Blaster Virus: Unable to boot

[Jay]

My laptop (Windows XP) was most probably infected with Blaster Virus. It
suddenly shut off on its own. Now, pressing the machines ON/OFF switch, does
not do anything - just as if the power on/off switch is not working.

It seems more like a power supply issue but just wanted to confirm. Has
anyone heard of an affect like this due to the blaster virus? What should I
do?

Thanks.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Jay;
There is nothing in Blaster that will affect the switch.
If you can not power on, it can not be Blaster because Blaster infects
Windows and Windows is not functional when computer is off.
If you can not power off computer, try holding power button for 5-10
seconds, it may be locked.
In that case, there may be some application (possibly Blaster) causing
the computer to lock.

DISCONNECT the subject computer from any network IMMEDIATELY.

If necessary to stop the reboot process:
Start/Run
Type "shutdown -a" ENTER

Install or enable a firewall IMMEDIATELY:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673

VERY IMPORTANT to follow ALL steps, closing ports or installing the
patch is NOT enough.
Download the patch and regedit referenced in the article below.
You may need to do this at an uninfected computer and burn to CD or
save on floppies.
Each file is small enough to fit on a floppy.

Follow this to clean and protect your computer:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_qr.htm#rpc

After this is resolved prevent similar occurrences by installing ALL
Critical Updates from Windows Update.
Keep antivirus up to date and run at least weekly.
Install or enable a firewall.

See also:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=826955
http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp