Microsoft server glitch prevents users from downloading critical security patches for Windows

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

http://www.nandotimes.com/technology/story/219517p-2121371c.html

SEATTLE (January 15, 2002 2:38 p.m. EST) - A Microsoft server software
glitch left some users unable to download crucial security patches and
other fixes for Windows software, a Microsoft official said Monday.

The glitch was expected to be fixed by Tuesday, Microsoft spokesman
Jim Cullinan said.

Problems began last Thursday when the Redmond-based software giant
attempted to update the software that routs users to appropriate
servers to download patches and fixes, Cullinan said.

A glitch in the update left some of the hundreds of millions of
Windows users unable to download any data at all, Cullinan said.  
Microsoft heard sporadic complaints beginning Friday, but it was
unclear how many users experienced problems.

The problem came as security experts, including the FBI, are
encouraging users of Windows XP - the latest version of Microsoft's
desktop operating system - to download a patch to fix a serious
security vulnerability discovered last month.

The vulnerability could allow hackers to steal or destroy a victim's
data files across the Internet or implant rogue computer software.  
That glitch was considered unusually serious because it could allow
hackers to seize control of all Windows XP operating system software
without requiring a computer user to do anything except connect to the
Internet.

The problem also affects some copies of earlier Windows ME software,
and in some rare cases can affect users of Windows 98.

Microsoft technicians were reverting to the old server routing
software, Cullinan said, and the update site was expected to be
running normally by Tuesday morning.



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