What is NT Kernel and System?

Question

Something to do with Windows system32? It wants virus clearance. Thing is my virus protection never asks for Microsoft virus clearance on updates. For some reason updates just get through. This is meant to be an update but the virus protection tells me it has been altered and might be infected with a virus.
What is NT Kernel and if it is from Microsoft why does it need clearance and doesn't it get the automatic clearance that other updates do?
It's been trying for a few days now. I'm puzzled ...

Oh please don't get too technical :-)

OK, after reading the very informative link that went right over my head i guess the question should be: how likely is this to have a virus in it? And do i really NEED this update? Thanks :-)

Answer 1

Here is the answer to what Kernel is:
"Most OSs require a way to separate user applications from the OS's core services. To achieve this, Windows 2000 has two modes, user and kernel. A user mode program can't read or write directly to the OS memory; instead it can access its own virtual 4GB memory (2GB for applications, 2GB for OS), which a kernel process—the Virtual Memory Manager—controls. The Virtual Memory Manager then writes directly to the OS memory.
Basically, the system uses the kernel for critical OS services, which are kept separate from user programs to prevent the user programs from crashing the OS. The main parts of Win2K that run in kernel mode are the hardware abstraction layer (HAL—applications can't talk directly to hardware), NT Kernel, and NT Executive."

As for the rest of it, what is the specific message you get from your AV software when the system is trying to update?. Are you set up for Windows automatic updates? What AV software are you using? Is the update coming from Microsoft?
Go to "Check for updates" and see if there is an update to the NT Kernel listed as not being installed and if it is a critical update or not. If not critical, you may not need it but if critical then you need to install it but do it manually instead of through auto update. When doing it manually you may be instructed to turn off your AV software since this is updating part of the operating system.
Hope this helps

Answer 2

The NT Kernels are the ones at the bottom of the popper that don't pop. NT stands for Not Turnedinsideout. They have been a problem ever since people started eating popcorn at the keyboard. I have never got a virus from them, but I think one cracked a filling I had once.

Answer 3

My friend, I trust my anti spyware programs, and if the cookies are caught int the quarentine jar then my secutity is telling me there is a risk. NT Kernal is found in the quarantine jar and, as with all other spyware, no matter where it comes from, it gets deleted, simple as that.
I do not have any problems at all.
Remember, If it get's blocked, get rid of it, you don't need it.

Answer 4

Sorry but it is technical, but it tells all. Hope it will help you.

http://www.windowsitlibrary.com/Content/356/07/1.html

http://search.microsoft.com/results.aspx?q=nt+kernel&qsc0=0&SearchBtn0=Search&mkt=en-US&FORM=SSME

Answer 5

Please keep us informed. Getting totally bamboozeled by all the security info!