PIFF File

[LiverpoolLou]

Hi all, can anyone tell me how to open a PIFF file, when I click on it it say's: open with: and choose a program. Not sure what to do, it's a music file. I have tried clicking on change and and when I choose the directory I want it to go to, nothing happens.

Thanks

[Loosehead]

What is the 3 character file type?

[Kerplunk]

If it is *.pif be very careful as this format is often used to carry viruses.  Taken from here:

A Program Information File dates back to the early versions of Windows. Basically, it's an information file that when you click on it the information in the file is used by Windows to run some program; including code that can be in the PIF file. It is a potentially dangerous file type and one should never click on one received via E-mail without extensive knowledge of exactly what it will do first. Note: This file type can become infected and should be carefully scanned if someone sends you a file with this extension. 

[stevie21]

Beaten to it, I was about to say that certain viruses/virii are spread as .pif files. Especially via Messenger.

One virus which I can't remember the name of spreads in this way : it looks as though a friend is sending you something via Messenger but really it's jsut the virus trying to distribute itself. If you get the option cancel any such transfer.

With ANY other .pif file, I'd enter its filename and "virus" into google to see if it's a recognised virus.

[LiverpoolLou]

Thanks all, I'll just delete it, to be on the safe side.

[stevie21]

There's a brief list (not exhaustive at all) of filenames to be wary of here for anyone still reading this thread:
http://tinyurl.com/4xuqh

If you're sent these, click CANCEL

[LiverpoolLou]

Thanks Stevie21, much appreciated the information. Can I just say, that it definitely said PIFF file, and I've noticed that on the site you recommended, it say's PIF (with one F), not sure if this makes any difference. Also, a friend of mine had downloaded the file off a site called SimpleMp3s, and sent it to me. As I said in my earlier thread, I have deleted it now, and with all the information you and everyone else has given me, I'll know what to look out for. Thanks.