Resolved MSE fails to protect computer.

Without warning periodically MES fails to protect and requires an immediate scan procedure. Can this be caused by other software?
Windows 7 Home Edition. Thanks Bobby.

 

MES symbol in the task bar is no longer coloured green and ticked. Clicking the MES desktop icon, shows in coloured brown that computer is no longer protected. At boot up of computer MES appears to be working and only at odd times if I check for error on task bar, I find the above error "no longer protected ". If I fail to check several time during a computer session, that I am using computer on line without protection against any attacks. Thanks Bobby.

 

I've left MSE behind for quite a while now. Now, on client's computers, I normally install either Avast or BitDefender.

Both are free and both are more robust than MSE.

Therefore, I'd uninstall MSE and replace it with a more robust solution.

 

Hi BobbyScot, Someone was asking questions about MSE/Defender recently and I'm pretty sure it was explained how the MSE/Defender will indicate in the Systray by colour change.
It goes Brown to indicate that the Scheduled Scan is due. If you open MSE/Defender it will show in Brown in a window saying a Scan needs to be done.
If you look in > Settings > you will see that Real time Protection is ACTIVE even though you haven't done a Scan.
In my experience with MSE/Defender - if an intruder tries to invade (Malware/Trojan/Virus) you will hear a noise (Siren sound) and the Systray indicator will be flashing.
When you click on it - MSE/Defender will tell you it has Quarantined the problem and ask you what you want to do with it.
I have from my experience faith that MSE/Defender is doing it's job well.
You will find that most Anti-Virus software has some form of indicator to let you know the current status of events.
You need to become conversant with how it operates. Neil.

 

Thank you for all replies, most appreciated. I carry out an MSE manual check at end of each day computer session and not schedule timed. I was under the impression that MSE was an upgrade for Defender. I check Windows twice daily for updates, each times shows an update for MSE which are downloaded and installed. I have read many times in Windows BBS that MSE is not efficient and should be replaced by other free antivirus software, and I agree MSE as in this case can cause concern. Thanks Bobby.

 

Hi BobbyScot, As I said in my Post - I have used MSE in XP OS comps and MSE replaced Defender.
When W8 was brought out - Defender name was used and MSE is now Defender in both W8/8.1 and W10 Preview.
I have no qualms using this Anti-Virus program from MS. My experience with AV's over the years has satisfied me that MSE/Defender is not a resource hog that other AV's can be.
It doesn't "flash" sales screens in the middle of your work like some do or bog the system down for 10 minutes at Startup. My experience = my choice. Neil.

 

Does other antivirus software as BitDefender upgrade daily as does MSE?
Has any member of this Forum any ideas as to what could cause periodically MSE to stop functioning? I certainly, unable to pin point any particular software that I use when error is eminent. Thanks Bobby.

 

Hi Bobby. Both Avast and BitDefender update themselves multiple times each day - automatically. Set them and forget them.

Thats why I install one or other of them on clients machines.

My experience is that you get more with Avast but BitDefender uses less resources. Avast monitors more things like flash updates, java updates etc. BitDefender, on the other hand, is a plain vanilla AV solution - good for older machines that don't have lots of resources going spare.

 

That doesn't really fix the problem. It runs away from it. Fixing the problem is what the OP wants. Not a suggestion for another/different AV. All AV will do what MSE is doing if there is something wrong with it.

 

As we all know only one antivirus software can be installed, guarding against any conflicts. It will just require me to check periodically with the MSE task bar icon for any colour change and do an immediate MSE computer scan. Thanks Bobby.

 

Bobby. Mine does like yours does once in a while. I open it up and do what it says needs doing. Updating or Scanning. I always do the Quick Scan.

 

Fair enough Bill. However, if MSE isn't working as it should, the answer then becomes, as with any other program that fails to function correctly, to reinstall it. The question then is why reinstall an AV that really doesn't cut the mustard these days? The only answer to that question is that one likes it and is comfortable with it. However, liking a program and being comfortable with it doesn't make for a good ultimate solution though especially when said program isn't particularly good.

Hence, since the initial solution involves a reinstall, why not do a proper job and replace it with a better one?

 

MSE isn't the only one that has ever done this. I have used many over the years and they all have had a problem or two at one time or another. I guess we could change AV's everytime one of them went bonkers.

 

Hi BobbyScot, Did you try any other AV program prior to using MSE/Defender?
This link will be worth reading through the suggested fixes by Dr Strangelove:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...-boot-up/1ce23f23-1875-46b5-acb3-de2de3786fc0

Obviously you need a clean OS when using any AV, so follow his procedure.
If you have MS Updates set to Auto you will receive them and they may install when you shut down the comp.
You can schedule a Scan (quick or long) to be done at any time to suit you and it will do it in the background while you work. Neil.

 

I agree, install the AV that one likes and MSE is the one that I have used over the years and yes it requires to keep an eye on, to date MSE has guarded my computer well. Thanks Bobby.

 

After three MSE failures and reading too in Computer Active magazine that MSE is useless and should be removed. Highly recommended Avast free, I have downloaded and installed. However it is common knowledge, that you are advised not to install two or more Antivirus software in one computer, that in mind removed MSE. Unfortunately, I use Windows Live Mail which is part of MSE. Uninstalling MSE also uninstalls Live Mail. Can MSE be disconnected but retain WLM? Advice will be most appreciated. Thank you Bobby.

 

I've never had the issue you describe and I've uninstalled MSE many times.

Try uninstalling it using Revo Uninstaller. You can always reinstall Live Mail afterwards. Just do a custom reinstall of Live essentials and only install the programs you actually need.