Windows 7: MSE KB972696 - error 802500053

Just tried to run this MSE update and received this error. Seems like every few months MSE starts failing with the updates and the only solution provided is to uninstall But what sucks is when I try reinstall it gives me problems so I mess around with it for a few days or wait a couple months and get it to work again.

Does anyone know a viable solution other than uninstalling and trying to reinstall MSE?

Could this problem arise due to other AV's on my system?



also getting a 80240016 - MS knowledge base doesn't have a fix for Windows 7 - is it ok to use the fixes for 2000/XP/Serv2003/Vista?

If I have to uninstall MSE again - grrrr

How many AV's do you have?

I would say this is likely to cause issues

Threatfire and I occasionally run MWB off an external

I just find this weird - it's like clockwork, I'll be happy that MSE is working fine and then after a few months these errors starting arising and then I curse out MSE and swear never to use it again and then figure out a fix and install it again and then the cycle starts all over.

Follow the instructions provided here KB2254596 and KB972696 (Def 1.85.994.0) rendered MSE inoperative and turn on MSE wouldn't work either

you have no idea how many times I have seen that

anyhow - ran the update in MSE and it seemed to work, went back into Windows update and the screen says it's all good

so now, I'm suspicious - could this be a Windows Update issue, hmmm

I really don't know, but if all is good now, be sure to use Windows Update.
I have mine set to notify me.
MSE should download their virus data 'definitions' every day, without notifying.
Look in Services and make sure it's (MSSE) set to "automatic"

You may be able to "troubleshoot" following this advice
Fix Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Not Auto Update Virus and Spyware Definitions Signature Problem » My Digital Life

Thanks for the fix suggestions

It appears that everything is in place EXCEPT the service wuauserv and BITS are not located in my Services (extended/standard) in Control panel - nor does it appear they are available in the services in MSCONFIG.

Under Scheduled Scan tab I have everything checked.

Once again it looks like it updated - but not through WinUpdate, so I will be keeping an eye on that. I think I ran MS Fixit before to fix it, it's been a while.