Better late than never, the Lite Side recommends you carefully read
our guide to protecting yourself from the MSBlaster worm.
Macintosh Instructions
- Refer all your PC using friends (this includes those using Virtual
PC) to the Windows section of this guide.
- Get back to work.
Windows Instructions
The MSBlaster virus may enter your computer through a vulnerability
in Microsoft Windows. This virus/worm was designed to cause computers
to launch an electronic attack against Microsoft's Windows help website
on August 16, 2003.
If you are using one of the following Microsoft Operating Systems,
we recommend that you follow the instructions below to remove or
safeguard your computer. Even if your computer isn't infected now, it
could be in the future.
- Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
- Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Services Edition
- Microsoft Windows 2000
- Microsoft Windows XP
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Please take the time to follow the steps outlined below to help
ensure that your computer is safe and clear of the MSBlaster virus.
- Close all open programs and press and hold down the following keys
simultaneously: Ctrl (Control), Alt, and Delete
- Click the Task Manager button
- Select the Processes tab
- Click the Image Name column to sort the list in alphabetical
order
- Select the msblast.exe file by clicking on it once. Then click the
End Process button. If you do not see msblast.exe in the list of
running tasks, proceed to Step 6, as you should still check your system
for the Worm and apply the Microsoft patch. (Some operating systems
require that you log in as Owner/Administrator in order to install this
patch)
- Now you can close the Windows Task Manager screen by clicking the X
in the upper right hand corner.
- Next, determine which operating system you are using. Microsoft has
different patches to protect each operating system, so you will need to
know which operating system you have on your computer.
- Click on the Start button, go up to Run. Type winver and
press the Enter key. The window displayed will indicate which operating
system is being used: Windows 2000, Windows XP, etc.
- Once you have determined your operating system, go to <http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-026.asp>
and click on the link for your operating system.
- Click Download on the right side of the page.
- Choose Run or Open from this location.
- Confirm security warning popup by clicking Yes.
- Follow popup instructions.
- Once your computer has finished go to <http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/FixBlast.exe>,
when prompted click Open.
- When it has finished, you will have successfully checked your
system for the MSBlaster worm and installed the patch.
Please note: If done incorrectly, some of these steps can cause
problems with your Operating System. You should carefully review all
terms, policies, and instructions on any of the websites that you visit
while following these steps. Please note that while the Lite Side is
providing this information to help you remove the MSBlaster virus,
neither the Lite Side, Low End Mac, Cobweb Publishing, Microsoft, nor
Symantec is not responsible for any damage done to your computer by
your attempts to remove this worm.
