McAfee and MSE?

[glennc]

I again request the best guess answer to my question. If the answers could be explained in moderate detail so I can understand, that would be the icing on the cake.
I am currently using Retail McAfee Internet Security. I am happy with it, seems to function quite well. I have been advised repeatedly that this program is an resource hog. That doesn't matter exceptionally to me a I came form 32 bit XP Pro with a 3 Ghz Celeron. But previously against common sense and other members excellent advise, I sneak looks into the Event Viewer. I've noticed some real protection McAfee processes stopped unexplained and then restarted. This in my limited capacity does not inspire confidence.
I am specifically wondering if I ran along with McAfee Security and MS Firewall and MSE that would create problems. It seems as if every choice I've made in software has had negative consequences of some bizarre kind or another. I would like to run them together to test MSE and Firewall's efficacy while retaining a level of extra protection until I am confident of MS's products being excellent. At which time I'll dump McAfee.
Does this approach make any sense?
glennc

 

[DMHolt57]

I have run MSE side-by-side with other AV software without encountering any problems. If you have a fast processor and plenty of ram... go for it!

 

[glennc]

Hello DMHolt57,
Thanks for your reply and advice. This seems to be a touchy subject with some, so I will wait for a hopefully bigger answer base.
But I do have 1 on the O.K. side. Appreciate it.
glennc

 

[Adrian]

Good morning Glenn, there are many fine products on the market. For many years Microsoft had also entered the market with a complete AV product called Windows One Care. Microsoft marketed the service as a complete 1 care service and it was expensive. Norton was an industry leader for many years but had a huge drain on resources. During the early release of Windows 7 2.5 years past we had many issues with several Commercially marketed AV programs. As time has gone by many of the commercial AV companies understood the need for lighter AV solutions including Microsoft. Personally I was critical of One Care because the AV side was missing a lot of virus, trojans and malware. Also it was a resource hog.
During the evolution of Windows 7 Microsoft adopted the philosophy of developing a AV solution that would be free! Integrate within the Windows 7 OS and maintain Firewall integrity. I find it light weight, free and it catches more and more virus including malware. In addition mbamm is an excellent free malaware catcher that can be run in conjunction with most AV programs without causing a conflict.

The opinions expressed here are my own and not meant to convey my endorsement.

 

[JonM33]

I again request the best guess answer to my question. If the answers could be explained in moderate detail so I can understand, that would be the icing on the cake.
I am currently using Retail McAfee Internet Security. I am happy with it, seems to function quite well. I have been advised repeatedly that this program is an resource hog. That doesn't matter exceptionally to me a I came form 32 bit XP Pro with a 3 Ghz Celeron. But previously against common sense and other members excellent advise, I sneak looks into the Event Viewer. I've noticed some real protection McAfee processes stopped unexplained and then restarted. This in my limited capacity does not inspire confidence.
I am specifically wondering if I ran along with McAfee Security and MS Firewall and MSE that would create problems. It seems as if every choice I've made in software has had negative consequences of some bizarre kind or another. I would like to run them together to test MSE and Firewall's efficacy while retaining a level of extra protection until I am confident of MS's products being excellent. At which time I'll dump McAfee.
Does this approach make any sense?
glennc

Never run two AV programs together. Do yourself a favor and uninstall McAfee. MSE is all that you need.

 

[yowanvista]

If you use two or more AV they might conflict with each other and cause system instability

 

[glennc]

Thank you Gentlemen for your continuing advice. Again, I wish to hopefully get a larger sampling and then choose. I hope other members will respond. I, now, do not trust MSE by itself. This may be a completely dumb statement, but from my experience and MS's products, that is where I am. So thus I felt that running both for a while and seeing if MSE functions well, heck I don't even know how it alerts, I can dump what I've come to believe is a bloated application (McAfee).
Appreciate all opinions and experiences.
glennc

 

[Petey7]

Don't run both on the same machine at the same time, if that is what you are doing. The can conflict with each other causing both not to run correctly and even cause you computer the crash or freeze. Not to mention make it run as fast as an Apple 2. Remove McAfee before trying out MSE. You can re-download it later.

