Repairing Windows Defender

I'm having a problem with Windows Defender (x64) and can't find an exact fix for it. Every time I boot up, I get a "service could not initiate" type issue, although I don't get the error code everyone else seems to get.

I can immediately hit "restart service" and it's good to go, but it's a little annoying every time I boot up.

Defender isn't listed as a program to uninstall, and if I try running an installer from MS's site it just tells me Defender is already installed.

I've tried searching around but can't find a duplicate issue, nor do any of the suggested fixes for the similar problems work. I've already made sure the service is set to automatically start on boot.

Any idea how to repair it on 7? FYI, I don't have a recent restore point that I can use, so that's a no go.

Many thanks.

Why not use the simple approach. Download and install Microsoft Security Essentials as your AV. Defender is part of MSE. Defender will be turned off by default.
And you will have one of the best AV.

or

In lieu of Defender you could use Malwarebytes, rated one of the best

I use MSE and Malwarbytes for super protection.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Will having Avast installed too conflict or complement?

Avast will conflict with MSE, they are both Anti Virus
Why not make a system restore point before any uninstall, just in case you do not like MSE
If Avast has an uninstall tool be sure to use it.

They do have an uninstall tool and I have found it for you
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility

Many thanks, I'll try it out.

Great dont forget the System Restore first. What I like you may not.

Emcee said:

Thanks for the quick reply. Will having Avast installed too conflict or complement?

If both have realtime protection on, then very likely, will conflict. May be Avast is producing that problem..Seems that You've both of them to run at startup.Disable Avast from autostart (Win+R>msconfig>Startup tab>Uncheck Avast. Also go to the services tab and uncheck it's services. Apply and OK). Restart and see if the same pop-up comes again or not..EDIT: Oh i thought you were talking about the Avast+Defender combo.Go ahead and uninstall it if you wanna use MSE.Having two realtime protection from two resident programs of same category will very likely conflicts and pc lockups/freezes.

Sorry to dig this back out of the grave, but I keep forgetting to come back for another question.

Every time I start up now, Windows Defender displays a message saying another program has been installed so it has been turned off, and gives me an option to turn it back on.

It's a small annoyance, but I'd still love to disable those startup notices.

EDIT: Got a pic for more info. I'll try the clean boot method.

Find the problem with a clean boot
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

Emcee said:

Sorry to dig this back out of the grave, but I keep forgetting to come back for another question.

Every time I start up now, Windows Defender displays a message saying another program has been installed so it has been turned off, and gives me an option to turn it back on.

It's a small annoyance, but I'd still love to disable those startup notices.

EDIT: Got a pic for more info. I'll try the clean boot method.

Make sure anything pertaining to defender is unchecked here.
Attachment 121555
Common problem easy fix.