MSE

[Puddin Man]

I've been struggling with new install of Win7 HP 64 OEM ...

I was told MSE was adequate, so I downloaded. Win7 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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).

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]

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.

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]

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:

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]

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!)".

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 W7 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]

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.

 

[Jacee]

Did you do a "Clean" install or an update install? Did you have another Anti-Virus running before installing Win 7?
Was this a Vista OS?

Let's get some idea of your specs, so we can try to properly help you.

 

[Corrine]

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

This article is not by Microsoft but certainly illustrates why Microsoft is attempting to protect their R&D investment: Global software piracy cost more than $50 billion in 2009

The amount of pirated software being used around the world edged toward 50 percent in 2009 as personal computer markets grew in Brazil, India and China.

An average 43 percent of software used in 2009 was illegal, up from 41 percent in 2008, according to the Business Software Alliance (BSA). While the rampant piracy cost companies some $51 billion (40 million euros) in 2009, losses were three percent less than in 2008.

BSA estimates 28 percent of software on German computers was illegal in 2009, and the value of that software was comparatively high at 1.59 billion euros ($2.02 billion).

(Bold added)

I built this little desktop system. Paid good $ for a W7 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?

Sarcasm does not become you.

No one is questioning your system or its genuineness. The hardware belongs to you. However, you purchased a software license, giving you the right to use the software.

You said you had a problem validating. I provided the instructions from Microsoft to assist you in getting MSE installed. Others have provided advice on removing previous A/V software.

As to me being a Seven Guru, that title was earned here based on contributions. More significant to me is that I am a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Consumer Security and I can assure you that neither Microsoft nor I want to see your computer become infected.

However, if you don't wish to follow the steps I provided above, I'll step aside and let Jacee (also a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Consumer Security) help you.

 

[CarlTR6]

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!)".

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 W7 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

There is no reason to be rude and post as you did. We are all volunteers here. Corrine is well qualified to advise you on system security. If you choose not to follow advice given, that is your prerogative. But you do not have to choose to be rude about it.