If you don't fully trust MSE (I have no clue why people say all MS products must be bad but use Windows), then install MalwareBytes as a AV you can run on demand once a week or when you think MSE missed something. You can also run Comodo Firewall if you think Windows Firewall isn't enough.

 

[Corrine]

I am currently using Retail McAfee Internet Security. I am happy with it, seems to function quite well.

But previously against common sense and other members excellent advise, I sneak looks into the Event Viewer. I've noticed some real protection McAfee processes stopped unexplained and then restarted. This in my limited capacity does not inspire confidence.

I am specifically wondering if I ran along with McAfee Security and MS Firewall and MSE that would create problems.

Hi, Glennc.

I've included in the quote above what I saw as key items.

What first caught my attention is that you are happy with McAfee. Although McAfee would not be my first choice, the bottom line is if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

However, then you went on to mention processes stopped and restarted. Can you explain what you mean by that, perhaps provide examples.

Lastly, you would positively be asking for problems to have two firewall and two antivirus software programs actively monitoring your computer.

If, as Petey7 mentioned, you feel you need another source of protection, I agree that Malwarebytes' Anti-malware is an excellent choice. (As you probably realize, others have different preferences, which are fine as well.)

 

[whs]

Running 2 AV programs together is generally bad news. The only ones I have ever heard of to work together (because they have been tested together) are Avast and MSE ( avast! blog » Greetings from Redmond ). For normal and reasonable use, you should be well served with one AV program. You can always use one of the recommended scanners (SAS or Malwarebytes) from time to time. If you really want excellent protection, you should do frequent imaging. That way you can always bail yourself out of any tight spot. And imaging is so dead easy - especially with Macrium. And for the really shady surfing, you can always use Sandboxie.

 

[glennc]

Don't run both on the same machine at the same time, if that is what you are doing. The can conflict with each other causing both not to run correctly and even cause you computer the crash or freeze. Not to mention make it run as fast as an Apple 2. Remove McAfee before trying out MSE. You can re-download it later.

If you don't fully trust MSE (I have no clue why people say all MS products must be bad but use Windows), then install MalwareBytes as a AV you can run on demand once a week or when you think MSE missed something. You can also run Comodo Firewall if you think Windows Firewall isn't enough.

Howdy Petey7,
Appreciate you take on the situation. I actually got McAfee because Comodo and Zonealarm free, both caused compatibility problems with Windows 7 running. Had the opportunity to get it at a good price. This is the first Security Suite I've owned that is not free. A friend had used the product before and said it caused no issues.
So that is how I wound up with McAfee. I would love to use Comodo and would consider buying it except for my issue with it. Used it for years on 2 or 3 previous Windows. Never hacked. Have in the past against all professional and semi-professional advise quite often ran two AVs resident. With a third standalone.
I have another install of Norton 2010, which on XP Pro runs great, checks downloads and advises about it's use and any problems. It is running Comodo.
It is probably bloated, but it seems rich with features.
So I may go back to just using McAfee until the subscription expires. I wish there was a way to run MSE and Windows Firewall and not IMO risk my system. I don't doubt MSE's user's honesty and veracity. Just have to choose myself and feel comfortable.
glennc

 

[Dinesh]

Definitely MSE.

 

[Petey7]

So I may go back to just using McAfee until the subscription expires. I wish there was a way to run MSE and Windows Firewall and not IMO risk my system. I don't doubt MSE's user's honesty and veracity. Just have to choose myself and feel comfortable.
glennc

Yeah, I've lost more files because of McAfee than MSE. If you like it, that is fine, but trust me, your files are better off in MSEs hands by far. I present to you this report supporting my statements.

Microsoft Security Essentials rated best free antivirus for Windows

 

[glennc]

I am currently using Retail McAfee Internet Security. I am happy with it, seems to function quite well.

But previously against common sense and other members excellent advise, I sneak looks into the Event Viewer. I've noticed some real protection McAfee processes stopped unexplained and then restarted. This in my limited capacity does not inspire confidence.

