Tip #4717 - Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
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Q:
Can you please explain what the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software
Removal Tool is? It comes through every month with the Windows Updates,
but I've never really figured out what it does.
A:
Oh, that's
such a good question! I've been asked this question several times
in the past and to be honest, I thought we already covered it in the
newsletter. That's the only reason why I never addressed it. But,
after taking a quick look through our archives, I found out we've
touched on it before, but we never really gave a good definition of
it. So, before I go any further, I just want to apologize for neglecting
this for so long and I hope my explanation of it today will make up
for lost time. Let's get started, shall we?!
Here's
the basic definition you've been looking for! The Microsoft
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a utility that
scans your computer for any infections that revolve around malicious
software. If anything is found, the Removal Tool then helps to get
rid of it. A few examples of the software it focuses on a bit more
are Blaster, Sasser and Mydoom. Once the scan is finished and the
malicious software is removed from your computer, the Tool gives you
a report describing everything that was detected and removed.
Now,
like the person who asked today's question stated, a version of the
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is released each
month with the Windows Updates. Other versions of the Tool are also
released when needed to help out with new security issues. The version
you install each month through the Windows Updates simply sits in
the background on your computer and alerts you if an infection is
found. You are able to run the Tool more than once a month if you
wish, but in order to do that, you need to download a different copy
from Microsoft's Web site. That's completely up to you!
It's possible
that some of you neglect to install the Microsoft Windows Malicious
Software Removal Tool each month. You may think your computer is just
fine and you're convinced you don't need another utility running on
your computer. Well, everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but
I strongly recommend you run the Tool at least once a month. Even
if your computer seems to be acting normal, you're still at risk of
being infected. The Removal Tool is heavy duty and it makes a big
difference when it comes to keeping your computer safe.
You should also
make sure you keep all of your other antivirus, spyware, etc. software
up to date. Those programs can work along with the Tool to keep your
computer as protected as possible. Also, just for your information,
the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool works with the
following operating systems: Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Server 2003.
Stay safe!
~ Erin
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