Malicious Software Removal Tool
Malicious Software Removal Tool
Published: January 11, 2005
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 computers for and helps remove infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed.
Microsoft will release an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month. New versions will be made available through this Web page, Windows Update, and the Microsoft Download Center.
Windows XP users may get the latest version through Windows Update. To have the newest versions automatically delivered and installed as soon as they are released, set the Automatic Updates feature to Automatic.
Users of all supported versions may run the tool directly from this Web page, or manually download the newest version to run locally on their computers.
Because computers can appear to function normally when infected, Microsoft advises you to run this tool even if your computer seems to be fine. You should also use up-to-date antivirus software to help protect your computer from other malicious software.
Note You must be logged on to your computer with an account that is part of the Administrators group to run this tool.
Starting from January 11th, 2005, Microsoft will provide Windows customers with Malicious Software Removal Tools. New versions of these tools will be available monthly (second Tuesday of every month on the same schedule that Microsoft already delivers other security updates) or more frequently if necessary.
These removal tools are an extension of virus or worm specific removal tools that Microsoft released in 2004. While tools released in 2004 have been specific to a single virus (and some of its variants), the new removal tools provide more convenience for customers by rolling up all viruses and variants targeted into a common removal tool.
Microsoft will provide new versions of this tool updated to remove malicious software that is found to be prevalent for that month. The first version of the tool available in January will be able to remove Blaster, Sasser, MyDoom, DoomJuice, Zindos, Berweb (also known as Download.Ject), Gailbot and Nachi viruses / worms.
These removal tools will be made available to customers through the following delivery vehicles:
- As a download through the Microsoft Download Center
- As a critical update through Windows Update and through Auto Update for those customers who have Auto Update turned on
- As an ActiveX control also available at www.microsoft.com/malwareremove
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