LandzDown Forum

There is a particularly malicious worm (a self-replicating computer virus) currently trying to spread itself through many of the world's largest instant messaging and social networks.  The worm spreads by inserting a link into an IM conversation with a person whose computer is already infected. When the link is clicked, it opens in a browser and downloads the worm.  Then the process is repeated.

Because Windows Live Messenger 2009 is affected, Microsoft has temporarily turned off active hyperlinks for web addresses sent in IM conversations using Windows Live Messenger 2009. Messenger 2011 is not impacted.

If you think your computer may have already been infected by a malicious worm, download the malicious software removal tool from the Security TechCenter on Microsoft TechNet.

Additional details are available in Security alert: Security alert: Active links in Messenger 2009 temporarily turned off to prevent a malicious worm.

Annoying it may be but much better than an infected computer!

As to upgrading, sorry, Windows Live Messenger 2011 is not compatible with Windows XP.  It only works on Windows Vista and Windows 7. 

Even if you and all your friends have all third party software up-to-date, have all security updates and have their computer locked down, there isn't an opt-out.  It is set program-wide.

Computer Worms - What is a Computer Worm?

A computer worm is a software program that is designed to copy itself from one computer to another, without human interaction. Unlike a computer virus, a worm can copy itself automatically.

Worms can replicate in great volume. For example, a worm can send out copies of itself to every contact in your e-mail address book, and then it can send itself to all of the contacts your contact's e-mail address books.

Some worms spread very quickly. They clog networks and can cause long waits for you (and everyone else) to view Web pages on the Internet. {Bold added}