If you're playing CCP Games' sci-fi MMORPG EVE Online, we certainly hope that you're running the game on Windows Vista. It was confirmed that the recent update using the Trinity patch causes the game to overwrite the boot.ini file on Windows XP, leaving the operating system unable to boot upon restart.

The new patch comes in three packages: "classic", "classic to premium", and "full". Those who opted for the "classic to premium" update found that it apparently overwrites Window XP's boot.ini, an essential startup file to run the OS.

The problem is rooted to the fact that EVE Online uses its own similarly named boot.ini file stored in the "CCPEVE" directory. The patch, however, applies itself to Window XP's boot.ini file, deleting the all-important system file to make room for its own.

Windows Vista users have little to fear because the newer OS no longer relies on boot.ini for startup functionality.

There's no need to panic, however. The EVE Online Development Team has already issued a statement regarding the fatal bug. CCP Pete from the dev team has posted a thread on the EVE Online forums on possible solutions to the problem. You can check out the detailed steps on how to recover your OS through the via link below.

On the bright side, the Trinity patch features a lot of new content including new agent missions, exploration enhancements, and faction LP store items, which veteran gamers will surely appreciate to enhance the already multi-faceted MMORPG.

Hopefully, the developers will be able to come up with an updated correctional patch to avoid anymore mishaps like this for other gamers.