Prepare for critical Microsoft patch next week

However, the software giant said that the patch for Microsoft Windows will have its highest maximum severity rating of critical. These updates will require a restart and will be detectable using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA), the firm added.

"Although we do not anticipate any changes, the number of bulletins, products affected, restart information and severities are subject to change until released," the firm stated.

In addition to the core security fix Microsoft warned users to expect an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services and the Download Center. It stressed that this tool update will not be distributed using its Software Update Services (SUS).

Microsoft said it will also release two non-security, high priority updates on Microsoft Update (MU), and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), together with one update for its Windows Update (WU), and Software Update Services (SUS).

The warning was made as part of Microsoft's policy to provide advance notification to customers on the number of new security updates being released, the products affected, the aggregate maximum severity and information about detection tools relevant to the update. Microsoft will host a webcast next week to address customer questions on these bulletins.

www.microsoft.com