What fresh hell is this? (computer question)

[AnnabelLee]

So I'm clicking around on DU, & up pops a box saying "This system is shutting down", with a little clock counting down from 60 seconds. It also tells me that the Remote Procedure Call service terminated unexpectedly.

Does anyone know:wtf:this means, & what I should do about it?

[slackmaster]

1. Already being discussed all over the place - Link added

Including right here in The Lounge. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=86458

See http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/msblast.shtml

[AnnabelLee]

3. Thanks n/t

[Deja Q]

2. Stop using Windows XP?

Sounds like Windows has gone bonkers (a critical process crashed) or you've been trojaned.

Do you have a good firewall/antivirus combo installed, and running, on your system?

[tsipple]

4. Not Sure, But...

Go to WindowsUpdate.microsoft.com to apply any security fixes ("critical") available for your system.

Another likely possibility is that someone sent a message to the Windows Messenger service. This is a big, giant, gaping hole in Windows (in my opinion). I would recommend shutting it off or at least following the advice here. That web site also has advice on what services to shut down, to improve performance and security.

Then there's Linux. Knoppix is a great way to introduce yourself to Linux. It's a complete copy of Linux that runs entirely from a CD. No installation required -- you just boot the CD to use it.

(On edit: Corrected web link to WindowsUpdate.)

[AnnabelLee]

5. Locking-Dupe

Please continue discussion here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=86458

[LoneStarLiberal]

6. If RPC is busted...

...Windows will not be happy until it is fixed. That usually means a fresh install of Windows.

Do you have this problem with any other functions on your computer (do you get this while using a word processor, playing a game, etc.)?

There is also an RPC vulnerability "in the wild" right now that might be causing this. I'd suggest updating your copy of Windows immediately (everyone else who isn't sitting behind a firewall or ACL that blocks TCP/135 should do so too).

<http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com>