Macintosh Classic: Disk Errors May Be WDEF Virus

We have seen some strange error messages when inserting 800K diskettes, which have been formatted in a Macintos ah SE or Macintosh Plus, into a Macintosh Classic. When the disk icon appears on the desktop, and the user double-clicks on it, errors like "this is not a Macintosh Disk", "Error reading this diskette", and "Address error" appear.
We have had reports of a variety of problems when users double-click on icons. The only situation that has been reproducible was traced back to the WDEF virus. Apparently, the WDEF virus causes this problem with System 6.0.7. (In earlier version of the system software, WDEF could be in the system, yet not create any major problems.)

Our suggestion is to use Disinfectant 3.7.1 or higher, or any of the other virus protection programs on the market, to check the Macintosh Classic for WDEF and eliminate the virus.


For information on downloading the latest version of Disinfectant refer to:
TIL aritcle 30487: "Disinfectant: Macintosh Anti-Viral Utility".

The Tech Info Library article#17159: "Locating Vendor Information", can help you search for a particular vendor's address and phone number.
Published Date: Feb 18, 2012