Microsoft has released a security update that will prevent the virus from infiltrating your computer.

To install the security update for your operating system, browse to Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067 and locate your operating system in the Affected Software table. To determine your Windows edition and service pack, click  or , right-click My Computer and select Properties. Once you've identified your operating system version, click the appropriate link and click Download to install the patch.

	Note:
	The Microsoft update does not remove an existing virus from your computer. It can only prevent the virus from entering the computer. Refer to your antivirus software vendor for virus removal instructions.

The Conficker Working Group has built a website to consolidate information on removal tools for the Conficker family of viruses. To view the full list of removal tools available for the virus, visit http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=ANY.RepairTools

	Note:
	Due to high interest and the close proximity to the release of this virus, this website may be running slowly.

Q: Will an updated version of Conficker go out to already-infected systems on April 1, 2009?
A: It is possible that systems with the latest version of Conficker will be updated with a newer version of Conficker on April 1, 2009 by contacting domains on the new domain list. However, these systems could be updated on any date before or after April 1, 2009 including via the "peer-to-peer" updating channel in the latest version of Conficker.

Q: Should the general public be alarmed? Why or why not?
A: No, the general public should not be alarmed. Most home users have been protected by Microsoft Security Update MS08-067 (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-067.mspx) being applied automatically.

Q: What should people who are worried about April 1, 2009 and Conficker do?
A: We recommend that home users who have not yet enabled automatic updates do so and ensure their security software is up to date with the latest antivirus signatures for the antivirus product they use.

Several companies and media outlets have published information and history on this virus. For more information, refer to the following:

• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067

• Wikipedia Entry for Conficker Virus

• Symantec - The Conficker Worm

• "No joke in April Fool's Day computer worm"- CNN - March 24th, 2009

• "PC security forces face April 1 showdown with Conficker worm"- USA Today - March 24th, 2009

• "The Conficker Worm: April Fool’s Joke or Unthinkable Disaster?" - The New York Times - March 19th, 2009

Additionally, Microsoft has provided updated guidance on the Conficker virus. These resources aim to help customers by providing answers to common questions, steps customers can use to protect their systems, and steps that can be used to recover systems that have been infected.

Microsoft has published new information today on the following web pages:

• Microsoft Conficker guidance page for IT Professionals and those focused on security in the enterprise: HTTP://www.microsoft.com/conficker.

• Microsoft Conficker guidance page for consumers and home users: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/worms/conficker.mspx.

• The Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC) encyclopedia page for the Conficker family of malware: http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/Entry.aspx?name=Win32/Conficker.

• The Microsoft Malware Protection Center blog: http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/.

• The Microsoft Security Response Center Blog: http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/.