BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhuanet) -- 

(Photo:CRIENGLISH.com/online.ural.ru)

Microsoft has released a tool for removing a particularly troublesome computer virus but was not yet able to offer a software patch to prevent the infection from spreading.

    The virus, called "download.ject", was discovered in late June and exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser. CRIENGLISH.com reported Thursday.

    Microsoft previously released a security update that changed settings in its Windows operating system to thwart infection from the malicious code, which is designed to steal passwords and other valuable information.

    But that update did not entirely fix the flaw that enabled the spread of the virus, which converts popular Web sites into virus transmitters.

    Microsoft also released more tools this time that alter Windows settings to prevent this virus from getting to desktops since security experts warns that the virus might mutate or seek other routes of attack.     

    (CRIENGLISH.com)