Microsoft® Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

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Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding over fifty (50) ways spyware can enter your PC.

Participants in the worldwide SpyNet™ community play a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your PC so you stay up to date.

Download: AntiSpyware Beta

View: AntiSpyware Home Page

Note to users with expired versions of Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)
Did your Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) expire? Download and upgrade to the latest version of Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) today for an extension. If you are unsure of the version or when your Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) will expire, you can follow these instructions on how to check the expiration date and version of your Windows AntiSpyware (Beta).

Beta 1 Versions
Since releasing Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) on January 6, 2005 (Build 1.0.501), we have continued to receive feedback from customers. We introduced a beta refresh on February 16, 2005 (Build 1.0.509) which enhanced some of the real-time protection agents, added new threat categories, and improved stability and performance.

An updated beta refresh released on June 23, 2005 (Build 1.0.613), introduced enhancements to the detection and removal capabilities, including improved Winsock LSP removal capabilities and support for long descriptions of categorized software. In addition, we have also extended the Windows AntiSpyware beta expiration date to December 31, 2005.

An updated beta refresh released on July 18, 2005 (Build 1.0.615), addresses issues pertaining to how Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) provides information to the user about processes running on a PC, solves an issue regarding the delivery of new anti-spyware signatures for some customers.

The latest beta refresh, build 1.0.701, extends the Windows AntiSpyware beta expiration date to July 31, 2006 and provides new signature updates to help protect against recently identified spyware.

Existing users of the beta (Build 1.0.615) will receive a software update that includes the new beta refresh. The latest beta refresh is also available for download through this site.

Microsoft would like to encourage all Windows AntiSpyware (beta) users to download and install the new update (Build 1.0.701).

The user must be an administrator to install this application. To check the version number, click About Microsoft AntiSpyware… on the Help menu.

#1 halloween_david on 22 Nov 2005 - 08:42

Great piece of software, but why is there a Ad-Aware image on the headline?

(4 replies) #2 _Dom_ on 22 Nov 2005 - 09:01

isnt it called microsoft one care or something now?

#2.1 lordpake on 22 Nov 2005 - 09:04

No, it is supposed to be Windows Defender (in the future).

#2.2 _Dom_ on 22 Nov 2005 - 09:36

thats the one

#2.3 Havin_it on 22 Nov 2005 - 13:46

I have Windows Defender already, I got it from download.com ages ago!

It is really hard work to control all the bugs with it though. Flying around and manually shooting them all the time is bad enough, but at the same time I have to stop them carrying off and infecting all the little spacemen guys [what are they anyway - icons for system processes?] I never seem to have time to do anything productive on my computer...

#2.4 ev0| on 22 Nov 2005 - 17:23

^^ This isn't slashdot. We're too immature to appreciate humor like that here...

(2 replies) #3 alsheron on 22 Nov 2005 - 09:27

I dont get it. Is this a new version or something? Why is it frontpage news if it isnt and if it is, why isnt its newness specified?

#3.1 rob.derosa on 22 Nov 2005 - 09:47

its Build 1.0.701

#3.2 EastExpert on 26 Nov 2005 - 00:28

It's a refresher. Should've say it from the headline...

(1 reply) #4 cyberfrem on 22 Nov 2005 - 09:46

I've tried downloading and installing this but my installation still reads version 1.0.615 !!!

#4.1 asdfg on 23 Nov 2005 - 08:55

I am also having the same thing happen to me.

#5 frogworm on 22 Nov 2005 - 09:46

1.0.615 here and it expires December 31st, 2005. i suppose i can install the newer build over it though?

#6 halloween_david on 22 Nov 2005 - 10:33

People been having issues with the version installed on there system since this came out. The size of 1.0.615 is 6.54mb. The size of version 1.0.701 is 6.58mb. Check the size before you save it.

#7 ll1219 on 22 Nov 2005 - 12:42

Where can download the version 1.0.701 ? I only found version 1.0.615 on Microsoft's site

#8 buzz99 on 22 Nov 2005 - 13:23

This version is 1.0.701 and will expire on july 31st 2006. That's what on my box right now.
And it's 1.0.701 that's on Microsoft site (that's what I just downloaded) using the download link on this page.

