How to use MalwareBytes Antimalware – a tutorial
MalwareBytes’ Antimalware (MBAM) is a stunning performance free program that detects and repairs many known viruses and spyware. When used in conjunction with other products it helps to form a strong barrier against known malware threats (viruses, spyware, trojans, worms etc).
How to use MalwareBytes’ Antimalware
Once a week if possible scan your pc by selecting Start, All Programs, MalwareBytes’ Antimalware, MalwareBytes Antimalware. When the program opens select Update, Check for Updates then select Scanner, tick ‘Perform full scan’, and click on ‘Scan’. At the end of the scan, a box pops up saying ‘The scan completed successfully’. Click on OK then ‘Show results’. Any infections are listed here with a tick next to them. Simply click on ‘Remove selected’ to remove them. Close the logfile (the text report) and reboot the PC
Most asked questions (I answer these virtually every day!)
Do I need to scan weekly without fail?
You don’t need to scan if you haven’t used the PC. Weekly scans or when you have downloaded an installation program are very important.
Why do I need this if I have an antivirus program, eg AVG or Norton?
An antivirus gets rid of viruses and often some spyware, this program excels at malware (trojans, worms, spyware, adware) removal and detection. Use the 2 programs combined for optimal protection.
Do the programs clash?
No. MBAM coexists with the majority of software quite happily
Why is it free?
It’s free because there is also a paid version of MalwareBytes that auto-updates and scans in ‘real time’
Is it really that good?
Oh yes, it’s currently the best-of-breed antimalware scanner.
BarryP on Fri, 10th Sep 2010 12:54 pm
Thanks for the guide. They don’t say how to use it on their website or if they do I can’t find it. I removed a Trojan from my PC, what do I need to do now?
A9 on Fri, 10th Sep 2010 5:49 pm
Hi Barry
You need to update your antivirus and do a full scan, then update MalwareBytes again and do another full scan. Once they are clear then your computer should be clean.
Rickie9 on Sun, 12th Sep 2010 4:17 pm
I use this tool religiously every day. It never picks up anything now but it picked up 94 infections on the first run. Is this normal?
A9 on Mon, 13th Sep 2010 12:03 am
Yes, absolutely normal. Just make sure you update before you scan and do a full scan (not quick scan) once a week. Make sure too that your antivirus does a full scan regularly.
Jules127 on Tue, 22nd Feb 2011 10:26 am
Excellent guide in plain English thanks. I was running the tool but not updating first, but like you said it needs to be updated before scanning.
zoe graham on Sat, 2nd Apr 2011 5:32 pm
Hi, please tell me which malwareBytes do I use, I’ve looked on goole and don’t know which one is safe and free, would you mind sending me the address please,
Thanks
zoe
A9 on Sun, 3rd Apr 2011 10:49 am
No problem, the official link is http://www.malwarebytes.org
Once there, click “Download free version”.
If you are thinking of purchasing the program click this link for the full version of MalwareBytes Antimalware which gives you real time scanning and the top level of protection. The price is very fair for the level of protection it offers and I recommend this for all users. It has built in website protection that blocks malicious websites too, great if you have kids!