Libra
Premium
join:2003-08-06
USA
| Malicious Software Removal Tool - cause problems?
Hi,
When it first came out at Updates I let the Malicious software removal tool run, and I let it run in February. I just went to Updates and the March 8 Removal Tool was the only update available (for XP SP2). Since it runs automatically and deletes any malware without any user intervention, can it cause any problems? i.e., any false positives? (I decided not to install it this time until I inquired here.)
Thank you.
Sincerely, Libra |
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B
Premium,MVM
join:2000-10-28
1 edit | Re: Malicious Software Removal Tool - cause probl
I can't answer, but I'd just say that if you're running an up-to-date AV program, the tool is largely irrelevant.
All the tool currently does is:
This tool scans for and cleans malicious software associated with:
•
Bagle
•
Berbew
•
Blaster
•
Bropia
•
DoomJuice
•
Gaobot
•
Goweh
•
Korgo
•
Mydoom
•
Nachi
•
Netsky
•
Randex
•
Sasser
•
Sober
•
Sobig
•
Zafi
•
Zindos If your AV program can't handle those, you don't have an AV program.
-- B
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In a realm outside causality and function |
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jabarnut
Light Years Away
Premium,MVM
join:2005-01-22
Galaxy M31
1 edit | reply to Libra
As B  mentioned, I don't think it's an "earth Shattering" or particularly necessary "Tool".
Nor do I think it causes any problems. I always let it run myself...just "cuz". 
As you noted, when it's run via auto updates, it does it's thing and then is deleted.
However...if you're curious, after the scan is complete, the tool creates a log file that contains the results of the scan.
(Subsequent scans with the tool the following Month, I believe, will overwrite the last log).
The name of the file is Mrt.log. You can view the file in the Windows\"Debug" folder.
(Edit) Oh, what the heck....I may as well supply the Microsoft link below for your "reading pleasure". 
(In the rare event you haven't already seen it)
»support.microsoft.com/?kbid=890830
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I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem. |
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Libra
Premium
join:2003-08-06
USA
| Thank you B and Jabarnut. I have AVG 7 free and think it's pretty good. I've been reading that some tools can delete things and cause problems, I just wanted to make sure this one is okay. Thanks for the name of the file, I wrote it down.
Sincerely, Libra |
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jabarnut
Light Years Away
Premium,MVM
join:2005-01-22
Galaxy M31
| No problem Libra
Again, I wouldn't worry at all about running the Microsoft "tool".
I do every month just for kicks. 
On a lighter note (and speaking of AVG), your user name sure sounds familiar....did I happen to try and help you out once in the AVG Free Forum some time back? (About a "Boot Sector Change" problem or something to that effect?)
Never mind...No need to reply. I'm headed out for the evening anyway.
Take care!!! 
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I had a life once.....now I have a Computer and a Modem. |
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