Because this worm spreads by using shared folders on networked computers, to ensure that the worm does not reinfect the computer after it has been removed, Symantec suggests sharing with Read Only access or by using password protection.

Download security software: Symantec W32.Blackmal@mm Removal Tool 1.0.1

Developer: Symantec Corporation

W32.Blackmal.E@mm is a mass-mailing worm that attempts to spread through network shares and lower security settings. On the third day of every month it attempts to rewrite files with certain extensions with custom text.

If you are on a network or have a full-time connection to the Internet, such as a DSL or cable modem, disconnect the computer from the network and Internet. Disable or password-protect file sharing, or set the shared files to Read Only, before reconnecting the computers to the network or to the Internet.

How to download and run the tool

Important: You must have administrative rights to run this tool on Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP.

Note for network administrators: If you are running MS Exchange 2000 Server, we recommend that you exclude the M drive from the scan by running the tool from a command line, with the Exclude switch. For more information, read the Microsoft knowledge base article: XADM: Do Not Back Up or Scan Exchange 2000 Drive M (Article 298924).

Follow these steps to download and run the tool:
Download the FixBmalE.exe
Save the file to a convenient location, such as your Windows desktop.
Close all the running programs.
If you are on a network or if you have a full-time connection to the Internet, disconnect the computer from the network and the Internet.
If you are running Windows Me or XP, turn off System Restore. For instructions on how to turn off System Restore, read your Windows documentation, or the following article:

How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore

Locate the file that you just downloaded.
Double-click the FixBmalE.exe file to start the removal tool.
Click Start to begin the process, and then allow the tool to run.

Restart the computer.
Run the removal tool again to ensure that the system is clean.
If you are running Windows Me/XP, then reenable System Restore.

When the tool has finished running, you will see a message indicating whether the threat has infected the computer. The tool displays results similar to the following:
Total number of the scanned files
Number of deleted files
Number of repaired files
Number of terminated viral processes
Number of fixed registry entries

What the tool does

The Removal Tool does the following:
Terminates the associated processes
Deletes the associated files
Deletes the registry values added by the threat