Computer techies, I need your help. Possible virus

[never cry wolf]

Over the last week or so I have received a couple of bounced email messages from a server or administrator I didn't recognize and it had me a bit worried. I have heard about viruses or worms that utilize other computers to spam. I have Norton Systemworks and updated my definitions and did a complete scan. Then today, I had an email bounced by a client and got this message:

----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors -----
<[e-mail]>
(reason: 554 Your e-mail message was rejected for policy reasons. Your e-mail server at XXX.115.63.XX was fo... DNS Blacklist at bl.spamcop.net. Please contact your e-mail administrator to resolve this problem.)

----- Transcript of session follows -----
... while talking to gateway.XXXXX.com.:
>>> MAIL From:<[e-mail]> SIZE=77363
<<< 554 Your e-mail message was rejected for policy reasons. Your e-mail server at XXX.115.63.XX was found in the DNS Blacklist at bl.spamcop.net. Please contact your e-mail administrator to resolve this problem.
554 5.0.0 Service unavailable

I went to spamcom.net, found my numerical address and it says I have been sending out tons of mail. What do I do???

I use outlook express and have a DSL connection. Why would Norton not detect it? Any help is appreciated.

[shockingelk]

1. two things

It's not your fault, nor a virus, nor your computer sending spam. You share an email server with others at your ISP - that is what's blacklisted - not your computer. Your options are ...

1. Wait for your ISP to possibly get "un-blacklisted"
2. Change ISPs

You should definately call your ISP or check their website to see what's up - this would effect everybody who sends mail through the same email server you use.

[kalian]

2. Being blacklisted....

means that your ISP most likely had open relays on their mail servers.
Thus, anonymous email users can utilize those open relays to spam
the living daylights of millions of users.
Its EXTREMELY tough to get off the "blacklist", so you will have to
find yourself a different ISP as soon as possible...

[never cry wolf]

3. Thanks both of you!

but I really can't switcj ISPs, this is my main office email address and has been for years.

[DEMVET-USMC]

4. Install SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY

I highly recomend this program. It found about 8 trojans on my computer and got rid of them. I also recommend using the C\NET download site. SpywareBlaster is great for keeping your computer free of this crap. Sorry I can`t provide the links. These are both internationlly renowned programs and a google search should get results. They are both free and remember to use C\NET for downloads. I don`t trust some of the others. .....Oscar