XP and RPC "service terminated unexpectedly"

[Joz]

I have a new (7 days old) Dell computer with XP Home
Edition and am having the same problem as Robin, except, I
have also received the same message, even when I'm not
connected to the internet. It says: "System Shutdown"
tells me to save what I'm working on and says "initatiated
by NT Authority\System," "windows must restart because the
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service terminated
unexpectedly." It counts down from :60 seconds and then
restarts my computer. I can't find any information on the
Microsoft web site but at least I know I'm not alone and
that it's not only my system. Please, can anyone HELP?????

Thanks,
Joz

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Joz;
You most likely have a worm W32.Blaster.Worm
DISCONNECT the subject computer from any network IMMEDIATELY.

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