Can't access Netscape 7.0 Mail--Netsky Virus?

I get an error message that says I don't have write permissions to my netscape mail inbox file when I try to access my mail. Right before that I get a notice from Norton Antivirus that states that it has detected Netsky in my inbox file within the mozilla/profile directory, but can't fix it.

I had this error one time before and deleted my inbox file, however that blew away my entire email, but got rid of the problem. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

You did not necessarily have a virus on the loose, on your computer, but it is the response of Norton to the presence of a virus.
I don't know what version of NAV you have, but it tends to wipe out Netscape Inboxes, if mail scanning is detected. The Netscape Mail Inbox file is a single file, so a virus tucked into an attachment which you would have never opened, will wipe out your Inbox. To the best of my knowledge, the infected file is quarantined, or could be quarantined., and could be recovered. I owned Norton for one day, five years ago, and the next day I returned it, and exchanged for the much safer McAfee, which does not have mail scanning. It relies on downloads scan, and that's when the virus would be caught.

I make a policy of not opening strange attachments, and they try every trick. In my estimation, if I had continued to scan my mail with Norton, I would have lost my Inbox 365 times each year. Norton is dangerous to Netscape mail.
Take a look at this Symantec note The .snm exclusion is for Netscape4.x. Enter .msf, instead, which is the header file for newer programs.

But, you may be in luck. Your issue was discussed at windowsbbs It is an excellent thread. I hope that it works for you.

 

Welcome to the Forum, mihalkoj!

mihalkoj,

If NAV detected the netsky virus, then doing a definitions update, and a full system scan in Safe mode is in order. Was the virus w32.netsky.ae@mm.html? If so, then here are the instructions for removal, from Symantic:

w322.netsky.ae@mm.html Removal Instructions

Ramona