DESCRIPTION: Spyware scanner and removal tool.

SIZE: 6381 KB.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000/XP/Windows Server™ 2003, Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher

COMMENT: "Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding over 50 ways spyware can enter your PC."


Microsoft Antispyware, based on the former Giant AntiSpyware, not only works as a scanning engine to remove known spyware, but unlike other free spyware utilities, offers real-time protection to prevent spyware from getting on your computer in the first place. It also has tools to manage your privacy by removing user logs.



Spyware Scanning can be set to do an intelligent quick scan which takes a couple of minutes and catches 99% of spyware or a full system scan of your hard drives, memory, processes, and registry and takes about 30 minutes. Total time depends on which options you choose. Scanning can be done manually or on a schedule.



Scheduled Scanning can run daily, weekly or monthly.





Real-time Protection with security agents that can be configured to monitor changes to Internet Explorer, Internet connection settings, installed applications, security permissions and system settings, stopping most threats before they're be installed.





Advanced Tools comes with two System Tools to control changes to your computer. SystemExplorer which allows the user to view and modify hidden or hard to change settings and Browser Hijack Restore which can return your browser to its previous settings.




Tracks Eraser is a privacy tool that removes Internet History usage logs and activity trails from 75 different applications and can be scheduled to automatically delete browsing history, temporary folders, and search history.





Microsoft AntiSpyware offers users the ability to be connected to SpyNet™ , a voluntary worldwide community of Windows AntiSpyware users, identifying possible unknown spyware and updating the system to protect against new threats.





Microsoft AntiSpyware seems to be very effective, finding spyware two other scanners didn't pick up. It worked quietly in the background without any noticeable slowdown of processing. Microsoft recommends validation of your genuine Microsoft Windows operating system(it prompts you for the necessary info) which is supposed to speed updates and usage, but isn't required. Microsoft AntiSpyware is pre-release (beta) software so no technical support is offered. If you have problems Microsoft offers a newsgroup forum were you might be able to find answers. If problems continue it can be removed by using the Add or Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel or try System Restore. More info can be found at the Microsoft Spyware page. Real-time protection, tracks eraser and the ability to automatically update software and definitions makes Microsoft AntiSpyware a more attractive option than other free antispyware tools.