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Microsoft XP blunder means party time for hackers

Seattle giant throws an almighty spanner in the works and leaves users open to hack attacks...

By Will Sturgeon

Published: 15 January 2002 15:30 GMT

Microsoft's team of techies are working to fix a glitch in one of its web servers which is preventing XP users from downloading software updates - including a patch for a security hole in the operating system's Universal Plug and Play feature.

The problem was discovered last Thursday and was caused by a software update on the server.

Until users are able to access the server and download the patch they may risk being attacked by malicious hackers.

The FBI is treating the risks posed by the hole seriously amid fears it will open servers up to denial-of-service attacks. It has urged XP users to disable the Universal Plug and Play feature that contains the holes.

Microsoft has not confirmed the number of people affected by the glitch, but said the problem should be fixed today.

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