What to do when you get "runtime error 216" message

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This question was answered on July 10, 2000. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

"Runtime" errors in general are caused by an event during the attempted execution of a program that will not allow it to properly execute. Simply put, something needed to run the program is not working properly. Running out of memory, bugs in the software or something that is standing in the way of the program (such as another program) are common causes of runtime errors. In your case, the specific error code that accompanied your error message points to the very high likelihood that you have contracted a Trojan Horse program (virus) called "SubSeven" or "Backdoor" that has altered the way that Windows operates. This Trojan, which was first discovered in April of 1999, is particularly insidious because it will allow others to access your system and actually take it over. It creates a "Backdoor" for hackers that are looking for systems that are infected with it. The origin of this trojan/virus program has been traced to the Netherlands and is constantly being updated by its author in efforts to thwart anti-virus programs. Most

anti-virus programs can detect and remove this strain of Trojan as long it has been updated in the last 30 days. (Free updates are available to licensed users via most anti-virus companies websites.)

A quick way to see if you have contracted this strain of Trojan/virus is to search your computer for one of the signature files. Click on Start/Find then select "Files or Folders." to open the Find dialog box. In the "Named:" field type "msrexe.exe", then make sure that the "Look in:" field is pointing at your C: drive and the "Include subfolders" box is checked before clicking on the "Find Now" button. Three other potential signature files that you can search for include "run.exe, windos.exe and mueexe.exe". If you don't find any of the signature files, you may still have a variation

of the program (at last count there were 14) that uses a different signature, so be sure to scan your computer for viruses anyway.

You probably contracted this strain when you opened an attached file to an e-mail message that was supposed to be a picture of some sort. It poses as a *.jpg or *.bmp file and leaps out of the file when you open it. Following my "be paranoid" rule will help you from contracting any e-mail attached virus in the future. (Don't open an attachment to an e-mail message, especially from someone that you trust, unless you know exactly what it is. Many virus programs will auto-send themselves to everyone in an infected

systems address book, making it look like it came from someone that you know.) For more e-mail safety rules go to: <a href="http://www.computerproblems.com/allcolumns.cfm?columnID=41"><font color="#003399">http://www.computerproblems.com/allcolumns.cfm?columnID=41</font></a>

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