A Free Limited-Time Virus Scanner
The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a tool developed by Microsoft for emergency situations where your computer has been infected with spyware, malicious software, or a virus. It is designed to be used as a last resort when other solutions have failed. This free program can be downloaded on another computer and transferred to the infected computer to scan for and isolate the problem. While it does not provide long-term virus checking, it can help breathe new life into your infected computer by suggesting solutions or isolating the problem for further troubleshooting.
The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a powerful tool that may work as a last-ditch attempt to save your computer. It offers a temporary solution and is not meant to replace higher quality virus-checking software. Keep in mind that the tool expires after ten days to encourage users to only use it in emergencies.