Quick question about MS Essentials installed on an XP machine

Quick question--if you have MS Essentials installed on an XP machine will the software update itself with this referenced program code or does the automatic update only apply to definitions?

Thanks,

Mark

If I'm correct, which I strongly believe I am, the actual software/program updates for MSE (not the Def Updates) need to be done manually through either Windows/Microsoft Update or the MSE website itself.

Set updates to Automatic.

Thanks--it is so I'm okay (or at least the software is <g>)

markg2 said:

Quick question--if you have MS Essentials installed on an XP machine will the software update itself with this referenced program code or does the automatic update only apply to definitions?

Thanks,

Mark

Hi, markg2.

There is generally a new engine update about once a month. It will be included with the regular definition update. However, if you wish, you can watch for it yourself next week when the next new engine update is released.

As part of regular update of our antimalware technology to address the latest in the threat landscape, MMPC is planning to release a new antimalware engine on 18 May 2011.
Affected products: Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), Forefront Client Security (FCS), Forefront Endpoint Protection.
Engine Version will be in the range of 1.1.690X.0.

New Antimalware Engine is planned for release on 18 May 2011 - Antimalware Engine Notifications - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

I'll have to check the computer on Monday to determine certainty but I'm very sure that I had set the application to auto update. Given that + your comment regarding engine updates ~ monthly + my experience with Norton I'm surprised that the software has not required a boot post each install given the level at which the software interacts.

Hi, markg2.

No, a restart isn't needed when the engine is updated. However, I seem to recall a restart was needed when upgrading to version 2.