A new virus has just made an appearance on the computing landscape. A bug that affects all those computers that still have the Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating system inside them. According to the website The Verge, this new virus forces websites to upload an image file with the name “$ MFT ”in the default path. Windows uses the name "$ MFT" for special metadata that only works for NTFS system files. Windows 7 and 8 are unable to handle this type of file system, so the computer locks automatically.
A new virus arrives on Windows 7
The website The Verge wanted to know, first hand, if it is true that loading the name "$ MFT" causes a crash on Windows 7 and 8 machines. They immediately tested a file whose path showed the code c: \ $ MFT \ 123 on a PC with Windows 7 operating system and immediately crashed . They had to restart their computer to get everything back to normal.
They continue to warn that there are even PCs that can get a blue screen, since the file system blocks, redundancy is worth it, that file, rendering the applications that depend on it useless. This virus comes when the whole Wannacry affair is still very fresh in our minds, which put important companies in check.
Upgrading to Windows 10 solves the problem
Since this virus only affects computers with Windows 7 and Windows 8 , those PCs that have Windows 10 are safe. So, if your computer is compatible and you don't want to suffer the contagion, get ready to upgrade to Windows 10.
How to upgrade my PC to Windows 10
These are the requirements that your machine must meet in order to upgrade to Windows 10
- Processor: Your computer must have a 1 gigahertz (GHz) or higher processor or SoC inside it.
- RAM: Your computer's RAM memory must be at least 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
- Hard disk space : If your computer has a 16 GB hard disk for 32-bit OS; 20GB for 64-bit OS, then you can seamlessly update to the new version of Windows 10 Creators Update.
- Graphics card: You must have a DirectX 9 or later graphics card with a WDDM 1.0 driver
- Screen : If your PC screen has a screen with a resolution lower than 800í — 600 you will not be able to update your equipment. In that case, you should have among your main options those of buying a new one.
The installation file weighs no less than 6 GB , so you will have to be patient until it is fully downloaded if you do not have a high-speed connection. If you want to avoid this virus in Windows 7 and 8, you have no choice.
How to update if your device is compatible
First of all, you have to make sure that you don't have any pending updates . This is something that you must take into account, as updates are vital to keep your computer away from viruses.
If you do not have any pending update, you should go to this link, where you will be notified automatically if your computer is compatible with the new version of Windows 10. If you are compatible, download the installation file and run it. Keep in mind that the process is long and that the computer will restart on many occasions. If you are using the machine it is better that you save all the projects before starting the update.
This new Windows error was detected a few days ago, earlier this week. There is still no communication or solution from Microsoft, so the safest way to prevent this virus from affecting us is to have the equipment properly updated.