Glitch in Windows update server expected to be fixed by Tuesday

SEATTLE (AP) _ A glitch in Microsoft's server software has left some users unable to download important security patches and other fixes for Windows software since Thursday. <br><br>The glitch was

Tuesday, January 15th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SEATTLE (AP) _ A glitch in Microsoft's server software has left some users unable to download important security patches and other fixes for Windows software since Thursday.

The glitch was expected to be fixed by Tuesday, Microsoft spokesman Jim Cullinan said late Monday night.

Problems began last Thursday when the Redmond-based software giant attempted to update the software that routs users to appropriate servers to download patches and fixes, Cullinan said.

A glitch in the update left some of the hundreds of millions of Windows users unable to download any data at all, Cullinan said. Microsoft heard sporadic complaints beginning Friday, but it was unclear how many users experienced problems.

The problem came as security experts, including the FBI, are encouraging users of Windows XP _ the latest version of Microsoft's desktop operating system _ to download a patch to fix a serious security vulnerability discovered last month.

The vulnerability could allow hackers to steal or destroy a victim's data files across the Internet or implant rogue computer software. That glitch was considered unusually serious because it could allow hackers to seize control of all Windows XP operating system software without requiring a computer user to do anything except connect to the Internet.

The problem also affects some copies of earlier Windows ME software, and in some rare cases can affect users of Windows 98.

Microsoft technicians were reverting to the old server routing software, Cullinan said, and the update site was expected to be running normally by Tuesday morning.