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Overview
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.

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.

The latest beta refresh, 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 and provides new signature updates to help protect against recently identified spyware.

Existing users of the beta (Builds 1.0.501, 1.0.509, 1.0.613, and 1.0.614) will receive a software update that includes the new beta refresh. The new 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 1.0.615).

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

Important Notes


English only:
The current beta is intended only for English language versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It should not be deployed on non-English versions.


Beta Support Policy:
This is pre-release (beta) software distributed for feedback and testing purposes. Microsoft does not provide technical support for beta releases (see below for information about how to gain access to newsgroups). If Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is causing an issue with your system, we recommend removing it by using Add or Remove Programs and even using System Restore if the problem persists.


Access to Newsgroups:
Although formal support is not offered for this beta, we have provided newsgroups to help get your questions answered.

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