malicious software removal tool causes system to freeze?

[Guest]

I am using a Dell Dimension 2300 with windows xp home edition, etc. and have
a problem with the most recent release of mrt.exe (09/05/07). This problem
has occurred in the past, but I haven't noticed it much recently, until this
update ran. I can't run a manual quick scan or full scan without the system
just freezing up. I have tried escaping using the task manager and/or
ctrl/alt/del with no success. I have to use the power button to shut down
and restart. The mrt.log shows that the tool started, but doesn't indicate a
result.
Is this indicative of any particular problem?
Any ideas how I troubleshoot this?
Also noticed recently that I can't turn system restore back on for some
reason. I have tried reducing the amount of space it uses, but this doesn't
seem to affect it.
thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

I am using a Dell Dimension 2300 with windows xp home edition, etc. and have
a problem with the most recent release of mrt.exe (09/05/07). This problem
has occurred in the past, but I haven't noticed it much recently, until this
update ran. I can't run a manual quick scan or full scan without the system
just freezing up.

Same problem here with two machines running Avast! anti-virus. When
stopping Avast! the malicious software removal tool runs free of any
problems. Meanwhile, I've replaced Avast! with other free products.

If this doesn't apply, disable your anti-virus anyway prior to scanning.