Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Microsoft has release a free tool that will scan computers for malicious software. The internet over the years has been infected with worms like Conficker, Code Red, Blaster, and Sobig that have caused computers to crash all over the world. To help combat these threats Microsoft released the Malicious Software Removal Tool to help computer users remove these threats. Updates to the Removal Tool are released on the second Tuesday of every month and are part of Microsoft monthly critical updates. The tool is free for authentica Microsoft users.

**This tool isn’t a substitute for an antivirus program.**

If you would like more information on the Malicious Software Removal Tools click on the following link http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx.

Windows XP Users

Step -1: Click on Start and then go to Run.

 

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Step - 2: In the run box type in mrt.exe.

The main screen will now display on your desktop. You must check to assure the latest updates for the removal tool are installed. If your version is out of date go to Windows update and get the latest update. Then hit next.

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You have three options to select from:

Quick Scan:

This just makes a quick scan of your computer only taking a few minutes.  A quick scan will take between 3-5 minutes and should be done everyday.

Full Scan:

Internet Safety Center recommends doing a full scan of computers every week. This scan will dig deep into the computer looking for malicious software. The downside to this option is that it will generally take 2 hours or more to complete. We recommend starting this scan before bed so it can run over night

Customize Scan:

Internet Safety Center doesn’t recommend this option unless you have a thorough understanding of how this software works.

After you have made your selection hit next. It will now start scanning the computer.

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Scan Results:

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Step - 3: View Results

When the scan has completed it will display the results. You can select View detailed results of the scan or hit finish to exit the software.

Creating a desktop icon for the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

To create a desktop icon click on start and go to my computer. Click on the C: drive and then click on the Windows folder. Next click on the System32 folder and scroll down until you find mrt.exe or mrt. Right click on mrt/mrt.exe and scroll down to send to and then select Desktop (create shortcut). This will create an icon your desktop.

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