So I think I got another one of those stupid MSN worms that sends links supposedly are from a contact on your msn list. I'm not super concerned because I was already getting a new computer next week anyway. But my question is this: This particular link took me to a page that asked me to sign into Hotmail (obviously not real Hotmail, but I guess I'm an idiot). Anyway, I did put my e-mail address and password into that page. If I do get a new computer, will I still be infected because it has my account and password, or will it be localized to this computer I'm on?

You should change your password immediately. Your new computer won't be infected with the worm, but because it's a userID/password, if someone got that information, they could still get into your accounts because those aren't linked to any particular computer but instead are used over the internet.

In general, if you are going to a site that asks for a userID/password, type in the URL for the page - don't follow a link.

You should also clean your current machine even if you are getting a new one... all the time you are online you could be infecting others.

Having a computer is like driving a car - you don't need to know how the engine works but you do need to avoid crashing into other people.

I'd also suggest you change your MSN signin name to "Don't click that link, it's a virus". This is a heads up to everyone on your list, and you won't inadvertently spread it to your friends who may have clicked it otherwise.

Yes I did do that, some people don't bother reading it and go "oh what are you sending me?" anyway. And other people have said they've been getting it from e-mail addresses they don't even have on their contact list so it also seems to be kind of random? Don't really know how that would work. And other people have been 'sending' it to people, even though they never clicked the links.. it's a weird one.

You won't get the virus unless you click the link. I got my first virus that way through MSN messenger, shortly after I got my first computer. I didn't know NOT to click. Now, whenever I get a link from a friend, I ALWAYS ask "Is that you, Rog?" If I don't get a personal answer I don't click it.

As for your friends getting it from addies not on their contact list, one way hackers garner email addies is from emails sent CC (carbon copy) instead of BCC (blind carbon copy). When it's sent via CC everyone can see everyone's addy. When it's sent BCC it only shows 'undisclosed recipient' and no addies are shown. I am a huge proponent of BCC mail, and will ask my friends NOT to CC me. No way I want strangers knowing my addy. It's all part of staying safe on the www

Would it help any if you deleted the message, then went to the delete file and right clicked on the link and selected "properties" before opening? Selecting properties gives the source information of the link.

Just guessing on this one, but it's the advice I've been given in the past.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. The links sending from my account seem to have stopped, and I also haven't received any links from contacts, whereas last weekend they were being sent to me regularly. Not sure why, but I'm happy now.