PC Hell: How to Manually Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

PC Hell: How to Manually Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool: "What is the Malicious Software Removal Tool?

In early 2005, Microsoft started releasing a software product called the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool. Its a monthly update released on the second Tuesday of each month (Patch Tuesday) to help scan user's computers and remove viruses and malware. MRT uses a signature database they update on a monthly basis. Because this database does not have virus signatures and patterns for EVERY virus in the wild, its meant to just help prevent the infection and spread of the most prevalent issues. For this reason, you should still run antivirus software on your computer even though the Malicious Software Removal Tool is being run on your computer.

Normally, this removal tool is downloaded via Windows Update and runs silently in the background to check for infections on the computer. It runs a quickscan for the worst infections, but what if you would like to use the removal tool to run a more thorough scan of your computer. We'll show you how to manually start the MSRT and how to run a thorough scan for problems.

How to Run the Malicious Software Removal Tool Manually

Follow the steps below to open MSRT and change the default settings.

1) Click on Start, Run
2) Type MRT and Press Enter
3) You'll be presented with the following screen, click on the Next button

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