Microsoft issues ‘highly unusual’ Windows XP patch to prevent massive ransomware attack. New, 80 comments. This includes specific fixes for Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003. The Windows XP SP3 is a major update for Windows XP that has more than 1,000 corrective features for the Microsoft software. The updates range from increased security to internet improvements, and more. WannaCry ransomware attack currently spreading across the globe and every one is busy working to patch the machines for MS17-010. There has been a doubt on which updates covers this Vulnerability. Patches That Fix the Vulnerability For MS17-010. Security Update for Windows XP SP3 for XPe (KB4012598) Windows XP Embedded. Windows XP; Microsoft patches Windows XP to fight 'WannaCry' attacks Facebook; Twitter. I'm sure some enterprising person can find a way to backport the patch, since 2000 and XP share a common codebase (NT 5.x), and are relatively compatible with one another (case in point: the latest HFSLIP packages for 2000 incorporate many XP-specific.
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.
You can download some versions of the patch using links at the bottom of this May 12th Microsoft article: Customer Guidance for WannaCrypt attacks. The full list of patch variants, including languages other than English, is in the Windows Catalog, just search for KB4012598.
For an x86 machine with Service Pack 3 installed, the downloaded file name is
windowsxp-kb4012598-x86-custom-enu_eceb7d5023bbb23c0dc633e46b9c2f14fa6ee9dd.exe
I know, its looks like malware itself. The file is small, only 665K. Logon as an Administrator and, for good luck, make a Restore Point first thing.
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.
Xp Sp3 X86 Wannacry Patch Download
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 (see above). 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.
The fix applies to the file sharing component of Windows (Server Message Block or SMB) and thus prevents an XP machine from being infected over a LAN (Local Area Network). However, it would not protect an XP machine that was attacked another way, via email, for example.
I checked around (here and here) and Microsoft has not issued an update to their free anti-malware software, Security Essentials, for Windows XP. When XP went off support, it was denied access to Security Essentials. Thus, XP machines remain vulnerable to WannaCry, just not via file sharing on a LAN.
To fully protect an XP machine requires a third party antivirus product. Lotsa luck with that.
Download Wannacry Patch
BitDefender bragged today that they can protect against WannaCry, but they do not support Windows XP (see below for update). Neither does Avira, Trend Micro or F-Secure. Kaspersky still supports XP, but their website says nothing about WannaCry.
Windows 7 Wannacry Patch
So, yes, Microsoft released a patch for Windows XP. But now you know the rest of the story.
UPDATE: May 15, 2017. A reader was nice enough to point out that Bitdefender does offer a product that supports Windows XP (and Vista too). The name is fairly direct: Security for XP and Vista.
Windows Xp Wanna Cry Patch Download
UPDATE: May 15, 2017. A couple people have told me that when they verified the installation of the patch, the install date was not the current date but tomorrows date. Beats me why.
FEEDBACK
Wannacry Microsoft Patch Windows 7
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