How do I access Malicious Program Removal Tool?

This may explain why you're having difficulty finding MS Malicious Program Removal Tool. MS has cancelled security and signatures updates for MSE and the Malicious Program Removal Tool for WIN XP. See Windows XP Security Just Got Worse Again.

There are some enterprise environments still using WIN XP, but are paying MS for continued security support. I know of one WIN XP box in our organization, mainly for using an outdated version a word processing software, but it is not allowed to be connected on our enterprise network. In fact, doing so will have its ports blocked as it can compromise security on the network as a whole.

In fact, I just received an exception for 30 days for a Windows 2003 server box running outdated CA software, which just went end of life on July 14. This to allow me to port old files over to a new app running on Red Hat Linux enterprise server cluster. Though intend to have this complete, and this WIN 2003 server disconnected way before the exception runs out.

You generally have a limited time after end of life security support before vulnerabilities begin to show up. As hackers take ready advantage of lack of OS patch support to exploit vulnerabilities.

If I had to run WIN XP, then I'd have many more layers of security than just AV and firewall. Luckily, I don't need WIN XP, and run a current fully supported OS, but still have 5 layers of security. But more importantly, have multiple recovery systems setup. For one primary reason. That you cannot guarantee against not being hacked. It's more a matter of when, and not if?

You can have locks on your doors and windows, but that doesn't stop a determined burglar from breaking into your house. Continuing to run WIN XP on the NET is like leaving the front door open. It's just a matter of time before someone comes along, and takes advantage of it.

The MSRT is mainly used during patch time by Microsoft as a way to clean up botnets, as it requires zero user intervention. However, -any- AV program is better than it.

I personally like Malwarebytes, the paid version, but there are plenty of other utilities out there.

Tom_M wrote:
According to Microsoft:

Supported Operating System

Windows 10 Tech Preview , Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP

If it is installed on your computer, Go to Start -> Run and type "mrt" and press 'Enter'.

If it is not installed, go to:
Malicious-Software-Removal-Tool

Well,I went to the site you recommended and ran the tool. No malicious software was found...Thanks.

I didn't drink the Microsoft cool aid yet. 2 laptops on XP and no viruses for at least a few years. "Upgraded" the desktop to win7 and wouldn't do it if I had it to do over. The only useful added things for me in win7 are trim and the snipper tool. Overall (for me) it's a net loss. Malewarebytes runs fine on XP, as do many things that are officially not supported.

alid wrote:

mr. ed wrote:
I've accessed and ran this program before but have forgotten how to access it. I'm running WinXP3 on an older Toshiba laptop. Can anyone offer assistance? Thanks in advance.

Like the other responses, XP hasn't been supported by Microsoft for quite some time. Because of this there have been no security patches from Microsoft and there are many.. many hackers out there now exploiting XP vulnerabilities.

There is not much you can do at this point to protect yourself.

You are going to have to "bite the bullet" and purchase a new computer with a supported Operating system. It is not worth updating your old laptop with the new OS.

As far as a removal tool. I'm not sure if these will even run on Windows XP but here are some links

malwarebytes
ccleaner
Trend micro Houscall *may not run on XP*

I've already "bitten the bullet" I purchased a new Toshiba laptop Running Win8.1 last year. I'm basically "playing around" with my old XP laptop since I like to learn.

1492 wrote:
Malwarebytes Free on-demand scanning actually rated the highest in removing malware in independent security testing by AV-Test.org. It even rated more effective than their real-time paid version in reviews.

I ran Malwarebytes yesterday and it found and removed 2 "PUPS" In the past I also used Spybot,although I haven't installed it recently. I feel my firewall and anti-virus, along withCCleaner are enough.

Malwarebytes Free on-demand scanning actually rated the highest in removing malware in independent security testing by AV-Test.org. It even rated more effective than their real-time paid version in reviews.

Suggest you download malware bytes from the vendors website. They have a version that will run from a usb flash drive and it will repair an infected machine. One word of caution, it is possible that the malware removal may leave some infected apps clean but inoperable.

You have only three more days with XP.

The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is an anti-malware utility that checks computers running Windows 10 Technical Preview, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP*, Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom—and helps remove malware and any other infections found.

When the detection and malware removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malware was detected and removed.

*The Malicious Software Removal Tool will continue to be provided for Windows XP through July 14, 2015; it will also continue to be delivered automatically via Windows Update and for download via the Download Center.

Malicious Software Removal Tool

mr. ed wrote:
I've accessed and ran this program before but have forgotten how to access it. I'm running WinXP3 on an older Toshiba laptop. Can anyone offer assistance? Thanks in advance.

Like the other responses, XP hasn't been supported by Microsoft for quite some time. Because of this there have been no security patches from Microsoft and there are many.. many hackers out there now exploiting XP vulnerabilities.

There is not much you can do at this point to protect yourself.

You are going to have to "bite the bullet" and purchase a new computer with a supported Operating system. It is not worth updating your old laptop with the new OS.

As far as a removal tool. I'm not sure if these will even run on Windows XP but here are some links

malwarebytes
ccleaner
Trend micro Houscall *may not run on XP*