InBox

By DON McALLISTER

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your internet questions.

Q. Simon received a warning about a new virus called the "blasta" that's spreading fast. "Is this another hoax?", he asks.

A. No, it's real, Simon. It's a worm which affects Windows XP and Windows 2000 PCs and is a little bit different from a virus.

It was discovered in the last few days and most antivirus and firewall suppliers have moved quickly to include it in their updates.

But in this case making sure your virus software is up to date isn't enough.

You must also update your Windows software with a security patch or you will still be vulnerable to this worm.

Go to Microsoft Security for more information.

If you've been infected and need more help ring Microsoft on 0800 800 004.

Making things more complicated antivirus vendors are all calling this worm by different names: W32.blaster.worm, (), W32/Lovsan.worm (McAfee), Lovsan (F Secure) Trend - WORM_MSBLAST. A, (Trend Micro), or W32/Blaster-A (Sophos).

Q. Steven knew how to change his drive letters in Windows 98, but in XP the facility is not readily available. "Where is it now?" he asks.

A. Like quite a few other critical system components that can be misused, this feature is available only to the XP administrator. If you log in as an administrator, you can find it in Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Computer Management/Disk Management. Right click the drive and select "Change drive letter and Paths."

But be careful because changing a drive path or letter may cause any programs installed on, or from, that drive prior to the change not to run.

Q. Elva has tried to un-install ZoneAlarm, but it's persistently blocking her internet access - even though it's apparently un-installed.

A. Check this page (Uninstalling ZoneAlarm) where several extra steps are listed to eliminate it, Elva.


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