Microsoft is investigating problems in Outlook Express
caused by a security patch issued earlier this month.
The security update MS06-016 was released to patch a
vulnerability that could allow hackers to take control of users’
computers. It was issued on 11 April as part of Microsoft’s regular
monthly patching cycle.
But problems with Outlook functions have been reported in a slew
of postings on Microsoft’s help and support newsgroup
messageboards, including address books disappearing after the
update was applied, disabled “send” functions and template
problems.
A spokesperson said, “Microsoft is investigating reports that
some customers who have deployed security update MS06-016 may be
experiencing issues with certain functions in Outlook Express.”
The software giant would provide “customer guidance as
necessary” when its investigation was complete, the spokesperson
said.
The Outlook patch problems follow a warning from Microsoft
earlier this week that its critical security patch for Windows
Explorer could crash Office applications or prevent access to files
and folders.
The software firm had already been criticised for delaying its
release of a security patch for the Explorer vulnerability, when
hackers were already circulating code to exploit the bug.