If a computer user opens the attachment, the virus will spread itself by sending an email to everyone in the user's email address book, the company said. When the user closes the Word document, the virus will then delete important files on the user's computer.

The FBI advised computer users not to open any email with this subject line, to deactivate the executive summary feature in Microsoft Outlook, and then delete the email without opening it.

The government warning said the Memorial Day weekend could allow the virus to spread over the next three days with a potentially rapid surge in activity as business opens overseas on Monday and in the United States on Tuesday.

Santa Clara, Calif.-based Network Associates said the virus was known as the "Killer Resume" because it arrives pretending to be a resume from a potential job applicant.

Symantec AntiVirus Research Center of Cupertino, Calif., said the virus was "extremely fast-spreading," and the text of the message reads:

"To Director of Sales/Marketing,
Attached is my resume with a list of references contained within. Please feel free to call or e-mail me if you have any further questions regarding my experience. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Janet Simons."

The virus, dubbed "NewLove," infected thousands of computers around the world, but failed to become an epidemic like the Love Bug that reached millions three weeks ago.

Safeguards put in place on corporate email systems against the earlier virus stopped NewLove's spread. The FBI said the virus shared some characteristics with the Love Bug and have launched a search for the creator.

As with NewLove and the Love Bug, Killer Resume will only spread from recipients running Microsoft's Outlook email program.