is the Malicious Software Removal tool obsolete?

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Hi. I am not with Microsoft, but I do not believe the Malicious Software
Removal Tool is obsolete. It is updated monthly and detects and removes only
a specific set of known vuruses and malware.. I believe that it is intended
to be used in conjunction with Windows Defender and with whatever aniti-virus
program you are using. However, it is not a replacement for a full and
regularly updating anti-virus and anti-spyware program.
 
now that WD is out, is the MSRtool obsolete?

I doubt it. MSRT looks for a select number of viruses and worms,
whereas WD looks for spyware.
 
No
They have different distribution methods and purposes.
Those that actively protect their computer may have no need for MSRT.
But the MSRT is for more than spyware:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/890830

MSRT is updated with Windows Update and thus if/when a computer is updated,
the more significant malware at the time can be detected and removed.
Windows Defender needs to be deliberately installed.
Nothing other than good safety and security practices will replace MSRT:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/security.htm
There is no one tool that will currently replace MSRT
 
Not at all--the Malicious Software Removal tool is cumulative, and targets
root kits, in particular--everything it targets is really nasty--stuff we
all want stamped out on networks we connect to. The MRT gets run on lots of
systems Windows Defender will never be seen on, I suspect.
 
Definitely NOT obsolete; it is updated every month on "update tuesday".
The MRT executive file is located in %System Root%\Windows\System32\MRT.exe.
It can be activated most easily in one of three ways;
1) Double click on the MRT.exe icon at home in its System32 Sub folder.
2) Via Start Button and Run ; enter MRT, upper or lower case makes no
difference and click OK.
3) And last of all "my way" Access the MRT.exe icon in System32(see above
if you have forgotten already) right click on the icon and create a
short-cut. Slide the short-cut icon outside the window onto your desktop.
The icon is now at your disposal for running the mini antivirus search. A
word of caution it DOES NOT search inside compressed files or your e-mail
attachments.
And I do love the ICON " A window with soap suds and a sponge" as we say in
france "très drole".
The search is extremely fast certainly less than a minute and easier than
the "Stinger" type searchs ,which take just as long as a normal programme for
a limited number of viruses.
The MRT Search Window is self explanatory but a useful facet is the ability
to connect directly to MS for more information on a particular virus from the
vertical list of viruses.
 
THANKS for this information - I have wondered how to get icon - now I know -
I really appreciate it.
 
Why not rename your new desktop icon; right click and rename in contextual
menu.
Mine is called "BUG ZAPPER".
 
MSRT is still a valid tool to use and is not obsolete.

--
-steve

Steve Dodson [MSFT]
Windows Defender Beta Lead
MCSE, CISSP
http://blogs.technet.com/stevedod
--

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