Malicious Software Removal Tool: Command Line. The best utilities for removing viruses and malware HitmanPro - maximum efficiency when removing plugins

21.05.2010 17:10

(Malicious Software Removal Tool) is a free utility for searching and removing programs that can disrupt the normal operation of your computer or damage data. The utility is manufactured by Microsoft Corporation.

general information

The Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830) is updated every second Thursday of the month through Windows Update ( Control Panel (Large Icons) > Windows Update > Search for Updates). You can also download the latest version of the Tool from here.

The computer scan runs in the background after the first reboot since the Tools were installed or updated. If malware is detected during this scan, a message appears in the notification area telling you to run a full scan of your computer (this notification can only be seen by Windows users with administrator rights).

The results of computer scans are written to the log file C:\Windows\Debug\mrt.log.

Differences between malware removal tools and antivirus

1. The tool removes malware from an already infected computer. Antivirus prevents the penetration and installation of dangerous programs on your computer.

2. The tool can detect and neutralize only certain types of malware. A modern antivirus removes all types of malware, as well as all types of viruses, Trojans and rootkits.

To fully protect your computer, download and install a full-fledged antivirus. For example, or (both antiviruses are free and available in Russian versions).

Malicious Software Removal Tool: GUI

1. Open the Start menu, enter in the search bar mrt and press Enter.

You can also open the folder C:\Windows\System32 and double click on the file.

4. Wait for the scan to complete. Depending on the speed of your computer and the selected type of scan, it may take from several minutes to several hours to find and remove malware.

5. Once the test is completed, its results will be displayed on the screen.

To get a detailed scan report, click Show detailed scan results.

Malware is software that gains unauthorized access to PC resources or user data stored on it. Such mini-programs are malicious because they are downloaded and installed unauthorized, interfere with the operation of applications, run autonomously, monitor user activity, and in some cases stop the operation of antiviruses and firewalls and send data. But it is incorrect to call malicious software or “malware” viruses in the full sense of the word; they are mini software that pursues its own “malicious” goals.

Such programs that secretly sneak onto a computer are often not identified by antiviruses, and in some cases even deactivate its operation. And it is very difficult to get rid of them. But there are special software methods that allow you to remove Malware.

Or on websites - a pressing problem that is not so easy to solve. We will tell you how to remove ads using one of the programs. But before you follow our recommendations, stop running extensions in your browser, even trusted ones, and look at the result. You may not need utilities. And if the method doesn't work, read on.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

If your PC runs on the latest version of Microsoft operating system, “ten,” you can use a special utility already preinstalled by the developer. This program monitors the system automatically, but it can also be launched manually. The program is located in the system, hidden partition C:\Windows\System32\MRT.exe. An application from an official manufacturer is inferior in efficiency to programs that are installed externally. But you can still run it and check your computer.

After launch, you will see a wizard window with Russian language support. All you need to do while the utility is scanning is to press the “continue” button in time. The process of identifying malicious software using this utility is quite long, so wait until it is finished.

If licensed Windows 10 is installed on your PC, the utility for identifying malicious applications is official, i.e. developed by Microsoft itself. This means that you can use this method absolutely safely, without fear that the program will delete an important file. If your PC does not have pre-installed software, it can be downloaded separately on the official OS developer page.

AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner is the most effective tool that will rid your browser of adware and clean your computer of unnecessary malware applications. If you are tormented by pop-up adware, have unwanted pages open automatically when surfing, and have an unnecessary start page installed that cannot be replaced, the utility from Xplode will help you deal with all these problems.

Why do we recommend AdwCleaner? This program is absolutely free, created with support for the Russian language, does not require installation, effectively removes adware and all kinds of malware, is constantly improving and distributes free and very useful recommendations and tips. Yes, when the procedure for checking and removing malicious software and advertising is completed, the utility will tell you how to protect your computer from unwanted software.

Even untrained PC users can use this utility. All you need to do is launch the software, click “scan”, view the scan results and remove unnecessary programs. If you doubt the “need” of a particular application, uncheck the box.

If the program that needs to be removed using AdwCleaner is running at the time of scanning, the computer will restart.

