Microsoft security essentials shows as hidden in config.sys

Before you put too much effort into MSE, read these articles:
Microsoft's Security Essentials isn't the best antivirus program, according to Microsoft | ITworld
Ouch: Microsoft no longer recommends their own Security Essentials anti-virus package - AfterDawn
Microsoft Security Essentials: Aiming low? | ZDNet
Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 | PCWorld

Think about choosing aother Anti-Malware vendor.
AV-TEST - The Independent IT-Security Institute: Jul/Aug 2013
Click on the column headings Protection, Performane and Usage to sort test results

MSE was highly recommended around here, but that might change due to Microsoft's recent statements. The two other free AV vendors most mentioned around here are Avast and AVG. Just be to select the Free version, not a Free trial.

Also be aware that vendors often offer other software included in thier installs (Google Ask toolbars - things of that nature)
- untick the checkboxes for that sort of unrelated software.

I use Avast and am happy with protection and performance. Other folks use AVG with similar satisfaction.

People are incorrectly interpreting Microsoft's statements on MSE. Please do some better research, Microsoft has clarified their stance on MSE and it is not going away nor are they aiming "low". Everything that goes into MSE is shared with every other anti-virus solution, everything. MSE improves the security for everyone.

http://blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/arch...timalware.aspx

Also on AV-Test, MSE will always have a score of 1.0 because it is the baseline which all other anti-virus are tested again. AV-Test is using MSE as their baseline. So it should always be at the bottom. If its not then that anti-virus has failed to meet the high bar that MSE sets with ever version.


As to the OP, sounds to me like you have a rogue-virus pretending to be MSE.

Gee willikers logic,

I wasn't able to do 'better' research three days ago - your TechNet reference is from two days ago (a day after I posted).

I wasn't bashing MSE... by replacing it, the OP might be able to confirm your position on it being a rogue virus. I should have been more clear on that.

Here's a good guide from Malwarebytes that runs a full regiment of "cures": How to easily clean an infected computer (Malware Removal Guide)

Bill

You might want to consider uninstalling it, & then re-install it. Make sure you get the file from the MS site.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

It also wouldn't hurt to run a full system scan with Malwarebytes. You can find the free version here. It will work as well as the paid one

Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer