Life stages virus information

Updated: 06/30/2020 by Computer Hope

First found in the wild on June 20, 2000, the Stages or Life Stages Virus is contained in a SHS file that is a Microsoft Scrap Object file. These files 'ARE' executable and can contain a wide variety of objects. The scrap object (SHS) extension does not appear in Windows Explorer even if all file extensions are shown, therefore in the example of Life Stages, the file is in reality Life_Stages.TXT.SHS, however is shown as Life_stages.TXT.

When attempting to execute this file, the virus is copied to the C:\Windows directory, and 'scanreg.vbs, vbaset.olb, and msinfo16.tlb' are copied to the C:\Windows\SYSTEM directory. Regedit.exe is placed in the Recycle Bin as recycled.vxd, and several modifications are made to the system Registry.

Once modifications to the system are made, the system then sends mail to all contacts in your Microsoft Outlook program, with a possibility of being any of the following 12 strings in the subject line:

Life Stages
Funny
Jokes

FW: Life Stages
FW: Funny
FW: Jokes

Life Stages text
Funny text
Jokes text

FW: Life Stages text
FW: Funny text
FW: Jokes text

If you receive an e-mail with any of the subject lines above and with an attached .txt file, it is highly recommended that you do not open this file as it is very possible the file is infected with the virus. The following is what is contained in the text file:

The male stages of life:
     
        Age. Seduction lines.
        17 My parents are away for the weekend.
        25 My girlfriend is away for the weekend.
        35 My fiancee is away for the weekend.
        48 My wife is away for the weekend.
        66 My second wife is dead.
     
        Age. Favorite sport.
        17 Sex.
        25 Sex.
        35 Sex.
        48 Sex.
        66 Napping.
     
        Age. Definition of a successful date.
        17 Tongue.
        25 Breakfast.
        35 She didnt set back my therapy.
        48 I didnt have to meet her kids.
        66 Got home alive.
     
       The female stages of life:
     
        Age. Favourite fantasy.
        17 Tall, dark, and hansome.
        25 Tall, dark, and hansome with money.
        35 Tall, dark, and hansome with money and a brain.
        48 A man with hair.
        66 A man.
     
        Age. Ideal date.
        17 He offers to pay.
        25 He pays.
        35 He cooks breakfast next morning.
        48 He cooks breakfast next morning for the kids.
        66 He can chew his breakfast.