rebooting

[dw]

Sorry, I'm not very knowledgable about Windows. But, I
father-in-law called and said his Windows XP Home machine
is just rebooting over and over.

Does this have something to do with a virus or worm? How
can I fix it if it is?

Thanks.

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, dw.

It MIGHT be a sign that his computer is infected with the Blaster worm, but
neither you nor we can say without more details. :>(

You might start your research at:
Virus Alert About the Blaster Worm and Its Variants
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=826955

If it is NOT a worm, then you can have a look at MVP Jim Eshelman's page for
troubleshooting WinXP shutdown and startup problems:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.php

If neither you nor he are computer-savvy - and especially if you are too far
apart for you to sit at his computer - then you may need to find a friendly
geek to help diagnose the problem.

RC

 

[dw]

Thanks for the reply.

I haven't looked at the MS page yet, but will I need to
purchase some virus software so I can boot the virus
software and clean the computer? Thanks again, I'll check
out those links.

 

[rory]

To clean your computer, just visit Symantec and use their free download.
For future protection, you can use a free AV program:
http://www.free-av.com/

 

[Alex Nichol]

Sorry, I'm not very knowledgable about Windows. But, I
father-in-law called and said his Windows XP Home machine
is just rebooting over and over.

It may well be the Blast infection. See
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_qr.htm#rpc

For instructions as to what to do.

I would suggest adding: After clearing the immediate matter and before
going to look for the patch, make sure the XP Firewall is turned on, at
Network Connections - r-click the connection, Properties - Advanced and
click the box. Otherwise you are likely to get infected all over again
while getting the patch