Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper Beta

A recovery tool that can help you start an infected PC and perform an offline scan to help identify and remove rootkits and other advanced malware.
http://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

 

That looks like a very useful tool. I'm sure many computer users may use that tool as a last resort if their computer can't start due to some severe malware infections.

But if a machine is that badly compromised to the point that it doesn't even start then a format and reinstall is likely the only option. I might use that tool if I come across a badly infected system in the future.

 

That tool creates bootable CD, so the computer doesn't have to be bootable.

 

The tool will create bootable CD, or USB flash drive.
In the latter case, after booting, virus data can be updated (after booting your internet connection should be available).

 

Manual: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/166445-microsoft-standalone-system-sweeper.html

 

This is the tool UI:

http://www.sevenforums.com/attachme...osoft-standalone-system-sweeper-restart-3.jpg

The options are:

Scan:
- quick scan
- full scan
- custom scan (gives an option to scan selected drives and files)

Tools:
- options

file and path exclusions
file extensions exclusions
advanced options:

scan archived files (prechecked)
scan email (prechecked)
scan removable drives
use heuristic (prechecked)

- quarantined items (remove or restore software that was prevented from running)
- allowed items (view software that you have chosen not to monitor)

Help:
- check for updates (in case you use bootable USB flash drive)
- exit

 

Virus definitions update will update existing data on USB stick.

 

I have no idea what would be excessive.
The newest data has to implemented, so....whatever it takes.

 

Interesting how it has a similar UI to Windows Defender.

Does the tool use the same spyware and virus definitions as MSE?

 

Most likely.

 

This is a cleanup tool, not a prevention tool, so no, nothing is excessive IF you want to clean a system.

Me I would just format & reinstall, but then again, from all people that get infected, 99.9% do not have a current backup of their data.

Cleaning a system of Malware booted not from Windows is usually the best way these days...