Microsoft escapes first wave of virus

Microsoft appears to have escaped a planned internet virus attack without damage.

The MydoomB virus was due to begin its assault on the company at midnight.

It had been feared that millions of copies of the virus had infected machines around the world and would launch a co-ordinated attack, cutting off internet and email service for 27 million users worldwide.

However, at midnight all of Microsoft's websites were available, and virus experts said there "just weren't enough copies of the virus out there to cause any significant damage".

The original version of the virus on Sunday crashed the website of computer company SCO.

David Bains, technical director of anti-virus company MessageLabs, said: "We're not expecting any big problems now as the Microsoft version of this virus just hasn't spread that well."

However, the virus is set to continue clogging up email inboxes around the world. One in four emails is believed to contain a copy. The virus is scheduled to self-destruct on 12 February and users are warned to keep their anti-virus software up to date.