Have I got too many AVs? (2)

[RealGem]

Hi,

I have the free Avira security tool and do a scan every few days.

But Windows keeps telling me I have an unprotected computer.

I always thought if you have 3rd party security, you should switch off the Windows one, but someone told me that Windows 7 is more intuitive, so it can tell if you have scanned the system with a 3rd party tool.

If so, why is it still pestering me?

And should I turn the Windows security stuff off?

thanks a lot

 

[ignatzatsonic]

"Security tool"?

As far as I know, Avira is an anti-virus program.

You should still make sure the Windows firewall is active.

 

[Bill2]

Avira has antispyware features too and may be conflicting with windows defender. Try disabling defender.

How to disable Windows Defender in Windows 7 – Simple Help

But keep the windows firewall on.

You can also try reinstalling avira.

 

[Jacee]

Is Avira showing an open umbrella in the task tray?

 

[Sardonicus]

If you have Avira installed, Windows Defender should be disabled.





Mine has already been disabled.
If yours is not, you can disable it from the Security Center.
Windows should start to monitor Avira.

 

[RealGem]

Thanks guys,

I have the open umbrella yes.

It doesn't seem to be Defender pestering me but MS Security Essentials (unless they are the same thing).

Also, I can't find Windows Firewall anywhere. So I don't know if it's on or not.

And now Security Essentials appears to be telling me that Avira itself is a threat! (unless I misunderstood):

 

[Bill2]

It doesnt really make sense to have both avira and MSE. MSE would have disabled defender, but you need to make up your mind about MSE/avira. Keep one of the two, whichever you prefer. To add a second layer of security, use an on-demand scanner like malwarebytes antimalware free.

 

[yowanvista]

Running multiple AVs may cause conflicts in base system drivers resulting in BSODs, we have seen such cases in the crashes and debugging section. MSE uses the mpfilter.sys driver which handles the antimalware engine, it can become problematic if Avira tries to tamper with this. Keep MSE and remove Avira

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Bill2 is spot on!
Use one or the other. Some of us members use MSE along with MS firewall. We also use MBAM and SuperAnitspyware for a second layer of protection.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Also, I can't find Windows Firewall anywhere. So I don't know if it's on or not.

Windows Firewall has its own control panel.

Open it up. It will say if it is on next to "Windows Firewall state".

If it is off, turn it on in the left margin.

 

[RealGem]

Thanks a lot for all your helpful replies.

I will uninstall Avira, now I know Windows security is deemed sufficient.

Yes, I found the Firewall thanks. And it was on on both my desktop and laptop (also running Windows 7).

 

[RealGem]

Is the free version of MBAM sufficient? I can't find a comparison chart on the site.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

That's what most people use. It does not provide "real time" protection, so most users run it manually once a week or month or so.

I bought the paid version because it does provide real time protection and does not interfere with Microsoft Security Essentials.

You can easily find discount coupons for the paid version with Google---knocks off 10 or 15 percent off the price. The license is a lifetime license.

 

[RealGem]

OK thanks a lot Iggy

 

[pparks1]

Is the free version of MBAM sufficient? I can't find a comparison chart on the site.

It's what I use. But it usually never finds anything, nor does my AV. So, I cannot justify spending money to be notified immediately when I get something, since I don't hardly ever get anything.

 

[I be he]

I would like you to add Sandboxie to your system so we dont end up reading about you in the paper.:shock: But seriously....... add Sandboxie and it wont matter what anti whatever your useing.

 

[RealGem]

Thanks Ppark1

And I be he, thanks for the sandboxie info. I had never heard of it, but it looks very good. I will read the rest of its site today.

BTW you might still be reading about me in the papers, but due to unrelated stuff! :devil:

take care