Sony Global - Urgent Message Regarding Problems Caused by Microsoft Windows Security Update Program MS04-032 (KB840987)

October 21, 2004
Updated: October 28, 2004

Sony Corporation

Urgent Message Regarding Problems Caused by Microsoft Windows Security Update Program MS04-032 (KB840987)

It has been confirmed that some of Sony's application software(*) for managing music files on the PC may not work as originally intended, if a user installs Microsoft Windows Security Update Program MS04-032 (KB840987) on his/her PC. Sony has been investigating the cause of this problem as well as working on countermeasures in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation. A countermeasure program (KB887811) to remedy this situation is now available at Microsoft's website as shown below.

(*) Please access the customer support websites of each product for information
about the types of affected software and the problems that occur.

[1] Customers using a PC installed with Windows XP

(1) If the "Security Update Program MS04-032 (KB840987)" is uninstalled from the PC, please execute the "Windows Update" and re-install the Security Update Program for the sake of enhancing security level.

(2) The countermeasure program (KB887811) can be downloaded from Microsoft's website.
(Please download here)

(*) The countermeasure program can remedy the problem itself, but Sony strongly recommends that you execute the "Windows Update" to provide your PC with latest environment that will increase security level.
(**) If the PC is installed with Windows XP Service Pack 2, downloading the countermeasure program is not necessary.
(***) If the Security Update Program is deleted after installation of the countermeasure program, there is a possibility that problems may occur including lowered security level and other unexpected anomalies.

[2] Customers using a PC installed with Windows 2000 Professional

(2) The countermeasure program (KB887811) can be downloaded from Microsoft's website.
(Please download here)

(*) The countermeasure program can remedy the problem itself, but Sony strongly recommends that you execute the "Windows Update" to provide your PC with latest environment that will increase security level.
(**) For users of PCs with Windows 2000 EXCEPT its versions of Service Pack 3 or Service Pack 4, it is not necessary to download the countermeasure program.
(***) If the Security Update Program is deleted after installation of the countermeasure program, there is a possibility that problems may occur including lowered security level and other unexpected anomalies.

We would like to express our sincere apologies for any trouble that this problem may cause to our customers.

Reference Information

1) Windows OS Environment that may cause the problem:

Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 3, Service Pack 4
Windows XP Professional (except PCs using the Service Pack 2)
Windows XP Home Edition (except PCs using the Service Pack 2)
Windows XP Media Center Edition (except PCs using the Service Pack 2)
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 (except PCs using the Service Pack 2)

2) How to confirm whether or not a PC is installed with the Microsoft Windows Security Updating Program MS04-032 (KB840987)

<In case of Windows XP Series>: Click the [Start] button, then select [Control Panel -> Add/Delete Programs].
If "Windows XP Hotfix - KB840987" is on display, this shows the security updating program is installed.

<In case of Windows 2000 Professional>: Click the [Start] button, then select [Setting -> Control Panel -> Add/Delete Programs].
If "Windows 2000 Hot Fix - KB840987" is on display, this shows the security updating program is installed.

3) How to execute the "Windows Update"

Open Internet Explorer and drop down the "Tools" menu as seen below and select "Windows Update" in the list.