14 DAY TRIAL // A fresh version of the Windows malicious Software Removal tool is available for download with support for Windows 2000; Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista; Windows XP. Microsoft no longer offers the security solution for Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows NT 4.0. The tool is designed to work on top of an existing antivirus and to scan the computer for just a limited volume of malicious code. According to the Redmond company, users should not rely exclusively on the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool to protect their machines. It has become a Microsoft tradition to offer an update of the security solution on a monthly basis concomitantly with the release of security bulletins.
"The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 computers for and helps remove infections by specific, prevalent malicious software-including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed. The tool creates a log file named mrt.log in the %WINDIR?bug folder. This tool is not a replacement for an anti-virus product. To help protect your computer, you should use an anti-virus product," Microsoft informed.
The Redmond company offers an extensive list of all the malware items that the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool will detect and help remove from a compromised system. But except the fact that the utility will perform an on demand scan on your machine and address any malicious code it identifies through its signatures, the Windows Malicious Removal tool offers no additional capabilities. "To run the Malicious Software Removal Tool from either location, you must log on to the computer by using an account that is a member of the Administrators group. If you are running Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or Windows 2000, you can also run the Malicious Software Removal Tool from the Microsoft Update Web site or by using the Microsoft Update Automatic Updates functionality," Microsoft added.