Download the AdwCleaner utility to your computer only from the author’s official page. Otherwise, you risk getting the same malicious software, only under a different cover. If you downloaded the software from an unofficial resource, check it in real time.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

Anti-Malware is the most popular utility that effectively searches for and removes virus adware and malicious applications.

The program is available in two versions - professional and free, and has Russian-language support. If you used the program before 2015, be sure to update, as the new version has been improved in terms of efficiency and has been efficiently translated into Russian. The free version of Anti-Malware is practically no different from the professional version, only some options are missing. And if you use it, it will find and effectively remove malicious software installed on the PC.

According to some users, the program sometimes skips suspicious software. If you are ready for a long scan, run the Anti-Malware version “Free”.

Zemana AntiMalware

If the first two programs we described above did not remove all malicious applications and adware, download and scan your computer with the Zemana AntiMalware utility. The program positions itself as an anti-virus scanner. In its work, it uses a number of engines and cloud technologies that allow it to find and effectively get rid of modern threats that are undetectable by most antiviruses.

The program has Russian-language support and a fairly simple interface. Scans and finds individual program components using cloud technology. At the same time, it has the ability to work in real time, preventing harmful Malware and adware from entering the computer.

Most often, advertising software appears in browsers, in the form of modules and extensions. The Zemana AntiMalware utility effectively combats this type of malware, finding and removing them in real time. To take advantage of this useful program option, you must allow extension checking in your browser. Enable this option in Advanced Settings.

There is one drawback to the utility - it is paid. But it allows you to scan your computer for half a month in free mode. Also, for startup and further testing, the computer must be connected to the network.

HitmanPro

The HitmanPro mini-utility is another effective solution for combating malicious software that is installed on a PC without authorization. This utility is capable of detecting a sufficient number of modern threats, and it will also clean up those elements that were missed when other programs were running. A huge advantage of this program is that it will scan your computer in record time, and does not require installation.

There is one drawback, so to speak, of the program - it is paid, but you can only buy it after a month. During this time, you can clean the operating system from malicious software. It will cope with the problems of pop-up advertising in browsers and with replacing the start page. Moreover, this utility can work in tandem, completely removing all junk programs and its individual elements from the computer.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Malicious Soft Removal Tool Win is a mini-software utility created by the operating system developer. It finds and removes the Blaster and Sasser computer worms, the Novarg mail worm and many other threats that became a real epidemic in its time. The utility works on all versions of the Microsoft operating system, and is a method supported by the developer. To use the program's options, you just need to launch it and scan your computer. When the scanning procedure is completed, the Microsoft utility will provide results on the basis of which you can make decisions about whether to remove or not remove certain applications or individual components.

The utility does not make any changes to the registry or OS, so you can safely use it, at least at the first stage.

Spybot Search & Destroy

The utility, positioned as Anti-malware, Antivirus Software, will not only effectively rid your computer of harmful software and advertising, but also protect it from new threats. A program developed with support for the Russian language will not only allow you to scan your computer. You can also take advantage of its auxiliary options aimed at ensuring computer security in real time.

Immediately after launch, the program will scan the system, find unwanted software, and remove it completely or only individual components/elements. And after that, you can protect your computer from new threats. Also, SpyBot-Search and Destroy can monitor applications already installed on the computer and stop their active activity, attempts to change system files, edit the registry, etc.

It is safe to use the program from the software developer Safer Networking, since its functionality allows you to delete all previously made changes. For example, if the utility removed some necessary component, and this led to a failure in the operation of a separate program or the operating system as a whole, you can return everything back.

These are, in our opinion, the most effective mini-utilities that allow you not only to remove malicious software and adware, but also to protect your computer online from other threats or the activity of already installed applications. If you need to clean your PC once, use the official utility. And if you need constant protection, install more effective programs.

This tool checks your computer for infections with some common malware (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and removes them if found. Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month.

To run this tool, you must have administrator rights. The tool will not run on any version of Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows NT 4.0.

The tool is now multilingual. Its interface language changes depending on the operating system interface language (for all supported languages).

System requirements

• OS: Windows 7, Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition, Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition, Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition, Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition, Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition, Windows XP 64-bit

Instructions

1. Click the button to download Download on this page.
2. Perform one of the following actions.
   • To begin installation immediately, click the button Execute.
   • To save downloaded files to your computer and install them later, click Save.
   • To cancel the installation, click the button Cancel.

