Microsoft denies Vista already vulnerable to virus

Microsoft says that a virus, developed to exploit Microsoft command shell technology, will not be a risk to its new Vista operating system, due for release in 2006.

An Austrian programmer has published examples of malicious code, developed to exploits Microsoft’s command shell technology, which is currently under development. In a blog posting, Stephen Toulouse of Microsoft, says that this technology will not be part of the next version of Windows, and the virus, therefore, poses no risk for customers.

The malicious code affects a Microsoft command shell technology called MSH, which could replace the simple command shell used in Windows. A command shell allows users to enter text-based commands. Mr Toulouse said the MSH technology would not be included in the final version of Vista. He said it was still being tested and could be included in future versions of Windows developed in three to five years’ time.

Mr Toulouse denied that MSH was being withdrawn from Windows Vista due to the virus reports.

Microsoft has said that security will be an integral part of the Vista operating system.