Yup it is updated monthly (or sooner if needed). It scans for a limited number of high-profile, active threats. From the windows update site, it apparently runs once and then deletes itself. Its default mode also sends MS info on what threats if any were found and deleted.
i have all those and symantec AV ... as such the MS tool found nothing. that said, I support this tool in general -- it is an easy, hopefully background way, to keep a lot of stupid people's machines somewhat cleaned, which may in turn prevent them from infecting others
Just curious,do you guys have spybot ,adaware or spyware blaster on your machines? If so how do you think this microsoft tool will play with these programs????
I've seen some confusion on the boards, and just wanted to clarify that the "malicious software removal tool" found in the Windows Update this month is not the same program as the Microsoft Antispyware Beta that has been in the press recently. The "malicious software removal tool" specifically targets eight worms, while the antispyware beta removes spyware (although it has a large number of false-positives in its beta form).
On the malicious software removal tool, I do consider it poor PR management on Microsoft's part to make the log reporting opt-out instead of opt-in. My opinion (which I admit may be mistaken) is that they're using it as a means to gather data for the Microsoft anti-virus tool that they plan to start selling later this year.
On their antispyware tool, I haven't tried it yet, and don't plan to try it until the frequency of reported false-positives are greatly reduced.
Message Edited by Jason98036 on 01-12-2005 03:42 PM
NemesisDB
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100mph
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BIG brother in action ... :D)
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HiGhLaNdEr48
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Jason98036
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January 12th, 2005 21:00
I've seen some confusion on the boards, and just wanted to clarify that the "malicious software removal tool" found in the Windows Update this month is not the same program as the Microsoft Antispyware Beta that has been in the press recently. The "malicious software removal tool" specifically targets eight worms, while the antispyware beta removes spyware (although it has a large number of false-positives in its beta form).
Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=AD724AE0-E72D-4F54-9AB3-75B8EB148356&displaylang=en
Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta): http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/about.mspx
On the malicious software removal tool, I do consider it poor PR management on Microsoft's part to make the log reporting opt-out instead of opt-in. My opinion (which I admit may be mistaken) is that they're using it as a means to gather data for the Microsoft anti-virus tool that they plan to start selling later this year.
On their antispyware tool, I haven't tried it yet, and don't plan to try it until the frequency of reported false-positives are greatly reduced.
Message Edited by Jason98036 on 01-12-2005 03:42 PM