This update resolves the "Windows Share Level Password" vulnerability in Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition. If a computer that is linked to a network has File and Print Sharing enabled, and has at least one password-protected folder shared, it may be possible for a user on the network to gain unauthorized access to the folder. This vulnerability exists because of the way the password feature of share level access is implemented for Windows 98 computers. A malicious user can exploit this vulnerability and use a special client utility to gain access to a share without knowing the entire password, and may be able to retrieve, modify, or delete any file within that share. Download now to help prevent unauthorized access to files that are shared over a network that uses share level security.

Windows 98 incorporates peer-to-peer networking capabilities that allow you to share files and folders on a network or within a workgroup. You must enable the File and Print Sharing service and change the properties of a folder in order to create a folder share, and make the folder accessible to others on the network. Share level security requires users on a network to enter a password to gain access to a shared folder.

For more information about this vulnerability, please read Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) Article Q273991. (This site is in English.)

1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
2. Search for 273991UN.INF.
3. When the file is displayed, right-click on the file and click Install.

Note 273991UN.INF is a system file. If your search returns no results, the system files may be hidden. Follow these steps to unhide system files:

1. Click Start, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.
2. Click Tools, and then click Folder Options (in some versions of Windows, Folder Options may be located under View).
3. Click the View tab.
4. Under Hidden files, select Show all files.
5. Make sure that Hide file extensions for known file types is not selected.
6. Click Apply, and then click OK.
7. Click Search Now to restart your search.

Important System files should be unhidden only temporarily. To hide the system files after receiving your search results, follow steps 1 through 3, above. For step 4, select Do not show hidden or system files.