I have a laptop that crashed while applying the microsoft patch for
msblaster worm

When I got the worm, it would restart my laptop (winXP Home) every x
minutes.   I want able to quickly jump onto the windows update site
and grab the patch.  I downloaded and then ran the installer.

As the patch was getting towards the end of its install, the virus
shut down my PC, and now it appears to be corrupted.

When the pc boots, it starts to load windows and then the screen goes
black and it reboots again.  An endless loop.

I tries to start in Safe mode, but that didn’t help ether.  it just 

I am desperately hoping I don’t have to reinstall win and all my many
apps.

Can I undo the patch even though I can’t boot?


Thanks in advance for your help.

What happens in safe mode?  you didn't finish that sentence...

Dear Sherpaj,

This problem is discussed on the Symantec web site, at:

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.html

If you scroll down to "removal instructions" and "Important Notes",
you will see mention that, indeed, the worm can shut down your
computer before you can access the patch.  There are two workarounds
described there: either activating Windows XP firewall or changing the
settings for the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service.  Note that, if
you choose the second route, you should take care to note the existing
settings, as you will want to put these back after you have solved the
problem.

At the beginning of "removal instructions" you will find a link to
Symantec's removal tool, which you may also find useful, either before
or after you install the patch.

Good luck.  I trust this helps.

Carnegie