You've been infected by the Sasser worm.
This means you didn't apply Windows Updates (at least not
very recently - patch for this came out April 13) and
don't have a firewall enabled....tsk!
If you can't stop your computer from restarting:
As soon as your computer reboots and Windows loads, click
Start, then Run.
In the box, type the following: shutdown -a (then click
OK)
Then see
http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/sasser.asp and
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS04-
011.mspx
Removal tools:
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32
..sasser.worm.html
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32
..sasser.b.worm.html
Enable your XP firewall (or get a third party one if not
on XP or even if so -
www.zonealarm.com has a free one)
and run Windows Update regularly to keep your OS patched
to the gills.
You also need good antivirus software and need to keep it
updated regularly.
As mentioned, the patch for this exploit was released
April 13th...but there are plenty you do need. Perhaps
want to enable the autoupdate feature of Windows Update
and subscribe to the security bulletin announcements at
www.microsoft.com/security.
Your computer is now infected with the W32.Blaster.Worm or
one of its variants. This happened because you have not
been using an internet connection firewall and have
apparently neglected to install the critical updates
available at the Windows Update website.
-----------------------------------------------------------
-------
If your computer is constantly attempting to shutdown
or reboot, quickly go to:
Start > Run and type: CMD , and hit enter.
This opens the Command Prompt window.
Then type: shutdown -a , and hit enter.
This should halt the rebooting problem.
-----------------------------------------------------------
-------
Then immediately turn-on Windows XP's built-in Firewall:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
(To enable the built-in firewall, go to:
Control Panel, double-click Networking and Internet
Connections, then click Network Connections. Right-click
your connection, then
Click Properties, and on the Advanced tab, click the option
"Protect my computer and network..." Note: the built in
firewall only monitors incoming traffic not outgoing (ie
spyware, trojans, etc.. you may have on your system).)
Special note if you use AOL:
America Online installs its own connection settings that
override
the ones that come with Windows XP. America Online's
connection settings don't include a way to turn on Windows
XP's
built-in firewall.
What You Should Know About the Blaster Worm and Its
Variants
http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp
A tool is available to remove Blaster worm and Nachi worm
infections from computers
that are running Windows 2000 or Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=833330
A security issue has been identified that could allow an
attacker to
remotely compromise a computer running Microsoft Windows
and
gain complete control over it. You can help protect your
computer
by installing this update from Microsoft.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?
FamilyId=2354406C-C5B6-44AC-9532-
3DE40F69C074&displaylang=en
Above courtesy of MVP Carey
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
***Install a good firewall. ZoneAlarm is a free one you
can install.
Install a good anti-virus program making sure you keep
it's definitions up to date! ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-39
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=824146
What You Should Know About the Blaster Worm
http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp
Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
W32.Blaster.Worm a.k.a. W32/Lovesan.Worm
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm
..html
W32.Blaster.Worm Removal Tool
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm
..removal.tool.html
W32.Welchia.Worm a.k.a. W32/Nachi.Worm
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32
..welchia.worm.html
W32.Welchia.Worm Removal Tool
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.welchia.worm
..removal.tool.html
