Solved MSE not updating beyond definition version 1.143.376.0

I noticed yesterday (January 20th) that MSE had not updated its definitions like it always does automatically every day. Finding that odd, I ran a manual update and still did not find any definition updates. I decided to give this the benefit of the doubt however, since at that point the definitions were only 1 day old; maybe things were slow yesterday?

Today, the January 21st, MSE is still not detecting any definition updates on Windows Update and MSE is reporting that the definitions are 2 days old, a clear sign that the definitions are getting dated even by MSE's standards.

Now usually, MS releases around 2~4 definition updates every day on average. I therefore find it particularly strange and uncomforting that MSE has still not found a definition update after 2 days of no updates. I tried Googling and looking on MS's website to see if something was up, but I found nothing from a quick look. I know that this isn't just my computer acting like a troll since I also tried updating my laptop's MSE and it too had the same issue of no updates, my mother's laptop's MSE is also not updating, effectively ruling out the possibility of a local issue.

I've attached screenshots of my MSE's update tab and "About" window for reference.

So thus the million dollar question: Is MS simply being lazy about their definition updates? Is the virus scene being strangely stagnant? Is support for MSE suddenly being pulled? Was Windows Update compromised?

I am not sure about the underlying cause nor reason for this problem, but this simply doesn't feel normal!

I was on my way to open a thread...you've done it!

Yes it is not going further v1.143.376 with my MSE aswell since 01/19/2013

Might MS being very upset about Microsoft Rebuts Antivirus Test Failure

It looks like MS is creating new definitions, but the updating is not working.

You can download the latest definition file from here and install it manually:
Install the latest Microsoft Security Essentials definition updates - Get the latest definitions - Microsoft Malware Protection Center

Thanks for the head-up! Links are for latest Definition Updates and aswell the latest Network Inspection version.

Thanks...

DavidW7ncus said:

It looks like MS is creating new definitions, but the updating is not working.

You can download the latest definition file from here and install it manually:
Install the latest Microsoft Security Essentials definition updates - Get the latest definitions - Microsoft Malware Protection Center

Click to expand...

...for the heads-up!

Just clicked on Update within the program and it updated to 1.143.381.0. A few moments later, clicked on Update again and it updated to 1.143.383.0. GUI still reports definitions created 2 days ago.

I've the same behavior....but if I click UPDATE the definitions are still the same (no UPDATE here!!!)! Found this behavior yestarday and I updated it manually! No more automatic updates!

Anyone knows if they plan to discontinue MSE free?

Cheers,
paulo

Same here 2 manual update took me to 383 then 387 even though it said already updated.....strange

This was an auto update that came in to my pc this morning. Seems to work fine in this part of the world.

@BrightBlessings
From what I see you don't have the latest definitions.

The latest virus definition version is: 1.143.479.0 | Released: Jan 22, 2013 02:05 AM UTC

This page has the latest definitions, and as far as I can tell you have to manually install them.
Install the latest Microsoft Security Essentials definition updates - Get the latest definitions - Microsoft Malware Protection Center

They aren't coming in through Windows Updates yet...

Thanks David, I didn't look at the link provided earlier, just assumed that the definitions that came in were the latest. I spose one shouldn't assume these things or any bloody thing for that matter. Cheers

Yea, even mine that i updated earlier are outdated, and won't update automatically.
With IE you can run the update directly from the browser...
I just did that on someone else's PC and no problems.

Is there any explanation for this?
I'm still need to update directely from the MS site...the UPDATE button inside MSE do not work anymore!

paulo

It's a problem with Microsoft Security Essentials.
Until Microsoft fixes this you can manually install the new definitions.
You can read more about this at:
Security essentials will not update past 1/19/2013 1.143.376.0 - Microsoft Community

Same probs here, update button still works, but no go on the updates. Tried running Windows Update to see if the defs would show up there, they didn't. For now I guess we'll have to manually update the defs until they fix this problem.

Borg 386 said:

...Tried running Windows Update to see if the defs would show up there, they didn't...

Click to expand...

Ditto.

Didn't Micro$lop...

self delete

If anyone learns that MS has fixed this issue please post that info.
I'll post if I find the issue has been fixed.

My concern is for people where I have recommended and installed MSE.
How far out of date is it OK, before it is a real concern?

Should I contact these folks and manually update their systems?

There are some people I MUST keep their systems updated and secured.
I don't want to upset them and cause needless problems.

If I have to throw MUD on my face now to keep their system secure, oh well...


Thanks,
David

I'm gonna give it 48 hrs more, then try Avira free, I've heard good things about it.

Personally i not to worried about for a couple days
My office machine auto updated this morning 1.143.436.0 although it says definitions created on 20/01/13 and installed on 22/01/13 they are definitions not available yesterday so im not sure there is a real problem here

What everyone elses latest version of definitions if updating manually ??