Email message sent to Lehigh faculty and staff on July 20, 2024

We are writing to share an update on LTS’s response to the CrowdStrike incident that led to a widespread Windows outage. Mac computers were unaffected.

What happened?

A software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike caused a widespread global outage beginning late Thursday, July 18, and into Friday morning. Clients reported problems with their computers such as blue screen errors or boot up issues.

Library and Technology Services’ response

As soon as the problem was discovered, Library and Technology Services began an investigation. As a result of research and testing, we were able to identify recovery steps that can be taken to restore Windows operability. The main challenge at this point is that these recovery steps require an in-person, manual process at each affected computer. 

Beginning at 4:00 p.m. Friday, LTS staff were dispatched to manually apply the fix on numerous computers on campus. This work is continuing today, Saturday, July 20th. 

We are prioritizing instructional spaces and high-use buildings. Even in the buildings we visit, there are some rooms we were unable to access. We have not entered research labs. 

As of 1:00 p.m. Saturday, most PCs, instructor’s stations, and computer labs in the following buildings have either had a fix applied to Windows or are currently in progress:

  • 125 Goodman Drive
  • 3rd & New St. Building
  • Alumni Memorial Building
  • Business Innovation Building
  • Christmas Saucon
  • EWFM Library and Computing Center
  • HST
  • Maginnes Hall
  • Mohler Lab
  • Neville Hall
  • Packard Lab
  • Rauch Business Center
  • Seeley Mudd
  • Sherman Fairchild (physics classrooms)
  • Sinclair Lab
  • STEPS
  • Taylor Gym
  • Whitaker Lab
  • Williams Hall
  • Zoellner Arts Center

A DIY option

If your on-campus computer was affected and has not already been fixed in-person by LTS, and you would like to apply the fix yourself, please follow our CrowdStrike Windows Fix instructions. If you try this and are unable to get it to work, please submit an LTS help request.

Next steps

LTS will continue our work on campus. On Sunday, we will send another update with additional information about how you can get help if your computer is still affected.

Have a question or concern?

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns, please submit an LTS help request or contact either the LTS Help Desk (610-758-4357 or helpdesk@lehigh.edu) or your LTS Computing Consultant.

Library and Technology Services