Question: W32.Blaster.Worm - how do I get rid of it?

Doug says: obviously this question came in person, not by email, since the person who asked couldn't connect to the internet!

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I've got the W32 Blaster Worm on my computer, and I can't get rid of it. It's messing up everything from my sound card to my internet connection. There must be an online patch, but since I can't connect to the internet, I can't get it!

Suggestions?

Answer

It's a pity that your sound card isn't working, because there's a software fix that "yells" at the virus until it runs away.

Okay...that was a lame joke. Here's the real answer.

Symantec says that it is possible to connect to the internet by turning on a firewall. Good idea. Except for a couple things. One is, if you had an internet security package containing a firewall, you probably have antivirus too, and so you probably don't have the worm. Two is, if you don't have a firewall installed, you may have difficulty getting one installed with the worm active.

So, if you don't have internet security software, you better plan on getting some soon! In the meantime, your best bet is to find a kindly friend who will download the patch for you, and save it to a floppy or CD and let you use it.

Where do you find this software patch? Here's the link:

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

The page also provides instructions on using the patch. Good luck!