for the past 2 months, an icon appears on my desktop all by itself. The icon name is ~. I found the target file in my c:\windows\desktop folder. It has no extension displayed but is in ASCII code I'm told. I opened the file in MSDOS mode with the instruction: EDIT ~.dat. In the file are a huge list of my email addresses, from my addressbook. I deleted the contents of the file and saved it again. I then went to windows explorer, deleted the file, and emptied it from the recycle bin. I then shutdownand restarted my pc. I've done this maybe 10 times in 2 months, but it always returns. I have the latest MCAFEE SUPERDAT file - downloaded weekly. Nothing is detected. I have found that the icon only appears if I've been on line - with Oulook Express 6.0 or on the web Explorer 6 - for some time - like now! Ever saince this icon started appearing, many of my mails do not get to the intended recipients, them other time they do, and twice the attahcments (>xls, doc, pdf, don't go through with the message. HELP! Chris van Rensburg

Hi Chris. Try running a program called Trojan remover, you can download it on the net. http://www.simplysup.com/tremover If that does not work go to the Trend site and make a housecall, and have them check out your Computer. Have a nice day Chris. housecall.antivirus.com

It's not a virus or trojan...check around this site...in search on top right type in 'strange file ~" and there are tons of results...as for your email not getting out properly?..its involved with that ~ file...seems the addresses you add to your address book goes to that file instead of in address book within outlook express. anyway somewhere in the responses tell you how to fix it...has to do with some windows update.

Nothing to be concerned with. See Langa's June 30 issue, article number 7 for more info. (link opens in a new window to that article) Bryan

I would download AVG 6.0 at www.grisoft.com and run it. It will probably find the virus and help you remove it. I've tried both Norton and McCaffe and they all let some viruses in and AVG when I installed it, found the viruses and removed them...it's worth a try and it's also free with free up-dates on a regilar basis. McCaffe and Norton also bog down your PC....give AVG a try...I've used it now for 3 yrs and have been virus free.