New, Free MS “On Demand” Malware Scanner Available

from JoeUser Forums

 

Microsoft has just released an on-demand anti-malware scanner called "The Microsoft Safety Scanner". It’s a free downloadable security tool for the Windows user and provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It’s a 67.9 Mb file.

 

 

It expires 10 days after being downloaded. I think this is MS’s answer to adding new definitions and preventing the casual user from thinking “Download and I’m protected forever.”

It is free for UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE. 

Here’s what it looks like running on my machine (the skin is “Embark”):

This is different from the Malicious Software Removal Tool and is not meant to be a replacement for using an antivirus software program. 

It is meant to be used as a “second opinion”. It works along with your existing antivirus software. There are no reported conflicts yet.

At the end of a scan, this (hopefully) appears:

If it detects Malware or if an error occurs when MSS is running, a report is sent to Microsoft that contains basic information about the Malware or about the error, the version and basic computer information (make, model, etc.)


If you do not want MSS to send any information to Microsoft, you can disable the the scanners reporting component with the following registry key setting (make a registry backup before changing it, please):

Subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MSERT
Entry name: \DontReportInfectionInformation
Type: REG_DWORD
Value data: 1

The Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner has been discontinued. It also performed additional tasks like PC clean-up, tuneup, etc. and replaced it with this new Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Download Link: http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

Source: http://tinyurl.com/3jj9mcu

 

41,983 views 23 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Because it expires 10 days after being downloaded does that mean its a one time only deal? Or uninstall it and dl it again. Pretty hefty program for a temporary run.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Not a one time deal, Uvah. Free now and in the future. It's an updating definitions thing so that you don't think it's a "Set it and forget it."

It replaces itself on the drive so the size will increase and decrease as definitions change and are added. 

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Okay

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Why can't they offer it as a download now and use updates for the life of the program setup? Kinda useless to me to uninstall after 10 days and reinstall the program. Think I will stick with the antispyware programs I already have.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting kona0197, reply 4
Why can't they offer it as a download now and use updates for the life of the program setup?
End of kona0197's quote

I wrote my thoughts above. For further questions try here: http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=mscom

 

Quoting kona0197, reply 4
Kinda useless to me to uninstall after 10 days and reinstall the program. Think I will stick with the antispyware programs I already have.
End of kona0197's quote

It's unfortunate you don't take the time to read the OP:

 

It expires 10 days after being downloaded. I think this is MS’s answer to adding new definitions and preventing the casual user from thinking “Download and I’m protected forever.”

It is free for UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
End of quote

 

This is different from the Malicious Software Removal Tool and is not meant to be a replacement for using an antivirus software program.

It is meant to be used as a “second opinion”. It works along with your existing antivirus software. There are no reported conflicts yet.
End of quote
 

 

and susequently:

 

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 2
Not a one time deal, Uvah. Free now and in the future. It's an updating definitions thing so that you don't think it's a "Set it and forget it."

It replaces itself on the drive so the size will increase and decrease as definitions change and are added. 
End of DrJBHL's quote
 

That means it replaces itself. Not duplicates itself. You do not uninstall/reinstall, and there's no reboot. 

 

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Most Malware programs update themselves when you launch them, so you do have to run them for them to be effective (you would not believe how many people's computer I work on where I have loaded a program and the last run date was my last visit).

That being said, I kind of agree with Kona.  Expiring 10 days after download seems more like a bother than a blessing.  Still if it adds value over other products, I will start using it.  Guess I will have to report back in a few weeks. ;)

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Dr, reply 7
Most Malware programs update themselves when you launch them, so you do have to run them for them to be effective (you would not believe how many people's computer I work on where I have loaded a program and the last run date was my last visit).

That being said, I kind of agree with Kona.  Expiring 10 days after download seems more like a bother than a blessing.  Still if it adds value over other products, I will start using it.  Guess I will have to report back in a few weeks.
End of Dr's quote

I believe this is an "enforced" updating method.

How many people have free or 'paid for' security software? How many keep their regular apps and security apps updated?

A self updating software is a good thing, which people can turn on or off.

In this case, if >10 days go by, yiu are required to update its definitions or you cannot use it. It is 'on demand' only.  

Nothing wrong in updating prior to use... in fact, it is more logical this way. No false sense of security. Use the 'right edition' or don't use it.

If you decide not to use it, it just sits there, doing nothing. If you decide to use it, it updates itself... just look at it that way. ;) 

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

This is funny.

Any program that automatically sends information to an external computer without permission or the ability to opt out (or preferably opt in) qualifies as Malware in my book no matter who is producing it.  I shouldn't have to hack the registry to disable that feature.  (I ought to be able to view the report to see exactly what is being sent before opting in.)

I may as well start clicking on those links offering free virus scans that come in my e-mail.  At least I know what those guys are going to do with my info.  :)

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 5

Quoting kona0197, reply 4Why can't they offer it as a download now and use updates for the life of the program setup?
End of DrJBHL's quote

I wrote my thoughts above. For further questions try here: http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=mscom

 

Quoting kona0197, reply 4Kinda useless to me to uninstall after 10 days and reinstall the program. Think I will stick with the antispyware programs I already have.

It's unfortunate you don't take the time to read the OP:

 

It expires 10 days after being downloaded. I think this is MS’s answer to adding new definitions and preventing the casual user from thinking “Download and I’m protected forever.”

It is free for UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.

 

This is different from the Malicious Software Removal Tool and is not meant to be a replacement for using an antivirus software program.

