Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

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Previously, it was possible to download this tool (which is ‘required’ every month by Windows Update, and seems to be getting bigger and bigger) by dialing in to the Knowledge Base with KB890830. Now, it seems the only way to get this is through Automatic Updates. Although the KB article does say: “The easiest way to download and run the tool is to turn on Automatic Updates”, it no longer seems to offer the (at least two?) less easy methods (‘easiest’ must be of at least three; if only two options, it would be easier, no? )

Is there still a way to download this as a file? Or is the Windows Update the most difficult as well as the easiest way?

I suppose the more pertinent question is: does it matter, assuming we have updated virus protection and use Spybot and Ad-Aware?

Chris

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You can download it from Download details: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (see screenshot below).
And if you haven’t installed the latest version yet, it’ll be available from Microsoft Update.

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Thanks, Hans. But how do you find the URL (for future reference)?

I had been to Microsoft Update, but I couldn’t seem to find out how to download the file, rather than let it install/run. Usually the link in this takes me to a page that offers a download link, but this time it just gave me a lecture on how to turn on automatic downloads, which I neither needed nor wanted.

Chris

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I Googled for “Malicious Software Removal Tool”. The second hit was “Download details: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool” (and the first hit had a link to it).

Microsoft Update will only let you install/run the tool, it won’t let you download it as a file. It will only be offered if there is a new version, i.e. if you have already run the November version, Microsoft Update won’t offer the tool until the December version has been released.

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Thanks again Hans. Should have thought to Google first (can’t find a smiley for slapping my wrist).

But is this the sign of things to come (i.e. at some stage it will no longer be possible to download it)? Again, does it matter? Does this tool add any real benefit to those of us with other up-to-date malware prevention/removal tools?

Chris

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I don’t know what Microsoft’s plans are. I assume that it will remain possible to download tools and updates separately for use by network administrators.

As far as I know, the Malicious Software Removal Tool is not really necessary if your security software is up-to-date. The raison d’être for this tool is that Microsoft has found that a surprisingly large number of Windows users do *not* have security software; by distributing this tool every month they hope to slow the spreading of malware at least a little bit. But it’s not a replacement for anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

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I stopped downloading the MSRT over 8 months ago. As Hans stated, it is not a replacement for good protection software, just an MS remedy for the unwashed masses. Just uncheck that DL each month and then select “Don’t reminde me again” or it’s equivelent from the window that results when you comence the updates DL.

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