The world`s largest software maker also issued software patches to fix the glitches, included in Microsoft`s monthly security update, and urged users to set Windows to download and install them immediately.
One of the critical-rated flaws affected Windows XP Service Pack 2, a widely publicised update to Microsoft`s flagship operating system aimed at making PCs more secure and reliable.
Washington-based Microsoft launched its Trustworthy Computing Initiative in 2002 to improve the security and reliability of its software. As part of that initiative, Microsoft began issuing monthly computer security updates to make it easier for customers to track and patch any flaws in their software.
Of the 10 security flaws issued yesterday, Microsoft gave seven its highest "critical" rating, including one that affects it Internet Explorer Web browser.
In one instance, a malicious programmer could instruct a computer to use up all of its available memory, forcing users to restart. In the more severe scenarios, an attacker could take over an affected system in order to view or delete files.
Security experts and Microsoft urged PC users to download and install patches for the software.
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