Run Microsoft's Malware Removal Tool

From Extension Collaborative Wiki

Microsoft has an free on-line Malware scanner. The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software���including Zotob, Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom���and helps remove any infection found. 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.

Scan for Malware

1. Go here: http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

2. Scroll down in the window. Click the Check My PC for Infection button.

3. In the end user license agreement, select I Agree and click Continue >>.

Note: You will need to allow the ActiveX control to be installed. Step 4 may not match your screen. But you want to install this ActiveX control

4. Click on "This site might require the following ActiveX control: ....." and choose Install ActiveX Control....

Note: If your browser's security settings prevent you from installing the ActiveX control, download the tool directly from http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=40587 and then run it manually.

Note: Once the ActiveX control is installed you will return to on-screen Step 2. While it looks like nothing has happened, in fact, the computer should now be ready to scan. You will 'repeat' Steps 2 and 3.

5. Click the Check My PC for Infection button again.

6. In the end user license agreement, select I Agree and click Continue >>.

7. Click Install.

8. WAIT for the scan to complete. There is no indication of progress. Scans may take 1 to 3 minutes.

9. You will be presented with a malicious software list. You should see "Not Infected" next to their names.

If you have no infections, close the browser window. You're done.

If infections are found, print this page to have a saved list. Then the name of the malicious software. Follow the steps on this page to remove.

I tried the on-line scan and got a message that it would not work on my computer. (I have a 28.8 dial-up connection) I then downloaded the tool. from the column on the right. The download version seemed to run OK. It also gives you a bar graph as an indication that it is running. The downside would be there does not seem to be a way to keep it up to date, so one would have to download the file periodically as new variants are hatched.