Warning: Windows XP
 

Well, on top of all the existing computer problems I have been having, apparently a new virus has just been unleased on Windows XP. This new virus runs through your internet connection and takes advantage of a defect in XP to completely overrun your computer. When you log on to your system, you will get four messages concerning missing files and then an error box that says your computer will be shutting down in 60 seconds due to a problem with the "remote procedure call" (RPC). So, if you have Windows XP, make sure you are not connected to the internet and, if you already are, call your computer company and ask how to get it fixed. You'll likely have to send it in to be patched up.

Ugh, thank god for a secondary computer because (minimum) two weeks without computer access would kill me!

well that explains the trouble with my computer then
:( will the recovery kit that comes with the computer take care of the problem?? does anyone know??

The recovery kit *may* temporarily fix the problem, but it's doubtful. Also, the XP glitch will still be there so you'll still be suceptible to viruses and other problems in the future.

I don't know of any current problem that cannot be prevented by taking some easy steps

• Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download all the security updates
• Go to www.zonelabs.com and download the free version of the ZoneAlarm firewall
• Go to www.norton.com and purchase Norton Antivirus and update the definitions every week

As well, there is no reason why you would have to send your computer in for a patch to overcome a virus: Any such patch will deal with the software within the computer, which can easily be installed by you through downloading it through the internet - any such patches (and there are many) are available at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

The only reason you MIGHT have to send in your computer is if you have already been effected by a virus and need a new motherboard, etc.

I was getting the same thing, my computer got shut down at least 5 times that day. I ran the windows update (you can have it scan for critical updates), and I don't have that problem anymore.

Heeeeeey...sounds like the virus that affected all the University of Hawaii computers with XP today! Grr...

This is the release from the UH ITS department with instructions on how to fix it:

There are reports from people on campus that they cannot use Windows Update, their computer is shutting down on its own, or they are unable to update or use their antivirus software. These are symptoms of the W32/Lovsan or Blaster worm. The worm spreads through insecure shared folders (the worm uses port 135 TCP). This worm is using a Microsoft vulnerability called DCOM RPC from the security bulletin http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tre.../MS03-026.asp. It is very important that you install this patch installed immediately and update your antivirus software to the most current version 4283 dated August 6th. There is a special Extra DAT file for McAfee VirusScan extrablaster.exe*** to help you detect and clean this worm.
More information will be posted when available.

I got that today too...and I NEVER EVER get viruses, because I'm meticulous about who even gets my email address.

Ran the windows XP patch and deleted all the files that the virus left on the PC and it was over.

OMG! My computer keeps doing that...and it's annoying the HELL outta me...like it gets that box and then it like counts down and it says I'll lose all unsaved work. And then it restarts. It especially does it at night.

NO WONDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:

Re: Warning: Windows XP
 

A few days ago, I had a similar problem with the RPC and didn't know what it was at first. I recently ran a virus scan through Norton and things were okay.

http://smilies.crowd9.com/cwm/cwm/eek5.gif

Okay yall, I'm having a problem figuring out what to download on that link OTW posted. Should I just download a virus scanner or do I need a patch?

Hey Hootie, that was the stuff we dl-ed at work to fix our computers at work. It'd be best to download the patch because it sounds like your PC does it too:

http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/defau...virus_k=100547

That's the link to the McAfee version and it gives better directions to dl it.

When you restart your computer, CTRL + ALT + DEL and kill the MSBLAST.exe so it doesn't give you that countdown. Doing that will give you enough time to download the patch.

OMG!!! That happened to me today. My brother and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with the computer. He reinstalled windows and that did't work. He got frustrated and called our internet provider and that told us what the problem was...this crazy a$$ virus, and my brother was told to download a program from the microsoft website for added protection (ok that just sounded like my computer needed a condom).

Anyhoo, we fixed the problem...I hope. It seems to working now, but it's just not the same as it was before.

Well, I guess all my other computer problems are the reason the virus scan and the patch wouldn't work for me, but I'm glad the problem is easily fixed for some of you.

Ack! I just posted my problem in the Random thread. It had me so frustrated last night!

So, I called Dell & they gave me the address to DL the patch from the Microsoft website. Will that take care of everything? I noticed someone saying that they deleted all files that the virus left.....will the patch make me aware of those files? If not, what would they be?

(I hate having computer problems!! :mad: )

This happened to me last night. I called the Tech people at my ISP and they walked me through the instructions to download the patch.

Damn computer nerds!:rolleyes: