Windows Scripting Host (WSH) is a part of some of Microsoft’s 32 bits operating systems, or is installed when certain Microsoft programs are installed.

WSH may be used to run Visual Basic Scripts (VBS) to automate some actions which are to be performed frequently, and could thus be a useful tool. However - WSH are also used by some virus authors to perform malicious actions on computers. For example does the infamous LoveLetter virus utilize WSH.

As if often the situation - the security aware person has to choose between enhanced functionality versus higher security. With the havoc caused by LoveLetter in mind, security-aware organizations may want to disable the association between VBS and WSH on the computers. Then Visual Basic Scripts will not run automatically when clicked.

Click the relevant link below to see instructions about how to disable the association between .VBS and Windows Scripting Host for the operating system that you use.

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Windows 2000 - disabling .VBS file association to Windows Scripting Host

WSH is installed if

• You select the default installation of the operating system
• You install Internet Explorer version 5
• You download WSH from a Microsoft's site

How to disable the .VBS file association to WSH:

1. Log in as an administrator
2. On the Desktop, or in Windows Explorer, right-click the My Computer icon.
3. Select the menu choice Open.
4. In the My Computer window, open the Tools menu and select Folder options.
5. Open the File Types tab.
6. Scroll and look for VBScript Script File in the list of different file types (alphabetically ordered) like in the image below..
   
   
   
   If this file type is not in the list, .VBS files are not associated with WSH, and your computer is safe.
7. Click the Delete button.
8. Click Yes if you are asked for confirmation.
   
   

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Windows 98 - disabling .VBS file association to Windows Scripting Host

WSH is installed if

• You select the default installation of the operating system
• You install Internet Explorer version 5
• You download WSH from a Microsoft's site

How to disable the .VBS file assiciation to WBS

1. Start Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Add/Remove programs icon.
3. Open the Windows Setup tab. Select Accessories and double-click it.
4. In the list of accessories, find Windows Scripting Host like in the image below.
   
   
   
   
5. Deselect this in the check-box.
6. Click OK twice to confirm your settings and close the windows.

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Windows NT version 4 - disabling .VBS file association to Windows Scripting Host

WSH is installed if

• You install Internet Explorer version 5
• You download WSH from a Microsoft's site

How to disable the .VBS file association to WSH:

1. Log in as an administrator
2. On the Desktop, or in Windows Explorer, right-click the My Computer icon.
3. Select the menu choice Open.
4. In the My Computer window, open the View menu and select Options....
5. Open the File Types tab.
6. Scroll and look for VBScript Script File in the list of different file types (alphabetically ordered) like in the image below.
   
   
   
   If this file type is not in the list, .VBS files are not associated with WSH, and your computer is safe.
7. Click the Remove button.
8. Click Yes if you are asked for confirmation.

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Windows 95 - disabling .VBS file association to Windows Scripting Host

WSH is installed if

• You install Internet Explorer version 5
• You download WSH from a Microsoft's site

How to disable the .VBS file association to WSH

1. On the Desktop, or in Windows Explorer, right-click the My Computer icon.
2. Select the menu choice Open.
3. In the My Computer window, open the View menu and select Options....
4. Open the File Types tab.
5. Scroll and look for VBScript Script File in the list of different file types (alphabetically ordered) like in the image below:
   
   
   
   If this file type is not in the list, .VBS files are not associated with WSH, and your computer is safe.
6. Click the Remove button.
7. Click Yes if you are asked for confirmation.