Solved Microsoft Security Essentials Issues

[SlasherIT]

Hi,

I've been using Microsoft Security Essentials since it came out, and it always worked fine and well, giving me no problems whatsoever. But recently, I keep getting errors and issues with MSE. First off, when I boot up the computer it seems to be completely fine, but after a while, something changes. It suddenly starts saying that Real-time protection is turned off, and it should be turned on.



So when I click Turn on, it attempts do so and then suddenly gives an error.



Help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Slasher

 

[seavixen32]

I'm just wondering whether your computer has been hit by a virus.

The screenshot of MSE on my computer gives a different warning about real-time scanning.



On yours, you're informed that realtime protection is not available. On mine, I'm informed that realtime protection is turned off.

Time for a virus scan in Safe Mode?

 

[SlasherIT]

Seriously? I doubt its a virus... And just so you know, I am running MSE 2.1 (not available on auto update yet).

 

[DBone]

Have you scanned with anything other then MSE? Like MBAM or HMP?

 

[SlasherIT]

Nope, never needed to really.

 

[DBone]

You might now

 

[t-4-2]

Nope, never needed to really.

1. If you use Manual update method, go to Windows Update application and see if there is optional update waiting.
If it says no, click Check for updates to make sure.

2. Run Malwarebytes in full scan.
Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a free download that removes viruses and malware from your computer
Pick the Free version download.
After install, click Update tab > Check for Updates > after updated, click Scanner tab > select Perform full scan > click Scan.

Takes about hour and a half at least.

 

[SlasherIT]

Ok I'll do a full system scan with MBAM. I'll post back when done... Usually a couple of hours.

 

[DBone]

Ok I'll do a full system scan with MBAM. I'll post back when done... Usually a couple of hours.

Finish off MBAM with: Downloads - SurfRight HMP is probably the best final judge, but it doesn't remove infections for free like MBAM. If it does find something, you get a free 30 day trial to activate its cleaning tool.

 

[SlasherIT]

Ok MBAM removed two viruses (can't believe MSE didn't detect them) but I'm not sure if its false positives or not, but whatever.

Anyways, I'm still having the same problem, but also when trying to update I get another error (this was happening sometimes, not always).



Help would be appreciated, I can't continue to browse the net without protection .

 

[alexdagr8est]

I would say uninstall run ccleaner, reinstall MSE and then perhaps another MBAM scan for good measure - dont take precautions when a virus is going trigger happy on your sys files

 

[SlasherIT]

...Anyone agree with him?

 

[Borg 386]

Reinstalling MSE may give you a insight, because if certain viruses are present, it won't install. In addition, the virus could have corrupted MSE in a way that it won't engage fully.

First of all, did this happen recently enough so that you can do a system restore 2 or 3 points past where the trouble started?

Other options you can try:

D/L the MSE definitions manually and install them, this may remedy the problem.

Install the latest Microsoft Security Essentials definition updates - Get the latest definitions - Microsoft Malware Protection Center

Norton Power Eraser (to make sure you got it all)

Norton Rescue Tools

Because Norton Power Eraser uses aggressive methods to detect threats, there is a risk that it can select some legitimate programs for removal. You should use this tool very carefully.

 

[DBone]

Did you finish with a HitMan Pro scan? If so, was it clean? If not, do that immediately, also Norton Power Eraser is a good free tool too, just make sure you google any results BEFORE you remove anything.

Once you are verified clean by all of the scanners, I would download and save to your desktop the MSE uninstaller found here: http://www.cloudantivirus.com/forum/thread.jspa?threadID=51755&tstart=0 then uninstall MSE, and reboot. Once rebooted, run the MSE removal tool, reboot, and then install the free AV of your choice.

I would highly recommend avast! free, Panda Cloud or Comodo (if you understand the pop-ups) before MSE. Also look into Sandboxie Free which will all but eliminate online infections, but it takes some patience to learn how to setup and use. There are plenty of videos on YouTube to help you with that.

 

[SlasherIT]

I'll re-install MSE, and try the manual definitions. I can't do or use a System Restore because it doesn't work. I am not going to change from MSE so please don't tell me to do so because I won't. Anyways, I don't really think a virus did this to MSE, so I'm just gonna use Revo to uninstall, install MSE again and hope it works.

 

[Warlockz]

Ok MBAM removed two viruses (can't believe MSE didn't detect them) but I'm not sure if its false positives or not, but whatever.

Anyways, I'm still having the same problem, but also when trying to update I get another error (this was happening sometimes, not always).

View attachment 166296

Help would be appreciated, I can't continue to browse the net without protection .

MSE is not virus proof, No it will not protect you against every virus, this is why its always better to have a second defense, but you dont want to take the advice of others, and your still going to use MSE after it has failed you miserably. Good luck


Also you should look into Backing up your OS and any important files you may have to an external drive, you dont have any backups, what are you going to do if your HD fails? after all you would not be in this predicament if you had a backup to restore to. I Image my OS once a week so if I run into a problem and I cant fix it with repairs I always have a backup image to rely on.

 

[SlasherIT]

@Warlockz - If MSE is not virus proof, please tell me what anti-virus is? There is no such thing as a virus proof program. I will still use MSE and then MBAM once a week. MSE failed me miserably? Did I say that? No. MSE is still a very good program, and just because I am getting an error message, doesn't mean I can't fix it. All AV programs have issues and are not bug proof. They are created by humans, who make mistakes, what did you expect?

I already do backup my OS, again, did I tell you that I don't backup my OS? All my important files are on an external HDD, so if anything happens to my computer I am not at loss. I don't find this issue big enough of an excuse to restore from a System Image.

Please stop trying to pretend you know how I use and what I do and have done with my computer alright? .

 

[SlasherIT]

Well, I've gone ahead and used Revo Uninstaller to completely remove every trace of MSE on my computer, rebooted, then installed MSE 2.1 again. Everything seems to be fine again. I'll report back if I get any issues.

 

[DBone]

For future info, don't use Revo to uninstall a antivirus. Most, if not all AVs need to be rebooted with a specific Registry key still active to do what they need to do on reboot. Always use the AV manufactures uninstall tool after you do a regular uninstall through programs and features as there are drivers that are often left behind that can interfere with other AVs. In the link I provided, you could've used Microsoft's uninstall tool for a 100% clean uninstall................I'm glad you're happy with MSE

 

[SlasherIT]

Your 'uninstall tool' link is just a link to the Panda Cloud AV website... Besides, there is no official MSE uninstall tool, the OneLive uninstall tool works but...