#9 family guy on 22 Nov 2005 - 13:23

So will this eventually autoupdate or not? Cause I keep checking for updates and it says I have the most recent version, but I have 615 or whatever it is

#10 joeydoo on 22 Nov 2005 - 13:49

This doesn't update automatically yet.

(3 replies) #11 llbbl on 22 Nov 2005 - 14:47

Adaware is still better/faster at finding things. Run hitman pro. It is a very good way to be sure that you get everything possible.

http://www.hitmanpro.nl/

#11.1 whitedragon on 22 Nov 2005 - 16:22

Actually, I use Ad-Aware, MS Anti-Spyware, Spybot & Pest Patrol for weekly scans, and MS is only a little bit slower than Ad-Aware. I use MS for real-time scan & protection because it's the lightest on resources & the least intrusive.

#11.2 DMilner on 22 Nov 2005 - 16:56

I've been trying to download Hitman Pro for almost a month now, but the download link never works.

#11.3 EastExpert on 26 Nov 2005 - 00:29

I'm afraid the days of 3rd party antispyware are doomed. Most people won't bother downloading third-party software when there will be the software from the guys who made Window

#12 russshoe on 22 Nov 2005 - 18:31

Run a scan with new build BSOD system crash

(2 replies) #13 Croquant on 22 Nov 2005 - 19:47

I don't trust Microsoft to defend my system from much of anything, so I'm gonna pass on their antispyware product, thanks.

#13.1 Porp on 22 Nov 2005 - 19:59

So the company that made your operating system, you don't trust with their own safety / security / protection software? Hah!

Made me have a good laugh!

#13.2 bilemke on 22 Nov 2005 - 21:19

True, because of inside knowledge of the OS, I would hope they would have the best hope of trying to defend it. I wont count on Microsoft Anti-Spyware alone, but it is a good start.. Especially since like many things, they originally didnt make it.. They bought it and now it is a MS product.

#14 Chrysalis on 22 Nov 2005 - 23:17

I also downloaded the one on the link provided and although it said posted date 21 nov I have the 615 version which expires end of dec.

(2 replies) #15 thenewbf on 23 Nov 2005 - 00:05

What next? Microsoft starts selling an antivirus for security holes in their own OS?

#15.1 EQ23 on 23 Nov 2005 - 02:45

Actually, yes they will.

With the acquisition of Sybari and their Antigen product by Microsoft, Microsoft will come up in Q1 2006 with their Antivirus Software....can't wait so I can dish Symantec and-or McAffee

#15.2 EastExpert on 26 Nov 2005 - 00:37

Me too.

Rumours were that Windows OneCare will also cost much less than absolutely outrageous prices for third-party antiviruses... paying £50 for antivirus suite for a year is ridiculous - McAfee have gone crazy - and they create more processes than the rest of my own running programs!

I just think the modern model of malware protection has gone too far - they just integrated all available types of protection, needed and unneeded, without properly integrating their operations; which slows the computers down already past reasonable limits - most of the time they are busy defending themselves from malware!

Just wish the bloody lawyer buggers would not begin more litigations. These stupid litigations only increase price for end-users, because money for fines have to come from somewhere.

(1 reply) #16 yukycg on 23 Nov 2005 - 01:00


are you allow to post a direct link?

Tested and it is the new version

#16.1 eilegz on 23 Nov 2005 - 06:56

thx this its the link

#17 nbearoz on 23 Nov 2005 - 02:20

Downloaded from link, upgraded and still 615. Then deinstalled and reinstalled using download from link. Still 615! The new download dated 21/11/05 is the same size as the last update in October - 6860424 bytes.

#18 scottdaman on 23 Nov 2005 - 06:19

Just updated, got 701 now thanks.

#19 nbearoz on 23 Nov 2005 - 08:29

Installed "new" file on machine where Antispy has never been installed before and still the version is 1.0.615, expiring 31/12/05.

#20 j0j081 on 23 Nov 2005 - 10:19

I love all the Microsoft bashing as usual here. MS AntiSpyware is a great product imo and free so what is there to complain about?

#21 madnuke on 23 Nov 2005 - 19:38

I love it, I have the new version worked ok for me try clearing your download cache or just wait for the update dont worry MS cares about you!

#22 Hills420 on 24 Nov 2005 - 02:40

when is this thing going to be GA, it has been in beta for a long time?

#23 RSCD_Immortal on 24 Nov 2005 - 21:57

this is really really old news!

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