Microsoft has released a tool and patch that allow customers to diagnose and eliminate the effects of anomalies in the packaging of hotfixes for English language versions of Microsoft Windows 2000. Under certain circumstances, these anomalies could cause the removal of some hotfixes, which could include some security patches, from a Windows 2000 system.

Frequently asked questions regarding this vulnerability and the patch can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/fq01-005.asp

Affected Software Versions

Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

Patch Availability

Diagnostic tool:
http://www.microsoft.com/Downloads/Release.asp?ReleaseID=27333
Microsoft Windows 2000 Gold:
http://www.microsoft.com/Downloads/Release.asp?ReleaseID=27332
Microsoft Windows 2000 SP1:
http://www.microsoft.com/Downloads/Release.asp?ReleaseID=27330