The Windows Malicious Spyware Removal Tool can help keep your computer secure.
Any computer running a version of Windows is a favorite target for malware creators. Malware -- short for "malicious software" -- is designed to install itself on your computer and then take it over in some way. It is commonly a scam designed to get you to buy fake antispyware software. Microsoft has designed a free Malicious Spyware Removal Tool to help you eliminate malware on your system.
Not an Antivirus
One important thing to understand is that the Windows Malicious Spyware Removal Tool is not the same as an antivirus program. Antivirus programs are intended to stop viruses and other forms of malware before they can install themselves on your computer. Microsoft has separate antivirus programs, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, to prevent problems before they happen. The Windows Malicious Spyware Removal Tool is intended to remove malware after it has infiltrated your computer.
For Which Windows Versions
Microsoft periodically phases out their support of older versions of the Windows operating system. As of early 2011, the Windows Malicious Spyware Removal Tool supports the following versions of Windows: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003 SP1.
Regular Updates
To try and keep the tool current with the newest malware threats, Microsoft issues a newly updated version of the Windows Malicious Spyware Removal Tool on the second Tuesday of each month. You can download the updated version through Microsoft Update, Windows Update or through the Microsoft Download Center. (You can turn on Windows Update through "Help and Support" on the Start Menu; through the Control Panel; or by choosing Start, "All Programs" and "Windows Update.")
Three Options for Use
Microsoft actually gives you three ways to use the Windows Malicious Spyware Removal Tool. First, the version installed through Microsoft Update or Windows Update will run automatically in the background once a month when the new version downloads. Second, you can download the version that is available through the Download site if you want to run the tool more than once a month, which is something Microsoft strongly recommends, even if your computer seems to be running fine. And third, you can run the OneCare online scanner.
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