‘Black screen of death’ for some Windows users

[Doz]

Recent Microsoft security patch affects those using Windows 7, Vista, XP



A Microsoft security update for its new computer operating system, Windows 7 as well as older versions of Windows, is resulting in some users getting a "black screen of death" on their machines, according to reports. The problem may be tied to security updates recently released by the software maker."Microsoft is investigating reports that its latest release of security updates is resulting in system issues for some customers," the company said in a statement. "Once we complete our investigation, we will provide detailed guidance on how to prevent or address these issues." (Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.)
Windows users are familiar with the "blue screen of death," when their computers essentially shutdown because of an operating system problem. The new "black screen of death" appears to occur when the computer is first turned on, then shuts down.







http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34223754...ence-security/

[Doz]

"If customers do encounter an issue with security updates, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service and Support group for no-charge assistance" at http://support.microsoft.com/security."

[Doz]

More info

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/10...AV12022009STR1

[Doz]

I had one of our Office staff come to me this morning with the Black Screen of death. They rebooted the computer several times to no avail.

I unplugged the computer and then restarted with no issues.

[Doz]

The fix that it offered on its site wouldn't address all the causes for the Black Screen, the company cautioned, but it would "probably" work for those whose "black screen woes began in the last two weeks after a Windows update or after running any security program (including Prevx) to remove malware during this time." In an update to that post, the company said it found two Windows patches—KB915597 and KB976098—that "seem common to the issue arising."