Microsoft Fixes Troublesome Patch for Web Browser

Published: April 26, 2006

by Alex Woodie

Microsoft yesterday issued a new version of the troublesome patch it released two weeks ago to fix security flaws in Internet Explorer. Users who experienced problems on their Windows systems after applying MS06-15, which fixes the critical Windows Shell Vulnerability, are encouraged to download a copy of the new patch.

Microsoft said users reported problems with several programs and devices after installing the patch, including Hewlett-Packard DeskJet printers, HP scanners, HP cameras, and HP PhotoSmart software. Microsoft instructed users how to get around the problem by editing the registry in a KnowledgeBase article posted last week called "Problems in Windows Explorer or the Windows shell after you install security update MS06-015".

Users of Sunbelt Software's Kerio Firewall have noted it is flagging certain Windows actions unnecessarily, Microsoft says. Microsoft's workaround to this problem is to configure the firewall to allow a certain action to execute without prompting.

Windows and Office users are also reporting some bizarre post-patch behavior, including no longer being able to access the "My Documents" or "My Pictures" folders; Office applications that freeze when a user tries to save or open a document using "My Documents"; typing an address into Internet Explorer's address bar has no effect; the right-click "Send To" option stops working; the plus (+) sign beside a folder in Windows Explorer stops working; and third-party programs fail when files are opened using the "My Documents" folder.

Microsoft's next Patch Tuesday is slated for May 9.