From Apple.com:
We recently discovered that a small number – less than 1% – of the Video iPods available for purchase after September 12, 2006 left our contract manufacturer carrying the Windows RavMonE.exe virus. This known virus affects only Windows computers, and up to date anti-virus software which is included with most Windows computers should detect and remove it. So far we have seen less than 25 reports concerning this problem. The iPod nano, iPod shuffle and Mac OS X are not affected, and all Video iPods now shipping are virus free. As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it.
How to remove the Windows virus
RavMonE.exe is a known Windows virus and up to date anti-virus software using the default settings should detect and remove it. If you do not have anti-virus software on your Windows computer, we recommend that you install one of the many available programs. Here are a few trial programs that can remove this Windows virus which you can download free of charge*:
Microsoft Live OneCare Safety Scanner – free application
Microsoft Live OneCare – 90 day trial version
McAfee – 30 day trial version
Symantec Norton Anti-Virus – 30 day trial version
After installing an anti-virus application, you should attach your Video iPod to your Windows computer and run the anti-virus program. If your Windows system is infected with this virus, an alert will be triggered and inform you that the virus has been detected and either quarantined or removed. You should then use iTunes 7 to easily restore the software on your newly purchased Video iPod.
Because this Windows virus propagates via mass storage devices, we recommend that you scan any mass storage devices that you have recently attached to your Windows computers such as external hard drives, digital cameras with removable media, and USB flash drives.
While this Windows virus does not affect Mac OS X or the iPod itself, Mac customers can use iTunes 7 to easily restore the software on their newly purchased Video iPod to ensure that it does not carry this Windows virus. The Video iPod can then be used on a Windows computer without concern.
Source: http://www.apple.com/support/windowsvirus/
Stealth marketing.
Related articles:
Apple touts virus-free Macs – August 25, 2006
Apple: ‘Get a Mac. Say ‘Buh-Bye’ to viruses’ – June 01, 2006
That’s a shame.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Windows should just be renamed WIV (Windows Immuno-deficiency Virus).
Windows sucks some serious ass. And MS thinks I should run variants of Windows on phones and cars and stuff? Get the fock outta here.
DOH! So much for Apple security.
1% is a lot, we will know how much tomorrow, I guess.
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I’m first?
Awesome!! LOL
How did it get on there? Are iPods initially formatted and imaged using Windows PCs?
“we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses”…
WTF!
I’m curious to know how a virus could exist on a brand new iPod?
Tommy Boy, our Apples are STILL secure you dufus.
Apple people aren’t used to looking for this CRAP or caring about it.
But if you’re going to dance with the devil…you gotta watch your back.
Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave and others discussing current music, iPods etc.
http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1923704,00.html
Tommy Boy, our Apples are STILL secure.
Apple people aren’t used to looking for this CRAP or caring about it.
But if you’re going to dance with the devil…you gotta watch your back.
“As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it.”
Priceless! Somebody at Apple deserves a raise for that quote alone…
Tommyboy, you are such an MS troll!
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You said, “DOH! So much for Apple security.”
Its a Windows virus.
Apple/iPod software does not even see it.
The only thing it can bother is Windows machines (like Vista??? ).
I have had a couple of viruses on my Mac machines over the years. They came in hidden when using MS Outlook and went right back out to bother other Windows users. I never noticed them, NO effect on my machine.
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”grin” style=”border:0;” /> Neat. (PS, I don’t spread viruses on purpose. But with over 115,000 viruses out there, its hard to miss them.
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N.
Sorry for the double post. The MDN server originally said it didn’t accept the post. It LIED!
Hey, if someone is using a Windows PC, it’s only a matter of time before they get a virus anyway.
ken1w and Jump, they got on there because an Apple subcontractor used an infected Windows computer. It just goes to show how costly using Windows can be.
We can’t get it, just pass it on. Which I kind of like. The more infected Winduhz, the more potential switchers. Keep ’em coming!
It could be worse. Microsoft could start making condoms.
We recently discovered that a small number – less than 1% – of the Video iPods available for purchase after September 12, 2006 left our contract manufacturer carrying the Windows RavMonE.exe virus.
Well that’s a first for Apple. A free virus!
Microsoft has been selling their Windows virus for years.
We can laugh; I guess it’s kind of funny since we use Macs and aren’t affected.
But what does this say to potential switchers about Apple’s vaunted quality control?
Windows may become infected five minutes after turning it on, but other vendors don’t ship their products from the factory infected.
And I think it’s low class for Apple to say I wish your system was more hardy so it would stop the virus you just bought from us.
It’s like trying to keep the rat turds out of the giant peanut butter vat over at JIF, inc. No matterwhat precautions you take, viruses and Windows will find each other…
one word! get a mac.
Considering that Windows users are part of Apple’s Business (at least in what iPod is concerned), then the fruit company should’ve been more careful with this.
When, in the past, another (non iPod) portable music player, the name of which I cannot recall, had a similar problem, I heard a lot of laughter, considering that player as an object of ridicule and bashing from Mac fans.I, being a Mac user myself, don’t find this stuff funny. So, if others make the mistake it is all bad and stuff. If Apple does it, then nothing happens. See…that’s what I do hate about the Macintosh world, the lack of objectivity. And yes, I know that someones will tell me to buy a PC. Well, Apple computers are PC’s (personal computers, non windows operated ones,that is) and I do own two. I won’t switch to the Redmond “Miracle”, so don’t waste your time
<<Windows may become infected five minutes after turning it on, but other vendors don’t ship their products from the factory infected.>>
Sorry, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Creative has had off and on problems with Zen players leaving the factory with Windows viruses preloaded.