mikmik
10-28-2003, 11:17 AM
We got talking about installing Windows XP and it came up about the MSBlast worm that is plague-ing the internet since mid-July. This also applies to installing Windows 2000 - ALL versions, Windows NT, and 2003 Server (but not 98 or ME).
Please note : when either installing a fresh copy of your OS or simply doing a repair installation, Windows is vulnerable to infection by the Blaster Worm simply by being connected to the internet!
A repair install wipes out all the updates you might have applied, and of course a new copy doesn't have any patches yet either.
According to TrendMicro here : http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=WORM_MSBLAST.A , The risk for infection and also damaged caused by this malicious infection is rated at the highest category of danger.
I am aware of quite a few people who have gotten this bug before even firing up their browsers, in fact - as soon as windows became functional - and we are talking seconds here.
You must plan ahead!! Make sure you have a copy of the patch on a seperate partition or on a CD-R/RW before installing your OS. You can find the links to all versions of the patch from this Microsoft TechNet page, ( exactly half way down ) http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/?url=/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-026.asp .
Make sure to burn a copy, for as far as I know, the patch is 1.47 MB in size (for XP anyways) and will not fit on a floppy disc. Then make sure that you disconnect your computer from the internet BEFORE running the installation procedure. When windows boots up - and of course floods you with requests to "Take a Tour of Windows!" - then install the patch and reboot. Then you can safely (99.9% sure) hook up to the net (and get flooded with request to sign up for a .NET passport through Messenger etc etc) and do your updates. I always install my anti-virus first thing, even before doing updates.
I have had to talk to people on the phone to debug their computers from this one, and it is not fun. It is very aggressive and causes your computer to shut down and reboot before you can remove it from the registry.
Okay, here is an easier way - download the removal tool here (Symantec) http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.html .
(I am very tired now and must go lay down - it has taken me 45 minutes to type this!)
I have a copy of the first patch that is 1.23MB and will fit on a floppy, so feel free to contact me and we will arrange an e-mail transfer or such, if you can't burn a copy of the 1.47MB one.
(Whew!)(You can also phone me collect (number on my contact page) if you need help, I might want a link one day though! (o: LOL )
THE END
Please note : when either installing a fresh copy of your OS or simply doing a repair installation, Windows is vulnerable to infection by the Blaster Worm simply by being connected to the internet!
A repair install wipes out all the updates you might have applied, and of course a new copy doesn't have any patches yet either.
According to TrendMicro here : http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=WORM_MSBLAST.A , The risk for infection and also damaged caused by this malicious infection is rated at the highest category of danger.
I am aware of quite a few people who have gotten this bug before even firing up their browsers, in fact - as soon as windows became functional - and we are talking seconds here.
You must plan ahead!! Make sure you have a copy of the patch on a seperate partition or on a CD-R/RW before installing your OS. You can find the links to all versions of the patch from this Microsoft TechNet page, ( exactly half way down ) http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/?url=/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-026.asp .
Make sure to burn a copy, for as far as I know, the patch is 1.47 MB in size (for XP anyways) and will not fit on a floppy disc. Then make sure that you disconnect your computer from the internet BEFORE running the installation procedure. When windows boots up - and of course floods you with requests to "Take a Tour of Windows!" - then install the patch and reboot. Then you can safely (99.9% sure) hook up to the net (and get flooded with request to sign up for a .NET passport through Messenger etc etc) and do your updates. I always install my anti-virus first thing, even before doing updates.
I have had to talk to people on the phone to debug their computers from this one, and it is not fun. It is very aggressive and causes your computer to shut down and reboot before you can remove it from the registry.
Okay, here is an easier way - download the removal tool here (Symantec) http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.html .
(I am very tired now and must go lay down - it has taken me 45 minutes to type this!)
I have a copy of the first patch that is 1.23MB and will fit on a floppy, so feel free to contact me and we will arrange an e-mail transfer or such, if you can't burn a copy of the 1.47MB one.
(Whew!)(You can also phone me collect (number on my contact page) if you need help, I might want a link one day though! (o: LOL )
THE END