Oil leak...how can I possibly fix this?

Okay, I own a 1998 Volkwagen Passat and discovered a bad leak near the oil filter. The oil filter is not leaking. The leak is coming from the part where the filter is mounted on. I have no idea how to remove this because it is difficult to see if its one big part or several parts that must be removed. Has anyone had a similar problem and how did you resolve it???Oil leak...how can I possibly fix this?
It sounds like the oil filter mounting plate. On some cars it is integral with the oil pressure regulator. You will need to drain the oil and remove the filter. Two or three bolts hold it in place. You should be able to get a replacement from a junkyard. They are full of Volkswagens.Oil leak...how can I possibly fix this?
before you do anythng, simply remove your filter and check and see if the o ring is sticking to the mount, 99.99% of the time ppl install a new filter that has a new o ring on it, to a mount that has an old o ring stuck to it from the previous filter.
on that adapter plate you can remove the filter and tighten the spindle nut to slow or stop that leak. if it has leaked for a while it might be time to replace the seal between the block and that plate.
First make sure your oil filter has the little rubber sealing ring in place and it tightly screwed into the filter, Oil is under pressure when the car is running and it could be spraying up.
i'd do an oil change on it, and make sure that you've got the correct oil filter to begin with. Check to see if you've got the rubber seal that goes around the oil filter on the front of it. (where it's threaded)
Most mechanics aren't bothered to change the o-ring seal when they fit the new filter in (because mechanics are lazy bums) so I would not be surprised if the o-ring is rotten...and with the cold weather....anyone remember why the Space Shuttle exploded?
It might be the oil filter gasket