Microsoft issued a bug fix yesterday for Windows XP to patch the SMB flaw used by the current WannaCry ransomware. This is a walk-through of installing the patch
Microsoft just released a patch for Windows XP that fixes a file sharing flaw being exploited by the WannaCry ransomware. Here’s how to install it.
For an x86 machine with Service Pack 3 installed, the downloaded file name is
windowsxp-kb4012598-x86-custom-enu_eceb7d5023bbb23c0dc633e46b9c2f14fa6ee9dd.exe
To see if System Restore is enabled, right click on My Computer, get the Properties and go to the System Restore tab. To actually make the Restore Point, go to Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore.
The installation process is simple.
1. Wizard warns you to backup your system and close all open programs 2. Then you have to agree to a license 3. Installing the patch takes only a few seconds, even on old hardware. It first asks you to wait while it “inspects your current configuration, archives your current files and updates your files.” Then it makes a restore point. 4. When its all done, it wants you to reboot
After rebooting, you can verify that the patch was correctly installed using Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel. You first need to turn on the checkbox to “Show updates.” Then scroll down looking for the “Windows XP – Software updates” section. It should be huge.
In this section, look for “Security Update for Windows XP (KB4012598) ” with the current date as the date installed. Considering this is Windows XP, the installation date should stick out like a sore thumb. On two machines that I tested, it was, fortunately, the last entry in the list.
BitDefender bragged today that they can protect against WannaCry, but they do not support Windows XP. Neither does Avira, Trend Micro or F-Secure. Kaspersky still supports XP, but their website says nothing about WannaCry.
So, yes, Microsoft released a patch for Windows XP. But now you know the rest of the story.
FEEDBACK Get in touch with me privately by email at my full name at Gmail. Public comments can be directed to me on twitter at @defensivecomput