I am specifically wondering if I ran along with McAfee Security and MS Firewall and MSE that would create problems.

Hi, Glennc.

I've included in the quote above what I saw as key items.

What first caught my attention is that you are happy with McAfee. Although McAfee would not be my first choice, the bottom line is if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

However, then you went on to mention processes stopped and restarted. Can you explain what you mean by that, perhaps provide examples.

Lastly, you would positively be asking for problems to have two firewall and two antivirus software programs actively monitoring your computer.

If, as Petey7 mentioned, you feel you need another source of protection, I agree that Malwarebytes' Anti-malware is an excellent choice. (As you probably realize, others have different preferences, which are fine as well.)

Howdy Corrine,
You have a way of making my question more interesting. I can make it easier to understand in that I tried Zonelarm, Comodo and AVG Security Suites. 1st two (my personal favorites) were incompatible with W7 64bit for me. The third did not inspire the confidence I am used to as I said I prefer Comodo and Zonealarm. Next I will say that as purchased Security Suites go, McAfee would not have been my first choice. I had an opportunity to acquire it at a good price for a legal install and since my friend had been using it with no compatibility issues, that he mentioned I thought it would be a above good alternative. I have a lot of time on the subscription and it does not seem to cause problems. Except for the one noted that the Adminstrative Event Viewer showed an unexplained stoppage of realtime protection and a needed restart of that item.
I have been and I say this with a grin, bombarded with suggestions to go to MSE, by members who've help and knowledge have made an impression on me that it indeed may be a good product. Although not enough to run alone on my system.
I have and do run Malwarwebytes AntiMalware as standalone. I hope this gives you incite into the questions you've raised.
Thanks for the advice and your time
glennc

 

[CarlTR6]

Don't run both on the same machine at the same time, if that is what you are doing. The can conflict with each other causing both not to run correctly and even cause you computer the crash or freeze. Not to mention make it run as fast as an Apple 2. Remove McAfee before trying out MSE. You can re-download it later.

If you don't fully trust MSE (I have no clue why people say all MS products must be bad but use Windows), then install MalwareBytes as a AV you can run on demand once a week or when you think MSE missed something. You can also run Comodo Firewall if you think Windows Firewall isn't enough.

Howdy Petey7,
Appreciate you take on the situation. I actually got McAfee because Comodo and Zonealarm free, both caused compatibility problems with Windows 7 running. Had the opportunity to get it at a good price. This is the first Security Suite I've owned that is not free. A friend had used the product before and said it caused no issues.
So that is how I wound up with McAfee. I would love to use Comodo and would consider buying it except for my issue with it. Used it for years on 2 or 3 previous Windows. Never hacked. Have in the past against all professional and semi-professional advise quite often ran two AVs resident. With a third standalone.
I have another install of Norton 2010, which on XP Pro runs great, checks downloads and advises about it's use and any problems. It is running Comodo.
It is probably bloated, but it seems rich with features.
So I may go back to just using McAfee until the subscription expires. I wish there was a way to run MSE and Windows Firewall and not IMO risk my system. I don't doubt MSE's user's honesty and veracity. Just have to choose myself and feel comfortable.
glennc

Glenn, most security suites do not work well with Win 7. I have seen many problems with McAfee. I recommend that you uninstall it and cut your monetary loss. There are some very valid reasons why security suites do not work well with windows. Here is one of our very experienced member's take on the subject:

My theory revolves around the enhanced security that came about in Vista when the user tokens were split. A "user-admin" account in Vista & Windows 7 runs with a single user token. When full admin rights are needed, elevation occurs via consent.exe (UAC) and the 2nd token is obtained for the particular function requiring full admin permission. Only the single Hidden Admin user account (SID = x-500) runs with both user tokens in Vista & Windows 7.

Certain system services run under the "Local Account". The firewall drivers run in kernel mode under NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM and can block local NETBIOS ports used by system services, resulting in APPHANGs, which after 30000ms, becomes an APPCRASH.

