Windows 7: MSE

Puddin Man · 28 May 2010

I've been struggling with new install of Windows 7 HP 64 OEM ...

I was told MSE was adequate, so I downloaded. Windows 7 buggered my sys clock preventing validation. MSE won't install w/o validation. I installed Avast for net protection.

Clock and validation are now OK. I'd like to disable Avast resident shield and install MSE, so I boot Safe Mode. MSE won't install in SM.

Anybody view MSE as robust security software? Why is it so picky about install? Doesn't it *like* to be installed?? :-)

Seriously, I'm thinking about forgetting about MSE. Fear that it qualifies as MS BS.

Please advise.

Thx,
P

Bill2 · 29 May 2010

There are 3 broad requirements for MSE to validate successfully- Windows must be genuine, you should only download MSE from http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials and your computer must not have any real time anti-malware installed.

If you've got those right and still cant get it to work, try other freeware. Before I switched to MSE, I was using free AVG as the real time app and free Malwarebytes Antimalware for on-demand scans. They did a great job.

swarfega · 29 May 2010

You can uninstal Avast from Windows Control Panel. You might have to reboot. Then you should be able to install MSE with no problems.

Puddin Man · 29 May 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Bill2

There are 3 broad requirements for MSE to validate successfully- Windows must be genuine, you should only download MSE from http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials and your computer must not have any real time anti-malware installed.

If you've got those right and still cant get it to work, try other freeware. Before I switched to MSE, I was using free AVG as the real time app and free Malwarebytes Antimalware for on-demand scans. They did a great job.

I guess I'll assume that nobody -knows- why MSE is so silly-picky re install.

If AVG, MWB did a great job, why'd you switch?

Thanks,
P

Bill2 · 29 May 2010

I still have MWB. I switched from AVG because they added this link scanner which slowed down things. In any case, I never keep any app for too long, like to try out new things.

But dont worry, this particular MSE bug has been reported by many and MS should fix it sooner rather than later.

Puddin Man · 29 May 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Bill2

I still have MWB. I switched from AVG because they added this link scanner which slowed down things.

It caused me some bother as well (on W2k). AVG has gotten lots more intrusive in recent months/years.

Quote: Originally Posted by Bill2

In any case, I never keep any app for too long, like to try out new things.

Not me. Something works truly well, I leave it alone (so few do).

Quote: Originally Posted by Bill2

But dont worry, this particular MSE bug has been reported by many and MS should fix it sooner rather than later.

You mean the refusal to install? It truly annoyed me it wouldn't install in safe mode as I think that's the proper approach for protecting a "naked" system.

Cheers,
P

whs · 29 May 2010

I suggest you use the Avast Uninstaller to remove Avast completely from your system. The windows uninstaller will not completely remove it. The install MSE. After that you may reinstall Avast which has been tested to run together with MSE. It is a little unusual to run 2 AV programs together, but in this case it seems to work.

Quote:

During that time, we tested avast with over 15 other low-level applications and fixed a few compatibility issues. For example, we made sure avast! works flawlessly with the upcoming Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)

Source of the quote: avast! blog » Greetings from Redmond

Corrine · 29 May 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Puddin Man

You mean the refusal to install? It truly annoyed me it wouldn't install in safe mode as I think that's the proper approach for protecting a "naked" system.

Cheers,
P

No, proper installation of any software is in normal mode. The reason MSE needs to install in normal mode is due to the validation process. If MSE cannot read the WGA data file, piracy will be suspected.

Following is the procedure suggested by Microsoft when the OS passes the validation but Microsoft Security Essentials still shows this system as not genuine:

Quote:

This issue may occur if the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) engine does not have permission to access the data.dat file. In order to confirm this point and resolve the issue, let's refer to the following steps:

1. Log on to the computer using an Administrator user account.
2. Click "Start", and click "My Computer".
3. On the "Tools" menu, click "Folder Options".
4. Click the "View" tab.
5. Under "Hidden files and folders", check on "Show hidden files and folders".
6. Click to clear the "Hide extensions for known file types" check box, and then click "OK".
7. We will find the file named "data.dat" under the following folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Windows Genuine Advantage\data

8. Right-click the "data.dat" file, and click "Properties".
9. Click the "Security" tab.

Note: If the "Security" tab cannot be viewed, please refer to the information after Step 12.

10. Click "Advanced".

11. In the "Name" tab, please check if "Everyone" is listed. If so, please click the "Exit" button, and check on "Full Control". If "Everyone" is not listed, please click the "Add" button, enter the name "Everyone" (without the quotation marks), press "enter "from the keyboard, choose "Full Control" in the pop-up window, and click "OK".

12. Please click "OK" to accept the changes.

Please also check the information below regarding viewing of the Security Tab in Window XP Professional Edition.

1. Click "Start", and click "My Computer".
2. On the "Tools" menu, click "Folder Options".
3. In the "View" tab, uncheck the option "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" at the bottom of the list.
4. Click "OK".

Puddin Man · 29 May 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Corrine

Quote: Originally Posted by Puddin Man

You mean the refusal to install? It truly annoyed me it wouldn't install in safe mode as I think that's the proper approach for protecting a "naked" system.

Cheers,
P

No, proper installation of any software is in normal mode. The reason MSE needs to install in normal mode is due to the validation process. If MSE cannot read the WGA data file, piracy will be suspected.

Paranoid MS always assumes piracy. MS users are "Guilty Until Proven Innocent (and maybe not even then!)". :-)

Quote: Originally Posted by Corrine

Following is the procedure suggested by Microsoft when the OS passes the validation but Microsoft Security Essentials still shows this system as not genuine:
...

I built this little desktop system. Paid good $ for a Windows 7 license. The system has -been- validated less than a week ago. It is a standalone system that belongs -only- to me until I plug in the ethernet cable from the router.

MS (and you as a "Seven Guru" ?) would Cheerfully, Cheerfully have my system become infected to achieve an unnecessary (re) validation?

That is Terminally Insane!!

S'long, G'bye,
P

Jacee · 29 May 2010

Quote:

MS (and you as a "Seven Guru" ?) would Cheerfully, Cheerfully have my system become infected to achieve an unnecessary (re) validation?

Wait ... I don't think Corrine deserved that kind of reply.

How would your system become infected by validating it? Read all the other replies and go from there.

I do understand your frustration, but don't take it out on a member who is only trying to help.

Windows 7: MSE

MSE problems?