Finding out what the best malware removal tools are is not that difficult. Upon request, you can easily find applications on the Internet that allow you to troubleshoot computer problems associated with virus infection.

Such software is usually distributed free of charge or shareware.

Although its capabilities include a quick search and guaranteed removal of malicious code and annoying advertising, which well-known (and, most often, paid) antiviruses cannot always cope with.

Built-in Windows 10 tool

The first way to get rid of malicious applications, which the average Windows 10 user should use, involves launching the already built-in Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Sometimes it works automatically, but if a virus infection has already occurred, the tool is launched manually. You can find MMSRT in the System32 folder of the system disk, located in the System32 directory. The efficiency of the application is not very high, but at least half of the problems will be solved.

Rice. 1. Windows 10 Malicious Software Removal Tool.

The benefits of using the product include:

• Russian-language interface;
• intuitive controls;
• no need to download additional software.

The application's disadvantages include long scanning times and low efficiency. And you can download it not only for Windows 10, but also for the 7th and 8th versions of the operating system. The update numbered KB890830 is only 52.8 MB in size.

Fast and free AdwCleaner

One of the most famous and effective programs for removing unwanted applications from your computer is AdwCleaner. The advantages of using it include working in Russian, no need for installation on a computer, and constantly updated updates that improve the quality of system testing.

In addition, after completing the scan, AdwCleaner gives the user several recommendations on how to prevent infection with malicious code. And to launch the utility, you just need to click the start scan button, and, after reviewing the results, set the settings and select the information to be deleted.

Rice. 2. Search for malicious code using the AdwCleaner utility.

A peculiarity of the application is that during the scanning process it sometimes becomes necessary to restart the computer. And after completing the work, a report is displayed on the screen, which can be saved as a text file.

Assistant in the fight against extensions Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

Rice. 3. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware main window

Simple yet effective Junkware Removal Tool

Rice. 4. Report on the operation of the Junkware Removal Tool utility.

The utility is accompanied by the creation of a system restore point. And during the scanning process, problems are automatically corrected and virus programs are removed. The check ends with the creation of a detailed report on the problems found and their solutions.

CrowdIsnpect – search for unwanted processes in the system

Malicious applications can also be detected by processes running on the system. This is the basis of the operating principle of the CrowdInspect utility, which during its operation scans the startup list and currently running services. Using a constantly updated database of viruses and unwanted software, the program collects information about processes and compares it with a list of potential threats.

Rice. 5. Analysis of Windows processes using the CrowdInspect utility.

One of the results of checking the CrowdInspect system is to display a list of network connections and IP addresses, as well as the reputation of the sites to which they belong. Although only advanced users can understand most of this information. For others, it is advisable to choose utilities that automatically fix problems to remove malicious code.

Shareware utility Zemana AntiMalware

In terms of effectiveness in combating viruses and unwanted extensions, the Zemana AntiMalware application is not inferior not only to other free utilities, but even to paid versions of some well-known antiviruses. The advantages of the program include the possibility of cloud search, a clear Russian-language interface and real-time system protection. The paid Premium version has even more advantages.

Rice. 6. Search for malware using the Zemana AntiMalware utility.

Zemana does a good job of removing plugins in browsers, the presence of which often leads to pop-up advertising messages. Although to start searching for extensions, you will have to change the program settings by going to the “Advanced” section.

And the disadvantages of the utility include conditionally free distribution - after 15 days you will have to pay for its use. Although usually a few hours are enough for a user to quickly scan a computer, after which the application is removed.

HitmanPro - maximum efficiency when removing plugins

Rice. 7. Operation of the HitmanPro utility.

The program effectively removes most common viruses. And when checking browsers, it finds and fixes problems with third-party extensions. After the scan is completed, the user is prompted to review the list of detected problems. And, if any of the marked files is not dangerous, in the user’s opinion, it can be removed from quarantine.

Spybot Search & Destroy – increasing PC security

Rice. 8. Spybot Search & Destroy – search, fix and prevent problems.

Spybot is able to monitor changes to the registry and system information, thanks to which it not only solves existing problems, but also ensures the prevention of possible problems. In addition, all changes made by the utility can be undone - sometimes this helps to avoid Windows malfunctions when a useful file is deleted along with the virus.