- Windows Explorer or IE8 screen background fading white
- small blue circle spinning endlessly
- The phrase "..Not Responding..." appears
- WERCON screen appears and asks about reporting, close program, check online for solution, restart the crashing app, etc...

In XP, all admin accounts run with 2 user tokens = full admin rights; hence the reason Zone Alarm, NIS, KIS, MIS, N360, et al., do not have problems. Only 1 level of security to deal with.

I have always held that the differing levels of security in Vista/ Windows 7 make it extremely difficult for Internet Security Suites to function normally (as in XP).

Food for thought!
J. C. Griffith

 

[glennc]

Petey7,
Thank you immensely for your valued opinion. But as a horse can't be made to drink, although closer I am not fully at ease, but as you see am moving in that direction.
Thanks for the link.
glennc

 

[glennc]

Don't run both on the same machine at the same time, if that is what you are doing. The can conflict with each other causing both not to run correctly and even cause you computer the crash or freeze. Not to mention make it run as fast as an Apple 2. Remove McAfee before trying out MSE. You can re-download it later.

If you don't fully trust MSE (I have no clue why people say all MS products must be bad but use Windows), then install MalwareBytes as a AV you can run on demand once a week or when you think MSE missed something. You can also run Comodo Firewall if you think Windows Firewall isn't enough.

Howdy Petey7,
Appreciate you take on the situation. I actually got McAfee because Comodo and Zonealarm free, both caused compatibility problems with Windows 7 running. Had the opportunity to get it at a good price. This is the first Security Suite I've owned that is not free. A friend had used the product before and said it caused no issues.
So that is how I wound up with McAfee. I would love to use Comodo and would consider buying it except for my issue with it. Used it for years on 2 or 3 previous Windows. Never hacked. Have in the past against all professional and semi-professional advise quite often ran two AVs resident. With a third standalone.
I have another install of Norton 2010, which on XP Pro runs great, checks downloads and advises about it's use and any problems. It is running Comodo.
It is probably bloated, but it seems rich with features.
So I may go back to just using McAfee until the subscription expires. I wish there was a way to run MSE and Windows Firewall and not IMO risk my system. I don't doubt MSE's user's honesty and veracity. Just have to choose myself and feel comfortable.
glennc

Glenn, most security suites do not work well with Win 7. I have seen many problems with McAfee. I recommend that you uninstall it and cut your monetary loss. There are some very valid reasons why security suites do not work well with windows. Here is one of our very experienced member's take on the subject:

My theory revolves around the enhanced security that came about in Vista when the user tokens were split. A "user-admin" account in Vista & Windows 7 runs with a single user token. When full admin rights are needed, elevation occurs via consent.exe (UAC) and the 2nd token is obtained for the particular function requiring full admin permission. Only the single Hidden Admin user account (SID = x-500) runs with both user tokens in Vista & Windows 7.

Certain system services run under the "Local Account". The firewall drivers run in kernel mode under NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM and can block local NETBIOS ports used by system services, resulting in APPHANGs, which after 30000ms, becomes an APPCRASH.

- Windows Explorer or IE8 screen background fading white
- small blue circle spinning endlessly
- The phrase "..Not Responding..." appears
- WERCON screen appears and asks about reporting, close program, check online for solution, restart the crashing app, etc...

In XP, all admin accounts run with 2 user tokens = full admin rights; hence the reason Zone Alarm, NIS, KIS, MIS, N360, et al., do not have problems. Only 1 level of security to deal with.

I have always held that the differing levels of security in Vista/ Windows 7 make it extremely difficult for Internet Security Suites to function normally (as in XP).

