E-Learning & Computers

While we're on the subject of freely available software, a mention of the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is in order. Like Automatic Updates and the MBSA, you should view the MSRT as an essential tool in your toolkit. Also like the MBSA, it is not included as a Windows Vista built-in component. You can download it from this web resource: microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx.

Unlike Automatic Updates and the MBSA, though, this is a utility that you will call in after the problem has occurred. As the name implies, it is meant for both detection and removal of software that has already infected a system. Once you locate the MSRT, running it is a fairy automated process. Note that it will not install software locally on the Vista computer by default, although the Microsoft Download Center offers a version that you can install locally. From the aforementioned web site, it is instead an entirely web-based application. To run it, follow these steps:

1. From the MSRT web site, follow the download links. When you're prompted by the download, click Run.


2. You'll now see a dialog box. You have three MSRT scanning options here:
   
   
   
   • Quick scan: This scans the areas that are most likely to contain malicious software.
   
   
   • Full scan: This scans the entire machine. It's more exhaustive in its check, and it can take several hours. Usually, you'll be prompted to run a full scan when a quick scan reveals malicious software.
   
   
   • Customized scan: This option provides administrators with the most flexibility. To scan specific folders, click the Choose Folder button.
   
   
   
   


3. The MSRT then performs a scan and finishes with a report. You'll want to see a report.

You can follow the "View detailed results of the scan" link to find out more about the scan. You'll see a list of what the scan checks for, as well as whether any malware was detected. The MSRT checks for common viruses such as bugbear, mydoom, mywife, blaster, and netsky. It's worth reiterating that the MSRT is not a replacement for antivirus software. Antivirus software protects the machine before the infection occurs. The MSRT is meant for post-infection cleansing, and it scans for a larger scope of programs that are classified as malicious without necessarily being considered computer viruses.

The MSRT is also available for Windows XP machines. It's a good practice to run an MSRT scan before performing an upgrade from XP to Vista.

Thank you for following this 5-part series about Windows Vista troubleshooting basics. Please keep an eye out for many more new postings to come. If you have a request, please feel free to forward it to me via my website.

Brian Culp, MCSE, MCT, is a recognized Microsoft expert who has been teaching and writing about Windows for many years. He is author/coauthor of: seven books including Windows XP Power Tools (Sybex) and Outlook 2003 Bible (Wiley); four MCSE study Guides (McGraw-Hill); and numerous tutorials for the Virtual Training Company. Mr. Culp provides instruction on various administration and networking topics throughout the United States, but can always be reached via his website, http://www.TheAnswerHub.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Removing Software With the Malicious Software Removal Tool - Part 5 of 5 in Troubleshooting Vista