It is meant to be used as a “second opinion”. It works along with your existing antivirus software. There are no reported conflicts yet. 

 

and susequently:

 

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 2
Not a one time deal, Uvah. Free now and in the future. It's an updating definitions thing so that you don't think it's a "Set it and forget it."

It replaces itself on the drive so the size will increase and decrease as definitions change and are added. 
 
That means it replaces itself. Not duplicates itself. You do not uninstall/reinstall, and there's no reboot. 

 
End of DrJBHL's quote

I know. I just like the idea of having to redownload every 10 days.

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You don't like programs which auto-update. You don't like programs to reinstall. Tell MS....and every other software maker.

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

All the software I use includes the ability to turn off auto updates. I don't need to tell MS. I am sure someone else already has.

Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 8
I believe this is an "enforced" updating method.
End of DrJBHL's quote

We are Borg.  You will be assimilated. :grin:

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I just consider it another tool to keep the bad guys at bay.

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Dr, reply 13
Quoting DrJBHL, reply 8I believe this is an "enforced" updating method.

We are Borg.  You will be assimilated.
End of Dr's quote

 

 

Quoting OldMsgt, reply 14
I just consider it another tool to keep the bad guys at bay.
End of OldMsgt's quote

Exactly, OldMsgt. :thumbsup:  

Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks for this Doc. It might be a good thing, but I don't think I want to fool with something I have to reinstall every ten days. Hell, I'd probably only use it once every ten days...lol.

Reply #17 from Elemental Forums Top

Understandably it is important that security is updated daily but redownloading every Ten days seems a bit acute.  30 days would perhaps be a bit more practical.

Reply #18 from Elemental Forums Top

Microsoft already has a free anti-virus in security essentials, so i would assume this is done so that people don't think the scanner is a real(ie full/always on) anti-virus.

Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top

1. It's for people with other than MSE.

2. It ISN'T something you'd use INSTEAD OF antivirals, etc. It works IN ADDITION to your other software.

3. You DON'T have to use it at all. If you decide to use it once a month... fine. Once every 2 or 6 months, fine.

 

 

Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top

First MS. Then MSE. Next is MSPR. Microstuff 'Peat and Re-peat.  :-"

Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 19
1. It's for people with other than MSE.

2. It ISN'T something you'd use INSTEAD OF antivirals, etc. It works IN ADDITION to your other software.

3. You DON'T have to use it at all. If you decide to use it once a month... fine. Once every 2 or 6 months, fine.


End of DrJBHL's quote


Just few things, Doc :

1) After finishing scanning, it shows a list of detected threats, and ask for what to do (remove, quarantine, ignore..), or it deletes automatically detected items (with no asking) ?

2) Not sure why they did this utility. Is MSE an automatic updating software, such as Kaspersky, for example (I'm not using MSE, so I'm asking) ?

3) About " second opinion" software, there is plenty of good freeware ones.  Hitman Pro (fully functions available for 30 days freeware), Malwarebytes, Emsisoft Emergency Kit (ex A-squared free), probably a lot more than a "second opinion" and, for me, the best one in his sector. The new version it doesn't require installation, and has got just the highest malware (any kind) detection rating at all. Besides, for all detected items is possible to choose what to do, like in many anti-malware progs; but in Emsisoft software all the items moved to quarantine are re-scanned every time database is updated (manually) , and if "false positives" are detected you are asked if you want to restore (excellent function;for what i know at the moment available only in some shareware security software,such as Kaspersky).More, updates are available frequently, and not just for database, but for all progs modules as well. No compatibility issues with any AV or security suite.

 

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting inthebloodofeden, reply 21


3) About " second opinion" software, there is plenty of good freeware ones.  Hitman Pro (fully functions available for 30 days freeware), Malwarebytes, Emsisoft Emergency Kit (ex A-squared free), probably a lot more than a "second opinion" and, for me, the best one in his sector. The new version it doesn't require installation, and has got just the highest malware (any kind) detection rating at all. Besides, for all detected items is possible to choose what to do, like in many anti-malware progs; but in Emsisoft software all the items moved to quarantine are re-scanned every time database is updated (manually) , and if "false positives" are detected you are asked if you want to restore (excellent function;for what i know at the moment available only in some shareware security software,such as Kaspersky).More, updates are available frequently, and not just for database, but for all progs modules as well. No compatibility issues with any AV or security suite.

 
End of inthebloodofeden's quote

 

Agreed.

I use MSE as my set-it-and-forget-it software since it is so lean and never interferes with anything.

I use HitmanPro as my "second opinion" scanner since it doesn't require installation, remains free forever (unless it finds something and then after removal you get an additional 30-days free), and it connects to a cloud of AV definitions.

I use Emsisoft Antimalware (as bloodofeden pointed out formerly A2) to hunt-kill on systems I *know* have an infection.  If you really look at Emsisofts software suite you can see a very very well-developed software and not just a "scanner with a definition file".  Emsisoft is (for me) the 'big-gun".  When I need something killed......there is no other!

Plus as bloodofeden also pointed out, their "Emergency Toolkit" and several other ADVANCED tools are a "must-have" in any techie's toolkit!  ;)

Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top

Ok, having run it once (and it having not declared any of my tools as trojans), I have the following to say about MS's latest.

#1: At least it does not appear to be generating a lot of false positives.

#2: It did not find everything (I have several zipped up and it failed to find all of them).

#3: I hate applications that lie to you.  After 2 hours running, it showed it was 80% done.  It finished up after 8 hours.

 

Conclusion: Not bad for a first attempt, but not good enough to put in my quiver yet.