A FAT virus attacks the file allocation table, causing serious damage to a computer. It can overwrite files or directories and render a computer unusable. To avoid infection, use antivirus software, avoid downloading from untrusted sources, and be cautious when connecting external devices. Removal tools are available.
A FAT virus is a computer virus that attacks the file allocation table (FAT), a system used in Microsoft products and some other types of computer systems to access information stored on a computer. The FAT acts like an index, keeping information about where hard drive materials are stored, which hard drive sectors are empty, and so on. By attacking the file allocation table, a virus can cause very serious damage to a computer.
FAT viruses can work in various ways. Some are designed to embed themselves in files, so that when the FAT accesses the file, the virus is activated. Others can attack the FAT directly. Many are designed to overwrite files or directories, and stuff on a computer can be permanently lost. If a FAT virus is powerful enough, it can render a computer unusable as well as destroy data, forcing a user to reformat.
Essentially, a FAT virus destroys the index, making it impossible for a computer to locate files, and the virus can spread to files when the FAT tries to access them, causing corruption to penetrate the entire computer. FAT viruses often manifest themselves in the form of corrupted files, with users noticing that files are missing or inaccessible. Even the FAT architecture itself can be changed; for example, a computer that is supposed to use the FAT32 protocol might suddenly say it is using FAT12.
There are several ways to avoid infection with a FAT virus. Computer users should make it a habit to use robust antivirus software that is updated regularly and they should scan their computers regularly for any signs of viruses. It’s also a good idea to avoid downloading material that isn’t from trusted sources, avoid websites identified as “attack sites” by browsers and search engines, and be careful when connecting external devices to a computer. For example, a friend’s digital camera may contain a FAT virus that will be transferred with the pictures on the camera.
If you have allowed a FAT virus to persist, you may need to hire a computer professional to fix the damage and save your system. Removal tools are also available, with many antivirus programs providing removal as part of their suite of services. If a program doesn’t have a removal tool, its website may provide references for removal tools, and sometimes operating system websites also host removal tools for common viruses.
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