The most powerful but slow Dr.Web CureIt!

The most powerful and effective utility can be called Dr.Web CureIt! , the advantages of which include the possibility of free use. By downloading the latest version of the application (the size of which exceeds 100 MB) and running it on your computer, in a few hours you can receive a report on the work done and a system that is 99.9% free of viruses.

It is CureIt that recommends using the technical support of some Internet providers. The application has only one drawback - you can use it only once. A few hours after downloading, the next update comes out, and the old one stops working.

The advantages of the utility include not only a high level of efficiency in detecting malware, but also the ability to download it again. After downloading again from the manufacturer’s official website, the application is again ready to detect viruses. At the same time, the databases are already updated, and the search efficiency increases.

Rice. 9. Message about the need to update the Curelt utility.

Solving problems with browsers

When removing viruses, you should also pay attention to browser shortcuts - often they are the source of the problem. The malicious code is written into the shortcut properties and changes the launch method:

• sometimes when entering the Internet, the user ends up not on the main page, but on another site - most often a phishing site or advertising some services;
• When the browser is launched, a third-party plugin may be installed that changes the search engine, home page, and network settings.

You can solve the problem manually by checking your browser shortcuts. But the best way to do this is with utilities such as Shortcut Scanner. The free application checks logical and external drives for unwanted programs, identifying suspicious or broken shortcuts.

The advantage of using this tool is that it is free to distribute and works on any modern Windows system (from XP to 10); the disadvantage is the lack of a Russian-language version.

If an unwanted plugin has already been automatically installed in the browser, you can remove it through the extensions menu in the settings. Otherwise, instead of going to the selected pages, advertisements and extraneous resources will appear on the screen.

Most often, this problem occurs among users who have already installed a significant number of extensions and do not notice 1-2 extra ones. If there are practically no plugins, it is easier to notice a new one and take measures to disable it. And if you are not sure that the add-on is actually malicious, special utilities designed for specific browsers will help.

For Google Chrome, the official developers have created a utility called the Cleaning Tool. It automatically checks for embedded malicious code every time you launch your browser.

If a problem is detected, the plugin is disabled along with other extensions. After this, the user can restore the add-ons he needs manually.

Rice. 11. Search for malicious code using the Chrome Cleanup Tool.

For Mozilla Firefox and the standard Internet Explorer browser for older versions of Windows, there is a free application Avast Browser Cleanup.

The utility automatically scans two browsers (if they are present in the system), and as a result produces a list of suspicious plugins. The antivirus program can be downloaded from the manufacturer's official website.

Rice. 12. Cleaning your browser from malicious code using Avast Browser Cleanup.

Other companies also produce similar functional and free utilities. Moreover, for different browsers and with a wide range of capabilities. Some programs also provide effective real-time protection - however, most of them have a paid feature for this.

conclusions

Using applications that remove unwanted software does not eliminate the need to install antivirus software. Each program performs its own tasks. Antivirus utilities protect the system almost constantly and prevent infection of system files.

And applications to fix existing problems are needed mainly after the antivirus has proven ineffective. Using two options at once - installed and periodically launched utilities - will ensure maximum protection efficiency. Although in order for the computer to be even more secure, it is advisable:

• follow the recommendations of anti-virus utilities that issue warnings when entering suspicious resources;
• use an antivirus to check files downloaded or recorded from an external storage device, the origin of which is unknown (for example, downloaded not from the official website, but from a third-party web page);
• Set your antivirus settings to automatically update virus databases and run the application manually at least once a week.

Preventing your computer from becoming infected with viruses and other types of malicious code will reduce the likelihood of problems occurring. Although neither Curelt! nor even a paid antivirus provide 100% protection.

Best Malware Removal Tools

It’s worth starting with the fact that malicious programs in this context (Malware) are not quite viruses; rather, they are programs that exhibit unwanted activity on the computer, are installed without the knowledge of users and, on top of everything else, are difficult to remove.

Cleaning Windows from spyware, malware and files

In this video, I will tell you how to clean your computer on the Windows operating system from spyware and malware and files, as well as how to free up space on your hard drive from temporary files and how to clear the cache. Three free utilities will be reviewed