Microsoft Security Essentials Pop-up: Legitimate?

[uralowl]

Just a bit earlier, I had my house mate ask me about a pop-up from MSE she had on her computer. It asked "items detected on your PC require further analysis. By Sending the files listed below, you can help Mircosoft analysts determine whether these items are malicious."

Instead of sending the file, we just closed the window and thought nothing of it. The file it listed seemed to be something under Google Chrome's extensions. Strangely though, about 10 minutes later on my own PC, I got the exact same pop-up for another specific file, something listed under "temporary internet files", I believe. As before, I just closed the window.

Seems odd that the exact same pop-up would occur on two different computers within the same house within minutes of each other (both PCs are running Windows 7, if it matters at all). I've never gotten this pop-up before. I performed a quick scan with MSE afterwards, it didn't pick up anything however.

I didn't think to take screenshots at the time, but below is the exact same pop-up I received (albeit with a different file of course) that I found on Google. I can't seem to find much info on this specific thing, so I thought I'd ask: Is this legitimately MSE? Or do I have something to worry about?

 

[Layback Bear]

I have use MSE for years and have never got such a popup or anything like it from MSE.

Knowing exactly what item was found on your computer would be helpful.

If it was my computer I would run several Security Programs to make sure things are clean.

 

[indianacarnie]

I have use MSE for years and have never got such a popup or anything like it from MSE.

Knowing exactly what item was found on your computer would be helpful.

If it was my computer I would run several Security Programs to make sure things are clean.

 

[Eric3742]

I don't think the main website, infoworld.com may not be the issue.

It is the long string on the full address, this may be the problem.
As the link may take you for a walk to other websites.

As both of you are using the same broadband, this way that it can go to your PC is something not to play around.
That is it did jump from one PC to another PC, this is very odd.
By all means, website do not move from 1 PC to another PC.

 

[Layback Bear]

From post #1

I didn't think to take screenshots at the time, but below is the exact same pop-up I received (albeit with a different file of course) that I found on Google.

 

[uralowl]

I have use MSE for years and have never got such a popup or anything like it from MSE.

Knowing exactly what item was found on your computer would be helpful.

If it was my computer I would run several Security Programs to make sure things are clean.

I've been using MSE for about 7+ years, never received such a popup either, and to receive the same popup on two different computers within the same time frame seems bizarre to me.

I tried looking through the history tab on MSE, but can't seem to find any log of the popup or "item detected" ever happening, on either computer.
If I get the popup again, I'll make a note of what the item is.

I've scanned my PC, and it all seems fine otherwise so far. Closest I could find to the same issue I had on google was this thread on the Microsoft community forums, but there isn't really a solid answer to this person's problem either: Strange behaviour in Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Community

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yea I finally switched to Panda free a while back every since the windows update system started acting up
Between MSE and windows defender they were just too much trouble and many reported issues doing the basics in auto updating to risk using for me anyway.

There is also popular Avast free which many users here use instead just a tad bloated but can all be removed from a custom install of it.

 

[Eric3742]

Hi,
Yea I finally switched to Panda free a while back every since the windows update system started acting up
Between MSE and windows defender they were just too much trouble and many reported issues doing the basics in auto updating to risk using for me anyway.

There is also popular Avast free which many users here use instead just a tad bloated but can all be removed from a custom install of it.

I am using Panda Internet Security for many years, as it is stable.
Now i added the Superantispyware Pro for double protection.

Superantispyware detect cookies, malware, etc; which it by-pass Panda IS.
Before buying this Superantispyware, i was using the free version, also for many years.
Both keep me from any attack.
Do note Superantispyware Pro is not active, as Panda is active.
Superantispyware only function as daily update and scan, nothing else.

Just for your info.

Eric.

 

[Layback Bear]

@ uralowl

You could check and see if (MAPS) under Settings in MSE is checked.
I keep mine not checked.

Why both computer got this popup at about the same time is puzzling.

 

[uralowl]

@ uralowl

You could check and see if (MAPS) under Settings in MSE is checked.
I keep mine not checked.

Why both computer got this popup at about the same time is puzzling.

Under MAPS, the "basic membership" box seems to be checked, which I believe it always has been.

 

[Layback Bear]

I keep mine set to (I don't want to join MAPS)

Your setting might be why you are getting a notice from MSE.
MSE probably blocked something and wants to report to Microsoft the information.