Fix Computers Devastated by Malware with New Tool From Microsoft

For the last few years, Microsoft has been stepping up its game when it comes to helping you solve problems caused by viruses and other sorts of malware. In addition to the highly regarded (and free) Security Essentials, now there's a program that can help you start computers that have been completely "bricked" by malware.

After all, it doesn't matter how good your anti-virus tools are if you somehow fall prey to some sort of malware that will no longer let you boot your PC or access your anti-virus software. Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper is a program you can download and use to get your PC booted and scanned.

The program is free and currently in beta, but I have tried it and it appears to work just fine, even in its currently incomplete state. You need to choose the 32 or 64 bit version (depending upon the version of Windows you are using on the affected PC). Just download the appropriate version and then follow the instructions to burn the program onto a bootable disc. (You'll want to do this on a second, uninfected computer.) It also does not matter what version of Windows you have installed on the PC -- anything from XP SP3 to Windows 7 works fine.

More on BNET:

• Beware of Malware Masquerading as Microsoft Security Essentials
• Why You Should Never Join "Free Public WiFi"
• Microsoft Researcher Cormac Herley: Frequent Password Resets are a Waste of Time

Dave Johnson was employed by Microsoft Corporation at the time this article was written.