What is Aurora?

[Janet Mac]

Hello all,
I am posting this question to these forums because I believe my problem may be being caused by some type of dvd copying or viewing software.

My pc has crashed a few times. Afterwards I get a message that reads:

"your pc has just recovered from a serious error.......
.......would you like to send a copy of the error report to microsoft?"

When I did that this is the response I got:
************************************************** ********
| microsoft.com guide

Online Crash Analysis | Corporate Error Reporting | Online Crash Analysis


Solution found: contact First 4 Internet Ltd to obtain the update

Problem description

Thank you for submitting an error report. The error was likely caused by:

Aurora

Solution

Aurora was created by First 4 Internet Ltd. First 4 Internet Ltd informed Microsoft that they have a solution available for the problem you reported. To learn more about the solution, First 4 Internet Ltd recommends that you visit the following website:

http://updates.xcp-aurora.com

Additional information


Microsoft did not create, nor does it provide technical support for Aurora.
If you have trouble installing the fix or the problem you reported persists, please contact First 4 Internet Ltd and alert them of the problem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I follow the above link I get this:

************************************************** ******
XCP-Aurora Support


Please choose an update from the list below.

Software Updates
Latest Update
Service Pack 2
2|Nov|2005, 3.253Mb
This Service Pack removes the cloaking technology component that has been recently discussed in a number of articles published regarding the XCP Technology used on SONY BMG content protected CDs. This component is not malicious and does not compromise security. However to alleviate any concerns that users may have about the program posing potential security vulnerabilities, this update has been released to enable users to remove this component from their computers.
Download Now

Copyright © 2005 First 4 Internet Ltd. All rights reserved.
************************************************** *******

Does anyone know what all this means? Should I follow the advise and update?
What exactly is the update for?
If any one has any info I sure would appreciate it.
Janet Mac

[drfsupercenter]

Aurora is a spyware program, but I do not know if that is what you mean.

[Janet Mac]

I did some research on this, and discovered that this was caused by antipiracy software that Sony BMG infects your computer with when one of Sony's CDs with the new copy protection is played on your computer.


See here: http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-rootkits- and-digital-rights.html


See here: http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2005/11 /sony_raids_hack.html


See here: http://news.com.com/2100-7355-5928608.html?tag=tb


I haven't used the patch on my pc yet, as I want to look into removing this completely.
Janet Mac