Ron Lopshire wrote:
> David H. Lipman wrote:
>
>> From: "Ed Mc" <namvtn@noway.com>
>>
>> | I'm using WindowsXP. The auto update feature
>> | wants to install some kinda "malicious software"
>> | removal tool. What is this for if I have adequate
>> | protection already in place. Is it really
>> | necessary? Thanks for replies.
>>
>> The Malicious Software Removal Tool (MRT) is an "On Demand" ant virus scanner (covers some
>> Trojans and RootKits as well) and is updated monthly. It also can be executed manually
>> after you download it.
>>
>> The utility is...
>> %windir%\system32\MRT.exe
>>
>> Command line switches...
>>
>> /? or /HELP = displays the command line switches
>> /Q = quiet
>> /N = detect only
>> /F = force extended scan
>> /F:Y = force extended scan and automatically clean infected files
>>
>> The following is the resultant log file...
>>
>> %windir%\Debug\mrt.log
>>
>> As an "On Demand" scanner it affords no defense against getting infected but acts to allow
>> their subsequent removal/detection. While it is not the sharpest tool in the toolbox it is
>> however and excellent supplement to a fully installed anti virus application. I have not
>> seen an False Positives associated to the MRT and I have seen no negative consequences to
>> its use.
>
> In addition to Dave's remarks, the MSRT runs automatically each month on
> Patch Tuesday if you have your /supported/ Windows box set for Automatic
> Updates (not recommended). You will get a warning only if it finds
> something.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx
>
> As Dave suggests, download the MSRT manually, and run a quick scan at
> least once manually. It will show you what it does each month when you
> let MU download and run it, and you can get a display of the current
> list of its signatures (89 as of April 2007).
>
> Ron
Thank you all for the replies. Based on your info
I'll go ahead with it. Thanks.