Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool User Reviews
Outstanding
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"works great"
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 3.11
Pros
one click and a few minutes later you get the results
Cons
nothing to be con about its free and the updates and works like microsoft said so
Summary
amazing microsoft is getting better and for a free program you can't beat it
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"Excellent Product!"
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 3.10
Pros
Very user friendly, very easy to change settings to your liking
Cons
Can slow your machine down some. Best to run this when you do not need to use it for a bit. Then it flys.
Summary
Caught issues that neither McAfee or Norton was able to catch.
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"easy to use free works well with other malware products"
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 3.10
Pros
It comes from microsoft and works well with other malware products
Cons
I found no dislikes with this product none ok.
Summary
It is free and works well with others.
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"Wouldn't run on my Vista 64 bit."
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 3.9
Pros
Not a chance
Cons
If it doesn't run, what else is there to say?
Summary
Another example of something developed in a greenhouse environment w/o regards to the real world needs of real people.
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"This tool only runs one time."
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 3.9
Pros
Scans for malicious software in Win32 Win64 and WinNT folders on the quick scan for different types of infections.
Cons
It never found any infections on my computer. And it installs in Win32 folder it does not install in add or remove programs. Also it is 19 MB size on the hard drive.
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"It's never found anything, so it is hard to rate."
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 3.9
Pros
Free of charge.
Cons
It's never found anything, so it is hard to rate.
Summary
I don't have any bad feelings. For a FULL scan, it take over eight hours.
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"Capable of deleting rootkits but can mess up yur system"
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 3.7
Pros
It can detect Malware which are active and does a very solid job. Found Malware strings which even Malwarebytes did not detect (Is that possible? Apparently.)
Cons
It's not perfect. In rare cases it caused full rei-nstall of Windows, total data loss on external hard drives and even the feared BSOD since it deletes infected files.
Summary
Ok, here's some copy paste for you to read first: The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool does not replace an antivirus product. It is strictly a post-infection removal tool. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you install and use an up-to-date antivirus product.
The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool differs from an antivirus product in three key ways:
? The tool removes malicious software from an already-infected computer. Antivirus products block malicious software from running on a computer. It is significantly more desirable to block malicious software from running on a computer than to remove it after infection.
? The tool removes only specific prevalent malicious software. Specific prevalent malicious software is a small subset of all the malicious software that exists today.
? The tool focuses on the detection and removal of active malicious software. Active malicious software is malicious software that is currently running on the computer. The tool cannot remove malicious software that is not running. However, an antivirus product can perform this task.
Done? Good. Now there are two ways to go here. A cheery 'Microsoft is great' way, because this tool is indeed impressive in what it says it does. Or a 'STAY THE **** AWAY FROM THIS' warning label. My tendency goes to the first although the latter is not unsound advice.
This tool can sniff out malware and even keyloggers which other malware detection software might have trouble with to detect or remove. Especially once you have been infected (although some malware might prevent you from downloading this utility). And the best thing? It's free! It runs, cleans and closes.
So what's the catch? It only detects the most common ones. Oh and perhaps for you hacks, you need a legit version of Windows for it to work :) So you will still need a decent antivirus and malware suite to keep you protected.
Another thing is.. this tool is like a one night stand using a condom. It's not 100% safe. As you can read it will delete infected files. Including system files. In april 2010 there was a report that you could get the feared Blue Screen Of Death if you had the Alureon Rootkit and tried to delete it with this. BSOD = game over.
Another thing is not having certain system files means it can cause a full re-install of windows and loss of of files on external HD's or even full access, only capable of partially restoring lost data. Current AV software block infected files, so this wont happen easily with programs like Mcafee or Norton. Here it might.
I don't know if any program is worth the chance for BSOD. But I never had any problems with one night stands. It does filter out some good old fashioned rootkits. But eventually a steady relationship is better and it should do the same thing. So i'd say, just buy decent an AV/malware package. -
"There is an updated version 3.1 [9MB] from Nov 10 2009"
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 3.0
Pros
File name is: windows-kb890830-v3.1.exe.
This is useful even in non genuine windows copies. It helps remove infections by specific, prevalent malicious software?including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom.Cons
This tool is not a replacement for an anti-virus product. To help protect your computer, you should use an anti-virus product.
Summary
Good product for the price [free], and it's a way Windows keeps some bugs out of their system. Microsoft will release an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, keep checking their website www.microsoft.com/downloads
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"Works without bothering me."
Version: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 2.8
Pros
See above !!!
Cons
None that I know of
Summary
Good program.
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