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While Microsoft software developers worked to repair a security flaw in the Internet Explorer browser software, its officials joined with leaders of the National Computer Security Association to launch the Macro Virus Prevention Initiative. The initiative, unveiled at NCSA headquarters in Carlisle, Pa., is designed to give anti-virus software vendors the information they need to build tools to detect and eradicate viruses created in Microsoft applications, such as MS Word. The NCSA will manage an anti-virus developer newsgroup to let Microsoft communicate with anti-virus software vendors. Microsoft said it will release beta versions of its applications to anti-virus software developers so they can develop tools more swiftly. The NCSA and Microsoft will work on methods of eliminating "false positive" results that sometimes occur when anti-virus tools scan Microsoft applications. Microsoft and the NCSA plan to establish a Web site to help PC users understand and prevent macro viruses. Information about these viruses is on the Microsoft Web site: www.microsoft.com/office/anti-virus.