Food for thought!
J. C. Griffith

Hey CarlTR6,
I am afraid I don't speak modern adult computer and certainly not tokens. I believe you, from experience as many who have shown their knowledge and experience, but I question because of my own experience. Granted I certainly am finding 7 a much more intricate, daunting, picayune upgrade then on any system I've ever owned. Guess the power of 64 bit.
You all have gotten me ready to try it while remaining safe, but this method seems flawed. So I am going back to attempt to sit back for a while and just enjoy the marvelous enhancements over any previous version I've used.
Thanks for all the honest opinions.
I just noticed that much of the angst is directed specifically at McAfee and I may have missed that trend if it is true?
glennc

 

[Phone Man]

Check out this site and read ALL the test results. They are listed on the left column. Read what each test is doing and then compare results. One product maybe #1 in one test then drop in the next, so it will give you lots of reading, and then decide.

http://www.av-comparatives.org/comparativesreviews

Jim

 

[Corrine]

Howdy Corrine,
You have a way of making my question more interesting. I can make it easier to understand in that I tried Zonelarm, Comodo and AVG Security Suites. 1st two (my personal favorites) were incompatible with W7 64bit for me. The third did not inspire the confidence I am used to as I said I prefer Comodo and Zonealarm. Next I will say that as purchased Security Suites go, McAfee would not have been my first choice. I had an opportunity to acquire it at a good price for a legal install and since my friend had been using it with no compatibility issues, that he mentioned I thought it would be a above good alternative. I have a lot of time on the subscription and it does not seem to cause problems. Except for the one noted that the Adminstrative Event Viewer showed an unexplained stoppage of realtime protection and a needed restart of that item.
I have been and I say this with a grin, bombarded with suggestions to go to MSE, by members who've help and knowledge have made an impression on me that it indeed may be a good product. Although not enough to run alone on my system.
I have and do run Malwarwebytes AntiMalware as standalone. I hope this gives you incite into the questions you've raised.
Thanks for the advice and your time
glennc

Hi, Glennc.

I do not see one issue with McAfee stopping/restarting a service as reason to abandon a licensed antivirus software suite you purchased, has time left on the subscription and is doing the needed job.

A lot can happen over the period of time remaining on your subscription so I suggest you stay aware of the possibilities available for the time when you need to decide whether to renew the license or select something else.

I'm afraid that at this site in particular, you are likely to receive as many suggestions as there are responders to your inquiry. In fact, from a strictly personal point of view, I would not allow any Comodo product near any of my computers. I also am not a fan of Zone Alarm, particularly since Checkpoint decided to make the extra buck with the added toolbar. I have MSE and the Windows Firewall (along with my favorite WinPatrol) on 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate and am very pleased with the results. My 32-bit Windows Vista Ultimate has ESET Smart Security and that is working very well also.

 

[CarlTR6]

Hey CarlTR6,
I am afraid I don't speak modern adult computer and certainly not tokens. I believe you, from experience as many who have shown their knowledge and experience, but I question because of my own experience. Granted I certainly am finding 7 a much more intricate, daunting, picayune upgrade then on any system I've ever owned. Guess the power of 64 bit.
You all have gotten me ready to try it while remaining safe, but this method seems flawed. So I am going back to attempt to sit back for a while and just enjoy the marvelous enhancements over any previous version I've used.
Thanks for all the honest opinions.
I just noticed that much of the angst is directed specifically at McAfee and I may have missed that trend if it is true?
glennc

Win 7 is a totally new OS; it is not an upgrade of anything. It is similar to Vista; but the OS has been redone. It is nothing like XP. Thus many things than ran fine on XP, and even Vista, do not do so well on Win 7. That is basically what JC was saying in my quote above; he was giving the reasons due to changes in the OS that many security suites and third party firewalls cause problems with Win 7.

Personally, I am one of those that had problems with McAfee in XP. I have a least of reasons that I would not have it on any computer of mine. But that is my personal opinion. In general, I do not like security suites for several reasons.

Like Corrine, I prefer MSE or Avast for anti-virus protection. Both are designed for Win 7. I don't use the Windows Firewall, not because it does not do the job; but because I don't know how to configure it for outgoing connections. Unlike Corrine, I use Comodo - and I fully understand why she does not like it. I still use Zone Alarm on my XP computer; but ZA does not play nice with Win 7 - as I learned the hard way.

I am sure these 3rd party companies will figure out how to make their products run properly on Win 7; but they are not there yet. We have worked BSOD issues caused by nearly every security suite out there.