Virus.Win32.MouseMX

thanks pryon!

technically this is a virus, as although it does not infect files, it is rather what's known as a companion virus, where running the expected executable will instead run the virus along with your intended program.

[thisbox]

I wonder where all my files have gone.
The suspiciously cheese shaped drive:

[LaskyLabs]

"GET THE CHEESE OUTTA MY PC!" - Some poor confused grandma circa 2004~

[SmeddyTooBestChannel]

given its behavior of taking and storing EXE files, it totally should've been called "packrat"

[viceroybolt]

I feel like there should be a category of virus called "prankware" and tbh, I'm far more impressed by this than by boring file deletes or robbery attempts. I see it as a sign of skill from the hacker who wrote it.

[jee_]

Insert clip of James May saying “Cheese”

[FoxerTails]

The person that remembered this virus and then went out of their way to track it down and send it to you is a real MVP.

[igokoma]

gotta say im always cheesed to see a new danooct upload

[rageagainstthebath]

I tried to use my polski superpower to read more about this virus (and possibly someone's claim of the authorship), but MouseMX appears to be mostly associated with Logitech mice these days.
I only found some angry Czech or Slovak discussing his predicament in 2004.
Anyway, in order to reverse this issue, I would find all instances of the virus (based on size or contents) and replace them with files of the same name from the hidden directory. As you have discovered, there is no risk of having any stashed file overwritten. A vba script could fix it.
I admire the author for taking every precaution to make it a non-destructive virus.
Greetings from Poland, albeit far from Tarnów.

[Oskiinus]

That virus mentioned Tarnów! It's my home town. Greetings from there!

[dr.deathdavidlivesey]

Bro, either it's your voice or the overall atmosphere, but I frickin' love falling asleep to your videos, they're soo calming! Stay safe and keep uploading, best youtuber of all times!

[RaptorZX]

danooct1 said "20-30 years ago". Well, 20 years ago, it was Windows XP. 30 years ago, it was Windows 3.1 and DOS 6.2/6.22.

Crazy how fast PC technology evolved between 1990's and 2000's, but gradually slowed down in the later years.

[ramenfox]

when your hard drive is full of cheese, that is not Gouda

[ZvZxlcVjaMu]

The only YouTuber who will thank you for emailing a virus

[widnawz]

your videos are still just as comfy as they were 15 years ago when i first stumbled upon them. im glad you keep them up, dan

[Mateumt]

I have watched you for over a decade now and this is the first time I ever see a video of yours when its still new. Love your stuff man.

[MisterJulius]

user downloads me -> I am cheesed to meet them -> they are unable to unscramble the myriad of files I have moved around -> cycle repeats
always nice to see ya in my sub box, no matter how long it's been. hope you're doin well

[Imfernolistico]

Perfect timing, I was binge watching your older video again. Once more, thank you for indirectly developing my interest in technology as a whole. Being able to actually understand what these viruses do as a younger adult is just as awesome as it is worrying.

[Colbyte_]

Mega Man 9 OST? Dan, really, you shouldn't have. You were already my favorite youtuber. You didn't need any more brownie points.

[ZanyCat]

Viruses now: "Pay me 1 million Bitcoin or your files will be gone forever!"
Viruses then: "Lmao your computer is now full of cheese!"

[choppergunner]

"You see, sometimes people have these vague ideas about viruses they saw 20/30 years ago"

I remember a friend of mine telling me, way back in 5th grade, that his PC had caught a virus that made the screen melt. I thought he was joking, until I actually saw the MeltingScreen virus.