Microsoft 'accidentally' removes Chrome from users' computers

David Swan
Monday, 03 October 2011 13:36

Business IT - Security

Microsoft has to some observers seemed to have fired the latest shot in the ongoing browser wars, with its free security package deleting rival browser Chrome from users' computers. Microsoft, however, has hastily moved to explain that it was an accidental mistake on its part.

 

According to reports, at least hundreds of users have been affected over the last few days as a result to an update pushed to Microsoft's Security Essentials software.

Microsoft has explained that its free anti-virus software erroneously detected Chrome as malware, although it hasn't mentioned anything about wanting to steal market share.

Users have taken to Twitter to lampoon Microsoft, with Fyre Starta writing, "Sneaky sneaky Microsoft.. Nice way to "eliminate" the competition. Wonder how many are too lazy to reinstall."

Ruben Martin wrote, "Hmmm... yeah, I'm sure this was an 'accident'."

For users affected by the bug, trying to reinstall Chrome doesn't even solve the problem.

In a statement, the software giant at fault outlined the cause of the 'inadvertant' bug and how affected users can go about fixing it.

'On September 30th, 2011, an incorrect detection for PWS:Win32/Zbot was identified and as a result, Google Chrome was inadvertently blocked and in some cases removed from customers PCs. We worked quickly to provide an updated signature (1.113.672.0) at 9:57am PDT to fix this issue.  

'Affected customers should manually update Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) with the latest signatures. To do this, simply launch MSE, go to the update tab and click the Update button, and then reinstall Google Chrome. We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused our customers."

Google has released its own (very diplomatic) statement, which doesn't point any fingers.

"Earlier today, we learned that the Microsoft Security Essentials tool began falsely identifying Google Chrome as a piece of malware ("PWS:Win32/Zbot") and removing it from people's computers. If Chrome is working correctly for you, then there's no need to take any action. We are releasing an update that will automatically repair Chrome for affected users over the course of the next 24 hours."

Google's Chrome is currently experiencing around 16% market share, compared to Microsoft Internet Explorer's 54%. This isn't likely to change dramatically with this latest incident.