Windows Security Center.

Hello Everyone, I am using IE7 with Windows XP Home, also Norton 2007. I have just noticed a message in Windows Security Center, "Security Center is not available, may not have started or was stopped ". I am new to the workings of Norton 2007. Could I have a security problem here. Regards, William.

 

Hello williamdp,

Is this NIS or just the Anti-Virus? Some posts here lately on 2006 versions that interfere with basic Windows processes. This is a new one

Don't know the answer to your question as far as what Symantec does to the Security Center - I don't use it.

If you go into the SC via the Control Panel, can you access it and if so, does it look any different?

Anything about this in Nav's Help?

Regards - Charles

 

Hello Charles, Many thanks for your reply. The Norton 2007 CD which I loaded contained NIS and AV. When I open WSC in Control Panel I have three icons, (a) automatic updates: (b) internet options : (c) Windows firewall. Before I loaded Norton 2007 I also had indication as to whether or not each was switched on/off.

I opened Symantic Help Center. In a search box I typed, "Windows Security Center ". The following message appeared. "SHOW MESSAGES from WSC allows you to turn-on / turn off alerts from thr WSC. If you check this option you will receive alerts from both WSC and Norton Protection Center. It is recommended that you leave this box unchecked ".

In Protection Center Options I found the box referred to. It had no check in it. I put a check in it and WSC came back to life immediately. It would appear that Norton 2007 has taken complete control of security.

From your knowledge do you think it would be safe to do without WSC and rely on Norton 2007 alone? Your reply urged me into action to investigate. I thank you for that. Regards, William.

 

Hi williamdp,

My personal preference would be not to have NAV control system messages simply because if something happened to NAV - corruption - take down by malware or anything else unforeseen, there would be another check on the security status of your system.

As Christer mentioned, there is a way to control SC's behavior. I do have it set for some alerts - if a Firewall is not running and if the AV isn't running. I don't use AU (windows update) and that alert is shut off. The place to do so is in the left panel of SC > Change the way SC alerts me > and then check/uncheck the boxes.

I don't think you're losing protection by using the SC, I think you're gaining it.

Regard - Charles

 

Hi Christer,

I remember That's one of the many reasons I gave up on Symantec products - NAV2005 was the last one for me.

BTW, all the SC alerts have to be checked to get the SC shield in the tray.

Also, there are times when (off line) I shut the AV off and I want to make sure that its not only my memory that is relied on to turn it back on.

Regards - Charles

 

Hello Christer, Thank you. It appears to be a matter of faith between Microsoft and Symantec. When Microsoft was in use there was no indication it was there at all. With Norton 2007 every screen has icons informing you of status. Which is very reassuring. I think I will support Symantec. Regards, William.