Microsoft Issues New Software Patch

<br>REDMOND, Wash. (AP) _ Microsoft Corp. is issuing a new patch for its popular Web-browsing software because an earlier one broke a function that let users enter Web sites where they had previously registered.

Monday, February 17th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

REDMOND, Wash. (AP) _ Microsoft Corp. is issuing a new patch for its popular Web-browsing software because an earlier one broke a function that let users enter Web sites where they had previously registered.

A patch for Internet Explorer versions 5.01, 5.5 and 6.0 was initially posted Feb. 5 to fix security flaws that could allow an attacker to access users' information or otherwise take control of their computers.

But Microsoft was then contacted by users who complained that after installing the patch, they no longer could log onto some subscription Web sites where they had registered.

Microsoft is now advising users to download a ``hot fix'' that will repair the function that was broken by the patch.

Although Microsoft tries to test patches to make sure there aren't problems, ``it's a very delicate balancing act,'' said Iain Mulholland, security program manager with Microsoft Security Response Center.

The company tries to release security fixes to guard against attacks as soon as possible without impairing the program, he said.

``In this case this one slipped through,'' he said.