Marie, I don't use the automatic update feature but regularly run windows Update and see which, if any, critical updates are recommended. I did this yesterday evening and there were 2, one being called Malicious Software Removal tool. Without really thinking I downloaded and installed both, and as far as I can tell everything on this XP Pro system is OK. I think that this is something quite separate from the MS Spyware software referred to on this list as being in beta stage of development. If you really needed to remove the item from your system you will probably find it in the Add/Remove of Control Panel - I think it has the number KB 890830 but I don't think that should be necessary. I feel certain that Microsoft would not make available as a critical update anything that was still in beta. Douglas On 13 Jan 2005 at 12:50, marie baisez wrote: > Hi all, > This morning when I connected to check my mail, I was notified that there > were updates for my computer to be downloaded. Assuming that they were > critical updates as I thought my computer was set up to pick up only > these, I clicked on the download button without checking what they were. I > then read on this mailing list that the removal tool for spyware for > microsoft is inaccessible and a beta version. When I go to instal the > updates I notice that they are, I think, but can't be sure, as it asks me > to accept a licensed agreement which critical updates don't usually do, > this removal tool. I do not wish to instal this at the moment since it is > a beta version and is inaccessible. I have several questions about this, > 1, where do I reset my system to only download and instal critical > updates? 2 where can I find this file to delete it as I do not know its > name? 3, If I installed this, assuming it is the update that is > inaccessible, would it run in the background and do its job without > causing problems or does it need to be configured? I found a folder in my > Windows folder dated of to-day called: $hf_mig$ Is this the folder I > should delete? If I installed the software, would restoring my pc to an > earlier time uninstal the program? If I can't find the folder to delete > it, how do I stop the notice updates are ready to instal from appearing on > my system tray? at least as a temporary measure while the accessibility > problem is resolved? > > I run xp home edition service pack 2 installed with jfw 5.1 by the way > with ie6 and a slow dial up connection, ADSL not yet available in my eria > and don't have a lot of technical expertise around me at the moment so > count on your guidance and advice. > > Thanks a lot to all for taking the time to help > > Cheers now, > > Marie. > -- Douglas Harrison ** To leave the list, send a message to:- ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** and in the Subject line type ** unsubscribe ** For other list commands such as vacation mode, send a message, to ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq