Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool runs multiple times daily - not once per month as expected

Anonymous
2016-01-02T22:29:43+00:00

Since, it seems, the 1151 Windows 10 Home 64b upgrade, my laptop has been running MRT on a more than daily basis, producing high disk usage. At least twice, I've run it manually, which allows me to see the details, and noticed MRT detecting 97 malicious files, but then, continuing to run, looping and scanning the same set of files repeatedly, until it finally quits with no malicious files detected.

Norton Internet Security, Norton Power Eraser, and Malware Bytes, all current, have detected no malicious files, but I am thinking it is obvious there are malicious files. Not sure what else to do at this point, any advice would be appreciated.

Moved from Windows

Original title: Microsoft Software Removal Tool running more than daily, with high disk usage

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

44 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-14T17:45:49+00:00

    Hi All,

    I'm still here. I was just away for the past 5 days, and I'm just catching up now. I'll try to check on the above in the next day or so.

    Honestly not sure if MRT in any form is still running multiple times daily or not. I've not been paying attention as much, as I'm probably getting a new laptop. I will try to find out now, though.

    Thanks for your continued efforts.

    Brian

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-03-15T13:49:30+00:00

    Paul Sey, I have a new task related to MRT.exe in my task scheduler, MRT_ERROR_HB. I can show you settings, actions, conditions in the pictures below:

    @Brian, do you have this? From Task Scheduler, go select task scheduler library. Select Microsoft, then Windows, then Removal Tools to find these two MRT.exe related tasks.

    Susan MillerVA

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-03-24T02:47:30+00:00

    PaulSey... More has happened since your last private message to me and since my last post in this thread. @Brian, I am under the impression that what has happened to my computer since I started posting in your thread is appearing to be different from what has happened to your computer. I don't know what to do about the posting here. I am anxious to see your information....Paul, please tell me where you want me to give you this new information.

    Susan MillerVA

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2016-03-24T13:18:21+00:00

    Please start a new thread with the new issue.

    Paul...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2016-03-25T02:25:14+00:00

    PaulSey... The new thread is :http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_other-protect_scanning/mrthb-or-mrterrorhb-or-mrtexe-runs-daily-instead/f823ac2e-3971-4561-a139-3b140772c047?tm=1458872277533

    Please check this thread at your earliest convenience. Thanks for your help.

    Susan MillerVA

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments