Microsoft Refreshes OneCare Beta

Microsoft on Tuesday will issue a refreshed beta of Windows OneCare to testers, which brings a number of improvements to the PC protection and maintenance service. New features include the ability to backup to an external drive, scan incoming files from MSN Messenger and perform on-demand virus detection.

The updated beta will be delivered automatically through OneCare's built-in update facility. However, changes to the firewall and anti-virus component means currently policies and exclusions will be lost in the transition. Developers have also now integrated Windows OneCare into the new unified Microsoft Update download center for patches.