14 DAY TRIAL // The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool has been updated and it is available for download. The tool is designed to integrate seamlessly with Windows 2000; Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista and Windows XP. May's edition of the tool has been live since the end of last week. It is the latest version available, as Microsoft refreshes the tool on the second Tuesday of each month.
The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is not designed as an antivirus program. It is however a security solution, offered as a free download from Microsoft. The tool will scan a Windows-based computer and will identify only a limited range of threats, enabling users to clean their systems.
"The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks 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," revealed Microsoft.
As of May 8, 2007, Microsoft has also updated the knowledge base article that delivers information related to the tool. The resource also provides users with an exhaustive list of the malware instances that the tool will detect and remove. The article also contains a description of the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, the end user license agreement, usage instructions and a list of frequently asked questions.
According to Microsoft, the tool will integrate with existing antivirus protection without generating any conflicts and users do not have to disable the active security solutions.
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool 1.29 was tested by Softpedia as being 100% Free and is available for download here.