

Fortunately, by updating the computer and by using malicious software removal tools, you can help permanently remove unwanted software.įor more information about how to remove a computer virus and spyware, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 2671662 - Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses 1. Some computer viruses and other unwanted software reinstall themselves after the viruses and spyware are detected and removed. Removing a computer virus or spyware can be difficult without the help of malicious software removal tools. How to remove malware such as a virus, spyware, or rogue security software If you see this kind of message, then don't download or buy the software.įor more information see Protect yourself from tech support scams. Press OK to Continue or Cancel to stay on the current page. Return to System Security and download it to secure your PC. Your computer is infected! They can cause data lost and file corruption and need to be treated as soon as possible. It all gets handled transparently for you in the background by Windows Update.Are you sure you want to navigate from this page? Normally I wouldn’t spend any time running it manually. You’ll note, however that the tool itself is careful to point out that it is not a replacement for ananti- virus product.ĭownloading the Malicious Software Removal tool is really something you need not worry about, perhaps unless you are actively tracking down some kind of malware problem, and then only to make sure you have the latest version. It’s designed to provide a base level of protection in the operating system without you necessarily having anything else installed. Click on the Start button, click on Run (or type the Windows key + R), and type MRT into the Run dialog:Ĭlick on OK, and the program will be launched: It essentially runs for everybody, typically once a month, regardless of which anti-malware tools they use.Ĭhances are it’s on your system already. I don’t know exactly how it does what it does, but I do know that it’s downloaded automatically if you turned on Windows Update. It takes a different approach than your normal anti-malware tools as it looks for software that’s known to be malicious and removes it.

The Malicious Software Removal tool compliments anti-malware tools like Microsoft Security Essentials.

What is the Malicious Software Removal tool? I wouldn’t necessarily consider them wrapped up with the existing software.
