"Microsoft Corp. released four software patches Tuesday to fix security flaws, including one that could allow hackers to take over computers running the company's instant messaging programs.

Only one of the flaws carried the company's most severe "critical" rating, but it only applies to the Windows 2000 operating system.

To be affected, users would have to visit a Web site and install a program that could then run malicious code on their computers, said Mark Griesi, a security program manager at the Redmond-based software maker.

The other security vulnerabilities — including the one affecting MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger — were assigned the second-highest "important" rating."

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