What is "mrt" and "mrtstub"?

[TheTalker]

I was browsing through an external hard drive on my computer. The OS was not installed on it or anything. I saw this folder with a lock on it and inside are two files. mrt and mrtstub.

I Googled it but nothing really came up that helped me. Just things like "Is this maleware?" or "How can I prevent it from re-installing?" and it's made me worried now because I never installed anything on that drive. Just got files stored there.

I'm using Windows 7 x64 Ultimate.

Thank you.

Edit: I'm really scared now. It looks like this is a virus or something from I'm seeing in Google's searches!

 

[richc46]

Welcome

Not to worry, that is part of MS update, which included the malicious software removal tool. Definately not a problem, but can help avoid one.

Just to reassure you, I found this for you.
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/...removal-tool-mrtexe-in-vista-xp-2000-and-2k3/

But since you are concerned just run a good A/v scan and this
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

The two that you mentioned are ok, but if you did not scan for a while you may have others.

 

[TheTalker]

Ahhhhhh....you don't know how much of a relief it is to hear you tell me that. Phew...

I actually didn't do a full scan but I will do one tonight as you suggested. I did scan the two items though with Kaspersky and according to Kaspersky they're clean. Plus, I'm reading that article now and I definitely feel much, much better.

I can't say thank you enough!

Thank you very much!

PS: Edit: It just had struck me as odd is all as I never installed anything on that drive. I'm on Win7. (Just wanted to throw that in there.)

 

[richc46]

Maybe, I should thank you. All the members here volunteer to help others; but the real reward and payoff comes when someone, like yourself shows so much enthusiasm, makes me feel good.

Incidentally, that malwarebytes is excellent. Download and run a scan once a week. Many have used the big pay A/V and malwarebyts has found additional.

 

[TheTalker]

Aw, haha. Well, that makes two of us!!

Okay, so I should go ahead and use it as it might show viruses/trojans or whatever that Kaspersky won't notice?

 

[richc46]

Yes, your A/V is basically for virus. Malware, which can include virus, is meant to mean something different. Malwarebytes is one of the best. I have it on my computer.

Furthermore when your subscription is up with your A/V, download and use Miscrosoft Security Essentials, it was made just for windows and its free. I think that you will like it better.

 

[TheTalker]

Oh, I thought Kaspersky scanned for everything!! That's kinda scary knowing it only scans for viruses. I went ahead and am doing a Full Scan using MRT.exe right now.

I'll go and get Malwarebytes. Do you know if it will conflict, (for lack of a better word), with Kaspersky or anything? And is it easy to use? Also, is there anything else I should know? Are worms and trojans something different too or will Kaspersky take notice of them?

I had MSE before but I changed to Kaspersky thinking it was better then MSE.

Thank you for the suggestions.

Edit: Could you please provide a link to Malwarebytes? I would like to download it from a place you recommend.

 

[richc46]

Yes, it scans for everything, but MB does a much better job in the opinion of many of the members. Its free just run the scan once a week.

You can read this, too.

How to Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MRT.EXE) in Vista, XP, 2000 and 2K3 My Digital Life
Igave you the MB site that I use.

 

[TheTalker]

Oops, I didn't notice that you already posted the link to Malwarebytes. Sorry about that! I did read that article though. It showed me how to get MRT started.

I'll scan with Kaspersky. I'll scan with MB. And I'll scan with MRT. Does that sound good and all? Is there more that I should do? Also, is the free MB good enough? Another thing, I read in that article that MRT scans behind the scenes so I don't have to schedule that or anything right?

Edit: I'll install and use MB tomorrow. I don't want to install anything while MRT is scanning. Don't want to mess anything up. I'm going to bed anyhow.

Thanks so much for your time and assistance! I really appreciate it. Without this site and it's helpful members I would truly be lost!!

 

[richc46]

It is not difficult to take care of the computer, normal maintenance and stay away from those sites that you know will cause trouble and do not use any registry cleaners; stay away from registry.

 

[TheTalker]

Ooh, I actually use CCleaner to clean the registry. I was told by about two members here that it's a good tool. But other then that I don't touch that registry. I know to stay away from it.

(I added some more stuff to my previous post just so you know in case you missed it.)

 

[richc46]

I read your prior post and thank you for the kind words.

Ccleaner has an option not to touch the registry, I would use that. Ccleaner is excellent.

Please, feel free to return at any time, either to share your knowledge or to use our expertise. You will always be welcome.

 

[TheTalker]

Well, I actually thought it was a good thing to clean the registry. I've been doing after I uninstall stuff to remove them unused files and such. Is this bad? I thought it was good.

Here's my plan with the scanning and all: I'll scan with Kaspersky. I'll scan with MB. And I'll scan with MRT. Does that sound good and all? Is there more that I should do? Also, is the free MB good enough? Another thing, I read in that article that MRT scans behind the scenes so I don't have to schedule that or anything right?

And thank you very much for your advice and suggestions!

 

[richc46]

The a/v runs in real time to catch the virus before it enters; but run a scan once a week to be sure. MB free edition is just like the paid except it does not run real time. I won the paid version and it conflict with my A/V, so I use it as the free version.. The only diffeence between paid and free is that free does not run in real time, you must run a scan.

As far as the registry goes, it is an opinion some say use the cleaners others do not. Since my Windows 98, I have never used a Reg cleaner and never had a problem.

Dont do anything with MRT, not necessary.You can just let it stay there and forget about it.

Just maintain the computer in the normal fashion, defrag, clean disc, etc.

 

[seekermeister]

Malwarebytes is good, but as far as I have found, it doesn't have a provision for real time protection, nor automatic updates. I very rarely have a problem with malware, but in a recent case, installing some games, it was Windows Defender that instantly popped an alert, even before OSS which is supposed to detect malware also.

 

[richc46]

You see, Talker, we have another opinion, which is not right or wrong.

Learn from the posts, here and use your own judgement.

 

[TheTalker]

I understand. I have been cleaning the registry every time I've uninstalled something. And that's not very often. Last I did it was a week and a half ago.

Anyways, I'll run a free MB scan each week. I'll leave MRT alone. (I'll let it finish the full scan for tonight as I've already started it.) And I'll leave my Kaspersky settings alone.

I actually don't defrag---only every did it once and that was last year. That is probably bad eh? But I heard that defragging puts ware and tear on the hard drives. Is that true?

And what is clean disk?

Seekermeister - I've never heard of OSS. Thank you very much for your input however.

 

[richc46]

Not true anymore, You really only need it if you install and unistall a lot. MS says if 10% or more needs defrag it should be done.

 

[TheTalker]

Okay, so it's not bad to defrag anymore. Got it. Alright, I will remember that. 10% more. I don't really do a lot of uninstalling but I do install a lot. So I'll check and see if anything is over 10%.

(Updated my previous post with some more information/questions.)

Edit: I checked and my disk defragmenter is set to defrag every Wednesday at 6pm. Now of course it can't do this if the PC is off but it's usually on at 6pm. Should I keep the scheduling on or should I turn it off and do it myself?

I'm going to go to bed now. Will be back tomorrow bright and early to check the replies.

Thank you everyone!!

 

[richc46]

This will be the best thing that I did for you so far, our complete tutorial list. Read, learn and then come back with questions. Everyone will be glad to help

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/257-windows-7-tutorial-index-2.html?filter[2]=General Tips