04 Dec 2009

Black Screen of Death 'nothing to fear'

Problems with security updates for Microsoft's Windows 7 may have caused some PC users to experience what is now being referred to as the Black Screen of Death.

However, Simon May, author of The Rough Guide to Windows 7, said the problem is not as widespread as was first feared and noted that it was only occurring in isolated cases where individuals had recently removed malware from their system.

He commented: "The black screen doesn't appear to be as widespread as original reports suggested. If you are faced with it then contact Microsoft's official support line ... can help you get through it quickly."

According to Microsoft, the company has investigated incidents of the Black Screen of Death and found that the security updates are not making changes to the system that these reports say are responsible for these issues.

The firm added it is impossible to know conclusively what might be causing a black screen in those limited instances where customers have seen it.