Using the tool is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to the results. Step 1: Download
Disclaimer: Kaspersky TDSSKiller is a trademark of AO Kasperso Lab. This article is for educational purposes. Always back up your data before modifying the Master Boot Record.
Using the tool is straightforward, but careful attention to the steps is important for a successful clean.
Because TDSSKiller operates on heuristic analysis and looks for structural anomalies, it can occasionally trigger "suspicious" flags on legitimate software. Programs that employ rootkit-like behaviors for legitimate purposes—such as virtual drive emulators (e.g., DAEMON Tools), advanced digital rights management (DRM) systems, low-level hardware monitors, or third-party encryption tools—may be flagged. How to Distinguish a Real Threat from a False Positive
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Right-click the tdsskiller.exe file and select . Elevating privileges is mandatory; without administrative rights, the utility cannot load its kernel driver or access raw disk sectors. Step 3: Configuration (Optional but Recommended)
tdsskiller.exe -qaction Cure – Automatically cures any detected threats without user prompting.
Once the scan finishes, TDSSKiller will display a summary. If objects are found, it will categorize them and suggest an action:
Key features
Are you experiencing (like blue screens, redirected web browsers, or blocked software)?
: TDSSKiller can operate in various environments, including normal Windows mode, or from a bootable disk/USB, which is particularly useful for cleaning systems that are heavily infected.
While TDSSKiller Portable is world-class at what it does, it is important to understand its boundaries within a broader security strategy:
After successfully running TDSSKiller and rebooting your system, you should immediately follow up with a full system scan using a comprehensive secondary scanner (such as Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or Malwarebytes) to mop up any non-rootkit payloads left behind by the initial breach. Conclusion Using the tool is straightforward, but it requires
(Optional) If you suspect the target computer actively kills security processes, rename the file to a random string of characters (e.g., scan123.com ). Step 2: Configure the Scan Settings
While TDSSKiller is a useful tool for detecting and removing specific rootkits, it's not a replacement for a full-fledged antivirus solution. For comprehensive protection, consider using a reputable antivirus product, such as Kaspersky's own antivirus software.
You can download the file on a clean computer, copy it to a USB flash drive, and run it directly on the infected machine.
Bootkits are a sub-category of rootkits that infect the Master Boot Record or Volume Boot Record. Because they execute before the Windows kernel even loads, they can subvert the operating system's built-in security sub-systems (like Driver Signature Enforcement). TDSSKiller directly reads the physical sectors of the storage drives, bypassing the virtualized file system presented by a compromised OS, allowing it to detect discrepancies between the actual MBR/VBR and what the system reports. 2. Kernel-Mode Rootkits Always back up your data before modifying the
Download the latest version of the utility directly from the official Kaspersky website or reputable tech sites. The file is usually named TDSSKiller.exe . 2. Run as Administrator