Microsoft debunks 'black screen of death' speculation

Microsoft is denying reports that its latest monthly security update is causing users to experience serious system problems.

The problem was said to stem from an error in the November "Patch Tuesday" release. Security firm Prevx originally reported that the update was editing registry keys, potentially causing an error which would leave users with a completely blank screen.

Soon after the Prevx report was released, Microsoft said that it began an investigation to find the root cause for the errors.

"We have conducted a comprehensive review of the November Security Updates, the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, and the non-security updates we released through Windows Update in November," the company said in a blog posting.

"That investigation has shown that none of these updates make any changes to the permissions in the registry. Thus, we don’t believe the updates are related to the 'black screen' behaviour described in these reports."

Microsoft said that the exact cause for the errors is not known, the problem is believed to be associated with certain types of malware known to modify registry settings.

In an update and retraction to its original report, Prevx also suggested that a malware infection could be the culprit. The company is still offering a free tool to correct the black screen errors.