Can't run .exe files.

[Tina]

I have a major problem. I have downloaded one of the
security patches send my microsofty by email. The email
had a link to microsoft website and patch attached.

After I have done so, I'm unable to run any application
including norton antivirus from the start button or the
explorer window. I get a message saying that "Windows
cannont find rundll32.exe. Make sure you have typed the
correct name.

On the other hand, the application starts if I open a
document such as word document.

What has happened to my machine? Is the a virus or the
patch was incompatible with my system? also What can I do?

 

[HiMan]

I have a major problem. I have downloaded one of the
security patches send my microsofty by email. The email
had a link to microsoft website and patch attached.

After I have done so, I'm unable to run any application
including norton antivirus from the start button or the
explorer window. I get a message saying that "Windows
cannont find rundll32.exe. Make sure you have typed the
correct name.

On the other hand, the application starts if I open a
document such as word document.

What has happened to my machine? Is the a virus or the
patch was incompatible with my system? also What can I do?

Hi Tina,

it's a virus. Microsoft never emails patches.

Probably Sobig-B or something similar.
http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/articles/palyh.html
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/[email protected]

"Swen" is pretty active lately
http://www.europe.f-secure.com/v-descs/swen.shtml#details

See also
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.security.virus

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/news/patch_hoax.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/authenticate_mail.asp