| While we're on the subject of freely available | | | | - Quick scan: This scans the areas that are most likely |
| software, a mention of the Malicious Software | | | | to contain malicious software. |
| Removal Tool (MSRT) is in order. Like Automatic | | | | - Full scan: This scans the entire machine. It's more |
| Updates and the MBSA, you should view the MSRT | | | | exhaustive in its check, and it can take several hours. |
| as an essential tool in your toolkit. Also like the MBSA, | | | | Usually, you'll be prompted to run a full scan when a |
| it is not included as a Windows Vista built-in | | | | quick scan reveals malicious software. |
| component. You can download it from this web | | | | - Customized scan: This option provides administrators |
| resource: microsoft.com/security/malwareremove | | | | with the most flexibility. To scan specific folders, click |
| default.mspx. | | | | the Choose Folder button. |
| Unlike Automatic Updates and the MBSA, though, this | | | | |
| is a utility that you will call in after the problem has | | | | 1. The MSRT then performs a scan and finishes with a |
| occurred. As the name implies, it is meant for both | | | | report. You'll want to see a report. |
| detection and removal of software that has already | | | | You can follow the "View detailed results of the scan" |
| infected a system. Once you locate the MSRT, running | | | | link to find out more about the scan. You'll see a list of |
| it is a fairy automated process. Note that it will not | | | | what the scan checks for, as well as whether any |
| install software locally on the Vista computer by | | | | malware was detected. The MSRT checks for |
| default, although the Microsoft Download Center | | | | common viruses such as bugbear, mydoom, mywife, |
| offers a version that you can install locally. From the | | | | blaster, and netsky. It's worth reiterating that the MSRT |
| aforementioned web site, it is instead an entirely | | | | is not a replacement for antivirus software. Antivirus |
| web-based application. To run it, follow these steps: | | | | software protects the machine before the infection |
| | | | occurs. The MSRT is meant for post-infection |
| 1. From the MSRT web site, follow the download links. | | | | cleansing, and it scans for a larger scope of programs |
| When you're prompted by the download, click Run. | | | | that are classified as malicious without necessarily |
| 2. You'll now see a dialog box. You have three MSRT | | | | being considered computer viruses. |
| scanning options here: | | | | |