Microsoft looking into Windows 'black screen of death' problem |
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Microsoft looking into Windows 'black screen of death' problem
UPDATES: Microsoft disputes reports of Windows 'Black Screen' glitches and Security firm retreats from Windows Black Screen claims
Microsoft says it's looking into reports that its latest security updates are causing some Windows machines to stop working and display a mostly black screen with no desktop icons, taskbar, sidebar or other elements -- seizing up and displaying just a "My Computer" Explorer window, if they're lucky.
The issue reportedly affects a variety of Windows versions, including Wndows 7. PC World quotes the CEO of computer security firm Prevx saying it's "massively debilitating" for people who have it. Prevx first reported the problem last week, and the company is offering a free tool that it says could fix the problem for some users.
"Microsoft is investigating reports that its latest release of security updates is resulting in system issues for some customers," a company representative said via email in response to our inquiry. "Once we complete our investigation, we will provide detailed guidance on how to prevent or address these issues."
The company released six security bulletins on Nov. 10 for products including Windows and Office. Depending on the size of the problem, the black screens aren't good news for the company at a time when it's counting on Windows 7 to revive the operating system's reputation. The company also tries to get as many people as possibly regularly applying security updates, to reduce the impact of software vulnerabilities, and issues like this don't help in that regard.
We'll provide more details as we get them.
UPDATES: Microsoft disputes reports of Windows 'Black Screen' glitches and Security firm retreats from Windows Black Screen claims
About Todd Bishop
Todd Bishop is co-founder and managing editor of TechFlash. He has covered Microsoft and the technology industry for more than five years, most recently as a daily newspaper reporter and blogger based in Seattle.
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