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green122333
Former Member
Message 1 of 5

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Hi, All,

    My Windows update shows that Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is available for update.  Does anyone know that if I download and update the tool, would it break McAfee Security Center?

Thanks!

Joe

4 Replies
exbrit
MVP
MVP
Message 2 of 5

Re: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

No it wont harm anything.  It is a vital security update and occurs in updated form on the second Tuesday of every month...always install all security updates that Windows Update offers.    By the way, it takes a while to install because as it installs it scans your entire machine.

newjack
Former Member
Message 3 of 5

Re: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

You may also run this after if needed.Just open serch box in computer and type MRT.You may open and run a quick or full scan.As Peter says they send out a new one once a month.To detect some the latest threats.

green122333
Former Member
Message 4 of 5

Re: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Thanks for the replies!  Does the McAfee full scan cover all the malicious software scanning done by MRT?

exbrit
MVP
MVP
Message 5 of 5

Re: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

I have no idea as they are two different types of scanners.  I would imagine each has there own specialities and are important in their own rights.

I found this Microsoft article:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/890830

It states in part:

How the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool differs from an antivirus product

The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool does not replace an antivirus product. It is strictly a post-infection removal tool. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you install and use an up-to-date antivirus product.

The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool differs from an antivirus product in three key ways:

  • The tool removes malicious software from an already-infected computer. Antivirus products block malicious software from running on a computer. It is significantly more desirable to block malicious software from running on a computer than to remove it after infection.
  • The tool removes only specific prevalent malicious software. Specific prevalent malicious software is a small subset of all the malicious software that exists today.
  • The tool focuses on the detection and removal of active malicious software. Active malicious software is malicious software that is currently running on the computer. The tool cannot remove malicious software that is not running. However, an antivirus product can perform this task.

For more information about how to protect your computer, visit the following Microsoft Protect Your PC Web site:


http://www.microsoft.com/protect/default.mspx


Note The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool focuses on the detection and removal of malicious software such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses only. It does not remove spyware. However, you can use Windows Defender to detect and remove  spyware. (My note: Included in Vista and Windows 7).  click here to download Windows Defender

You do not have to disable or remove your antivirus program whenyou install the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool. However, if  prevalent, malicious software has infected your computer, the antivirus program may detect this malicious software and may prevent the removal tool from removing it when the removal tool runs. In this case, you can use your antivirus program to remove the malicious software.

Because the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool does not contain a virus or a worm,the removal tool alone should not trigger your antivirus program. However, if malicious software infected the computer before you installed an up-to-date antivirus program, your antivirus program may not detect this malicious software until the tool tries to remove it.

Message was edited by: Ex_Brit on 30/04/11 7:17:57 EDT AM
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