NT_Authority

I get this message randomly whilst using the comp, playing games, running windows.. It shutsdown the system. It states NT Authority is shutting down the system. I'm running a brand new P4 3Gb.. Any ideas?

 

Run a virus check. Sounds like sasser/blaster. If you want to stop the shutdown, go Start -> Run -> type "shutdown.exe -a".
Housecall Online Scan
http://housecall.tredmicro.com/
Mcafee STINGER
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4063.html
MS Removal tool
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4212.html

 

You've got a virus. A worm, technically. In all likelyhood it gained access by this known exploit. There are several viruses that infect your machine by this exploit, the most well known is Blaster.

First, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and make sure your system is up-to-date. Keep going back until it reports no critical or recommended updates. This will cause your system to download the patches which fixed this exploit.

Next, update your anti-virus scanner and run a scan. If that fails to find anything, then try running HouseCall, an online scanner.

 

Ahh, good call on the WU, I forgot about that

 

Yeah, doesn't help much if you remove the worm only to get it again later. Friend of mine learned that you have to update first the hard way.

 

If using Windows XP, then it might be a good idea to enable the Windows XP Firewall (Or some other firewall). It should block the attacks and make sure the computer doesn't automaticly shutdown, while downloading and installing the needed updates from WU.