This stack eliminates a virus called “merryxmas” — a script based virus which spreads itself by appending the Home stack script with additional instructions which in turn infects every stack it comes in contact with.
Requirements
------------
This stack requires HyperCard v2.1. This is to handle System 7 aliases. System 7 is not required. Color monitors will display “activity colors.”
If you use a compression utility such as AutoDoubler, be sure to have adequate free space on the volume being checked. Stacks have a way of expanding as they are being examined.
What this stack will do
---------------------
This stack will quickly locate all the stacks on the volume of your choice; peek at the stack scripts (without opening the stacks); and replace the infected scripts sans the virus code. A bonus feature is the option to let it compact those stacks that have free space available for compacting.
Don’t worry about locked stacks—this stack will unlock and relock them.
How to use this stack
-------------------
Step 1. Make a backup of all your stacks, if not your whole drive.
Step 2. Click the Disinfect button.
Step 3. Select the volume you wish to disinfect.
Step 4. Sit back and enjoy. (This could have been a 12 step program
for virus rehabilitation, but it’s notthat big a deal.)
If you wish to take the stack out for a dry run first, use it to scan a floppy. Locked volumes will be scanned without making changes.
The scripts
----------
The code is based on a copy of an infected stack brought to my attention by Ken Dunham at LaGrande Middle School. It was developed on my own time, at home, for use in the public domain.
Soapbox
-------
Viruses are unworthy creations for such clever and talented people. It is my hope that the author of this virus will realize the destructive impact that pranks like this have in terms of lost time & productivity and finds inspiration for more constructive contributions in the future.
Bill Swagerty
AOL: Bill DS
Internet: bill_swagerty@qm.claris.com
Acknowledgements
-----------------
Ken Dunham
LaGrande Middle School
1108 4TH ST
LAGRANDE OR 97850
503-963-1954
Bill Marriott for the straight HyperTalk progress bar as featured in the Claris TechInfo Journal / Winter 1993.
