Wednesday 13 August 2003

Blaster worm: How to Protect Your Computer From 'Blaster,' Step by Step

A computer running the Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0 operating system that is infected with the "Blaster" worm will either slow significantly as the worm searches for other vulnerable systems or display a pop-up warning that it will restart in 60 seconds.

After it restarts, the restart warning and reboot are likely to repeat, the result of the worm attacking a program that the computer's operating-system needs.

To fix the problem on a computer running Windows XP, experts at Atlanta-based Internet Security Systems Inc. say:

• Stop the reboot loop by pressing the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys simultaneously. Then search for a file in the pop-up "applications" list that will appear called "msblast.exe." Click on the "msblast.exe" file name and then click on "End Task" to stop the worm from running.

• Use the computer's search program to find the culprit file -- msblast.exe -- on the hard drive. To do that, click the "Start" button on the lower left corner of your screen, then "Search." That will bring up a search box.

• Choose the option to search all files and folders. Once the search prompt opens, enter the search term "msblast.exe." Delete any matching files, then empty your recycle bin.

• Turn on the firewall software included in Microsoft XP. From the Start menu, click on the "Connect To" menu, then select "Show all connections." Select the first icon you see there, right-click it and select "Properties." Click the "Advanced" tab, the last one on the right, and check the box next to "Internet Connection Firewall." Repeat this step for each icon in that connections window.

• Download the Microsoft software fix to protect your computer against the Blaster worm from the Web site windowsupdate.microsoft.com.

• Unplug your Internet connection. Restart your computer. Once the computer is fully rebooted, reconnect it to the Internet.

• If you have not been keeping up to date with patches from Microsoft, go back to Windows Update and let Microsoft scan your computer for other critical updates. Download and install all of those listed.

• Make sure anti-virus software is installed, and update virus definitions.

Email this page to a Friend