Can I get a virus by opening a spam email? HELP!

Okay, so I opened a spam email, and after I thought about it I remembered that it could have contained a virus. I didn't open any attachments, I just stared at the huge email, and then deleted it from my inbox. Could my system be infected by spyware, or something that logs my keys and mouse clicks?

asked Sep 06 '10 at 17:37

geek10246
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It is quite probable. It is because of HTML formatted email. If you use plain text, this may help prevent it.

answered Sep 06 '10 at 17:39

kevin ♦♦
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I am running virus scans now, will this find it or will it somehow hide it from the scanner?

(Sep 06 '10 at 17:41) geek10246

It could, you can try and set the computer in safe mode and scan it.

Also if the email just looks like pain test and no special fonts or layout, it should be fine

(Sep 06 '10 at 17:43) kevin ♦♦

Ok thanks, the email was just 100 % plain text, no links or anything. Just a guy claiming to want to give me billions of dollars and to give him my info. I didn't reply or give him any info.

(Sep 06 '10 at 17:45) geek10246

just finished my full sys virus scan and there are no viruses found. Good to know

(Sep 06 '10 at 18:00) geek10246

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