Microsoft Safety Scanner

[torre]

Microsoft Safety Scanner - Free Virus Scan with the Microsoft Safety Scanner


MSN's scanner does not get alot of publicity. Interested to know of others' experience, pro or con. Probably the same as Windows Defender ?



(I had used it once/twice before. Had trouble installing an update and this was one of the recommended corrective actions, which led me to this question)

 

[Brink]

Hello Torre,

It's not the same as Windows Defender. The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free portable downloadable standalone EXE security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software.

See also: Microsoft Safety Scanner - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[torre]

Thanks for the reply. Also found the following info.

I was aware of the program and have used 2-3 times, but curious if anyone can attest to its performance/reliability.

The downside to the Microsoft Safety Scanner is that it only works for 10 days after its initial download. If you would like to keep using it, you must uninstall the software and then reinstall it from the Microsoft website.

Why should you download software that only lasts for 10 days? That is a good question. It seems that Microsoft Safety Scanner is intended to be a quick fix for a particularly hard-to-remove infection. For example, this tool seems to work well for removing fake security software that is laden with hidden malware. This type of hoaxware is extremely hard to remove with normal security software. In many cases, the computer owner must have a professional remove the fake software or remove the infected files themselves, which is a risky task that could damage the computer's operating system. So, you can see how this free tool can be a great device to download for just a short time. Once the problem is solved, you can uninstall it and move on.
Is the Microsoft Safety Scanner the answer to all your computer safety needs? No, but it is a good addition to anti-virus software that you already have running on your computer if you need a quick fix to a troubling infection you can't seem to get rid of.

Microsoft Safety Scanner - TopTenREVIEWS

 

[Brink]

If you keep the definitions updated for it, it's comparable to the reliability of Windows Defender.

 

[TairikuOkami]

Its detection is as good/as bad as Windows defender's. I wonder, why would anyone use it, especially if you use Windows Defender realtime. There are better choices, if you want a portable scanner, for example:

HitmanPro 3 - SurfRight
The Emsisoft Emergency Kit