What is Malware Killer on-demand malware removal?

Available in System Mechanic Ultimate Defense as well as a standalone desktop app, Malware Killer finds and removes malware from already-infected machines. If real-time antivirus protection represents the traps that keep pests out of your home, Malware Killer is a visit from the exterminator.


How do I access Malware Killer?

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense users can access the full version of Malware Killer by clicking the Malware Killer crosshairs icon at the top of the homescreen. The free, scan-only version of Malware Killer is also available in System Mechanic.


Standalone users, double-click the Malware Killer desktop icon. You should also see access to the free versions of System Mechanic, ByePass password manager, and Privacy Guardian online privacy protection.


How do I perform a malware scan?

To scan specific files or folders, simply drag directly into Malware Killer files or entire folders that you wish to scan for malware.

 

To scan your entire hard drive(s), do not drag folders and just click the green Scan button instead.

 

How Do I Select a Different HDD for a Malware Scan?

To scan a different drive, simply navigate to the desired drive in Windows File Explorer, right click the drive, and select Scan with Malware Killer:

 

How do I schedule a regular malware scan of my system?

In the red menu bar, from the Settings (gear icon) > Scan menu, you can schedule a regular malware scan at a frequency you set. Here you may also tell Malware Killer to always create a system restore point before removing any discovered infections. Simply check the box next to Create Restore Point.

 

How do I exclude files and folders I know to be safe from scans?

You can exclude specific files or folders that you do not want scanned by clicking in the red menu bar, Settings (gear icon) > Exclusions. In the upper left corner of the window, click the Exclusions dropdown menu, and navigate to the files or folders you wish to exclude. Here you may also delete all of your prior exclusions with one click.


What if after scanning a malicious file is found?

Malware Killer will finish scanning and display a “Harmful objects detected!” message. Your options for what to do with the harmful file(s) are found in the dropdown menu to the right of the file(s).

 

You can choose to:

  • Send the file(s) to the Quarantine
  • Delete the file(s)
  • Exclude the file(s) from future scans
  • Report the file(s) as safe

 When you have decided what to do with the harmful file(s), click Next to complete the process.


Where do I see and manage my quarantined files?

In the red menu bar, click the Quarantine button (hazard icon) to view potentially dangerous files Malware Killer has detected and quarantined. Here you may chose which files to Restore (remove from quarantine) and which to Delete (remove from the system).


How do I view my malware scan history?

Click the bar graph icon to view Reports of past scans and their results.

 

What makes Malware Killer unique among malware removal software?

Malware Killer is unique among malware remediation software because it uses proprietary Scan Cloud™-based scanning and analysis, enabled by its own carefully developed heuristics algorithm to dramatically reduce detection time for brand new outbreaks. This method allows Malware Killer to continually add to a vast “reputation database,” and even detect previously unknown threats.

 

Generic malware removal tools are not adept at this. While they may employ some form of suspicious file behavior monitoring, many are clumsy and overly aggressive, removing by accident non-malicious files important to the user.

 

How does Malware Killer work?

Whenever Malware Killer finds suspicious samples, they are sent to the Scan Cloud Sandbox where they are safely analyzed, after which the malware detection engine is immediately made all the more powerful. Malware Killer then shares this increased detectability with all of its users, even on machines where the Scan Cloud functionality is turned off.

 

What is the Scan Cloud Sandbox?

The Scan Cloud Sandbox is the sequestered safe space where Malware Killer analyzes suspicious files. The results of Scan Cloud Sandbox analysis are then used to add to Malware Killer’s ever-growing reputation database. Malware Killer dispenses the updated information to all users, thereby continuously making the detection engine smarter and better able to detect very recent or even previously unknown threats.

 

Is Malware Killer the same as real-time AV protection?

No, Malware Killer is the perfect complement to real-time protection, as it finds and eradicates malware when all else fails. It is important to have real-time anti-malware protection such as iolo System Shield, found in both System Mechanic Pro and System Mechanic Ultimate Defense (formerly Phoenix 360). As noted above, Malware Killer is also included in System Mechanic Ultimate Defense.

 

What is the difference between the free and full (paid) versions of Malware Killer?

The free version of Malware Killer offers a deep inspection engine to detect viruses, spyware and many other types of malware that may have infected your PC and notifies you of the malware. 


If you purchase a full (paid) license of Malware Killer, the software will then take the results of the advanced on-demand detection and eradicate the malware from your computer.


Where can I submit questions about Malware Killer?

If you have questions or concerns, please contact iolo Technical Support here.