard drive.

Affected platforms:

Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:Oct. 14, 2003
Detection updated on:April 19, 2006
StatisticsNo
Proactive protection:
Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description 

    

FakeFormat is a joke type malware. These harmless programs display fake error messages on screen warning about the execution of destructive actions, fake these actions or change the mouse or screen settings.

To be more precise, FakeFormat simulates the process of formatting the hard drive by displaying a series of messages on screen.

In order to return to normal work, the user must push the shorcut keys Ctrl + Alt + Del and end the process belonging to FakeFormat.

Visible Symptoms 

    

FakeFormat is easy to recognize, as it displays the following messages on screen:

  • First of all, it displays this message, which tricks the user into thinking that the hard drive is about to be formatted:

  • On pushing any of the buttons, it simulates that the format process begins. The user cannot cancel the process or close the window:

  • When the format process finishes, it displays the following message:

  • Finally, if the user pushes the About button, it displays the following information about the joke: