How to Tell If the Worm Is Affecting Your Computer

Some customers whose computers have been infected may not notice the presence of the worm at all, while others who are not infected may experience problems because the worm is attempting to attack their computer. Typical symptoms may include Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 systems rebooting every few minutes without user input, or Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 systems becoming unresponsive.

System Shutdown
Shutdown error. If your computer is infected, you may see this error message.

Whether you are experiencing these symptoms or not, Microsoft recommends that you take the following action immediately:

  • If you're running Windows XP or Windows 2000, follow all Steps 1–4 for home users below.
  • If you're running Windows Server 2003 or Windows NT 4.0, follow Steps 1–3 for home users below.

Action for Network Administrators

Microsoft recommends that network administrators take the following action immediately:

4 Steps for Home Users

home If you are using Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003, you should follow the steps in this sequence to help protect your computer and to recover if your computer has been infected.

padlock 1. Enable a Firewall

Make sure you have a firewall activated to help protect your computer against infection before you take other steps. If your computer has been infected, activating firewall software will help limit the effects of the worm on your computer.

The latest Windows operating systems have a firewall built in. Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 users should print or save the following instructions for how to enable their firewall.

If your computer is rebooting repeatedly, disconnect from the Internet before you enable your firewall. To disconnect your computer from the Internet:

  • Broadband connection users: Locate the telephone cable that runs from your external DSL or cable modem and unplug that cable either from the modem or from the telephone jack.
  • Dial-up connection users: Locate the telephone cable that runs from the modem inside your computer to your telephone jack and unplug that cable either from the telephone jack or from your computer.

Follow the instructions provided for your operating system, and then reconnect to the Internet.

padlock 2. Update Windows

If you have disconnected from the Internet, remember to reconnect before you take next steps. Download and install the security update addressed in Security Bulletin MS03-039 (824146) for the version of Windows that you are using from Windows Update.

When you get to the Windows Update site, scan your computer for any critical updates that you need, and then install them. To do that:

  1. Click Scan for Updates next to the green arrow near the centre of your screen.
    Note  It may take several minutes for the scan to complete.
  2. After the scan completes, under Pick updates to install on the left side of your screen, click Critical Updates and Service Packs.
    A list of updates appears. The update related to Security Bulletin MS03-039 is identified by the number 824146.
  3. Click Review and install updates near the centre of your screen to begin downloading and installing the updates.

Get the Security Update from Windows Update

padlock 3. Use Antivirus Software

Use antivirus software and make sure you have the latest updates installed. There are several variants of this worm, and the most up-to-date information about them can be found at your antivirus vendor's website.
  • If you already have antivirus software installed, go to your antivirus vendor's website to get the latest updates, also known as virus definitions.
  • If you do not have antivirus software installed, get it. The following vendors participating in the Microsoft Virus Information Alliance (VIA) offer antivirus products for home users:

padlock 4. Remove the Worm

If you think there is even the slightest possibility that your computer might be infected, use the free worm removal tool available at your preferred antivirus software vendor's website:

 

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