Microsoft Anti-Spyware=IE Spyware!

#1 (**permalink**) 22-01-2005, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Microsoft's AntiSpyware Tool Removes Internet Explorer

Many Microsoft Windows users who downloaded the recently released AntiSpyware program from Microsoft, or had it installed through an automatic Windows update, woke up to a surprise. Unintentionally, the heuristics of the software detected Internet Explorer as spyware, and removed the program from their systems.

AntiSpywareMicrosoft has pulled the program from its website until the problem can be corrected. Elias Weatherbee, a Microsoft representative, said the program was "only in beta" and that "a fix was forthcoming."

"It shows how powerful our AntiSpyware program is," said Weatherbee. "Not only is it able to remove spyware from the system, but also the source of most spyware. Our competitors can't match that."

A representative from Lavasoft, which sells Ad-Aware another spyware removal program, complained that Microsoft was using its monopoly and knowledge of the operating system to "offer features that others can't match."

"Tough ****," said Weatherbee.

Many computer users did not view this new "feature" positively. "I tried to check the weather this morning and all my little blue 'e' icons were missing. I couldn't get to the Internet at all. I guess I'll have to get a new computer," said Windows XP user Graham Newton.
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Users of alternative browsers were happy to see Internet Explorer gone. Thad Freeman of the Mozilla Users Group said, "I've been trying for years to get rid of Internet Explorer. I never imagined that Microsoft would do it for me. I'm ecstatic."

Microsoft technical support was advising customers to reinstall Windows to regain Internet access and to disable automatic updates.

Symantec Antivirus Research reported that virus sightings were down by 95% this morning.

http://www.bbspot.com/News/2005/01/...ntispyware.html

Leave it up to Microsoft!

#2 (**permalink**) 22-01-2005, 01:33 AM

Boy, I wish i had installed that program ;-)

JazzDude · #3 (**permalink**) 22-01-2005, 03:42 PM

That's odd!!!

The M$ AntiSpyware (Beta1) homepage is still there and is still available for download and I've had no problems with using IE with it, either: -

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

However, after using it on a test box, there is, IMO, definately a conflict with Spybot S&D 1.4 Beta 2 with respect to using Spybot's Host File facility, namely searchsquire.com. Aside from that, it works pretty **** well, IMO.......

EDIT: 22 January 2005 - 18:19 GMT

*LOL* I forgot Tyler banned that 'word'. It was only the 4th, 1st, 13th and 14th letters of the
phonetic alphabet, honest!

#4 (**permalink**) 22-01-2005, 10:06 PM

lol, Almost all of the "curse" words are banned, you can still post them, as long as you don't try to get past the censors

. There is one "curse" word is not banned and for obvious reasons why. Although I don't suggest trying to find it!

JazzDude · #5 (**permalink**) 22-01-2005, 10:37 PM

LOL

I've noticed that, Tyler. I even added two myself on the 'old' forum. This forum's Moderator CP's a lot more restrictive, however, Mod's can now ban users, whereas on the 'old' forum they couldn't. Oh well, can't have everything....

#6 (**permalink**) 24-01-2005, 01:58 AM

I wish I can control that but I can't its all defualt. But I see the Spyware is backup, they must've fixed the problem or I posted this too late!

JazzDude · #7 (**permalink**) 24-01-2005, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler

I wish I can control that but I can't its all defualt. But I see the Spyware is backup, they must've fixed the problem or I posted this too late!

What Spyware is that? A post?

#8 (**permalink**) 24-01-2005, 09:35 PM

Microsoft's AntiSpyware I am sorry I forgot to put "Anti" in there!

JazzDude · #9 (**permalink**) 25-01-2005, 04:47 PM

No worries, Tyler......LOL