How can I be sure that a Windows "Automatic Update" is genuine?

Question

I have an icon in my taskbar that looks just like an official Windows icon. It's a yellow shield with an exclamation point. When I click on the shield, a window pops up prompting me to accept the license terms and install the update. The update is called "Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - January 2010".

The reason I am suspicious of this is because I have my Windows Updates settings set to automatically download and install updates daily. Usually, if there is a new update, it begins downloading and installing when I boot up the computer. For some reason this update isn't installing automatically. How can I be sure it's a genuine Windows update?

Answer 1

The easiest way is to go to the Microsoft website and directly check for any updates available under the Security & Updates tab.



http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx



It is possible that it is a legitimate update, but better safe than sorry. If you do get and download update directly from the Microsoft site, reboot afterwards and the shield should be gone.

Answer 2

It is because you have to accept the Licence Terms why this update is not downloading automatically. It is a common Microsoft Update

Answer 3

Yeah , It's safe , Even though you have your Windows Update on automatic , It requires you to accept the EULA , The Microsoft malicious software tool just removes viruses and other things (:

Have a look here : http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx

And read on a bit (:

Jamiee (:

Answer 4

Yellow has to do with to anti-virus program.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/891716

Answer 5

http://www.google.com/search?q=Microsoft+Windows+Malicious+Software+Removal+Tool+-+January+2010%22.+&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en