Solved MSE not performing as expected

[patriceltic]

I have been using MSE for over a year and find it to be quite effective. Lately, however, the automatic updates and scheduled scans seem to have been disabled - I now have to do manual process for both - it isn't a big deal but I kind of like the automatic nature of these processes. I have searched this forum but don't really see any answers to this. Help would be most appreciated. Thank you very much.

 

[DavidE]

MSE normally gets definition updates via Windows Update.
Take a look in your Windows Update History to see if they are listed, and if there are any errors.

Check your MSE Settings.
If "Start the scheduled scan only when my PC is on but not in use" is checked, uncheck it and see if that helps.
Also, is your PC on at the time of the Scheduled Scan?

 

[karlsnooks]

I have been using MSE for over a year and find it to be quite effective. Lately, however, the automatic updates and scheduled scans seem to have been disabled - I now have to do manual process for both - it isn't a big deal but I kind of like the automatic nature of these processes. I have searched this forum but don't really see any answers to this. Help would be most appreciated. Thank you very much.

things to check:
windows update | change settings | set as shown and click on OK


==================================

WIN | type SECURITY ESSENTIALS | ENTER |
SETTINGS tab | set shown | OK button

 

[patriceltic]

All settings changed to your recommendations but still no deal. Yes, my system is always on for the scan time I have set. One person says, uncheck item about starting the scheduled scan when pc is on but not in use. The other says to check it. I have tried it both ways and still no deal. Guess I'll have to do manual updates and scans - thanks for input.

 

[DavidE]

Lets first focus on the Virus definition updates.
Did you look at Windows Update History and what did you see?
Can you post a screen print of your WU History?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html#post93869

Is your system current with all updates and you are using the latest MSE version (Ver 4)?

Here is my recent WU History - can you post yours?

 

[patriceltic]

Here is a screenshot of recent mse updates. The ones from the eleventh thru today I did manually. The ones before that were automatic. I am up to date on all Windows security updates as well. I do not see any errors. They all say "successful". I am using V4 of mse. Thanks again.

 

[DavidE]

OK, everything there looks good, thanks.

So since the 11th, you have manually updated the definitions from the MSE/Update window, right?

Just so you know, MSE updates definitions 2-3 times per day, and Windows Update only checks for updates once per day (as far as i know).

Today, do NOT run the update from the MSE/Update window.

Go to the Windows Update screen and check for updates.
You may have to do this every few hours until a new definition update is available.

When you see a new definition update is available, try to install it from WU.
If you do not see a new definition available within a day, or the update errors out post back with that info.

If you want to test this quicker, you should be able to uninstall your last Definition Update.
If that is uninstalled, you should see an update available for that definition after you uninstall it...

Hope this makes sense!

 

[patriceltic]

Will do tomorrow - already done for today. Yes, from the 11th on, have done manuals. Makes perfect sense!! Will take care of suggestions tomorrow. Thanks very much.

 

[karlsnooks]

David has given you excellent and accurate advice.

Just for the record, I too prefer to manually update for two reasons: 1) to obtain updates "immediately", 2) so that my computer doesn't try to perform an update an inopportune time.

A nice touch from MS would be ot have an option to truly automatically and instantly update with one easy click when ever we choose.

Oh well, MS is not known (despite what they say) at being responsive to customer input.

karl

 

[patriceltic]

Well, interestingly enough, today I did as suggested and downloaded from the WU screen. About 20 minutes later, the scheduled scan started. I don't really understand the difference from updating thru MSE screen or the WU screen. Also, did that WU download do something to trigger the automatic scan?? Is this what I have to do every day? I don't mind but it does seem easier to do it thru the MSE process.Thanks again for all help from all - I will mark this as solved, yes???

 

[DavidE]

OK !

So the virus update definition update worked from Windows Update today.
At least that tells us WU is working OK.
I wondered if something with WU broke with the last patch Tuesday updates for you.

I can't explain and have no idea why the scan starting work again after using WU today.

You should NOT have to use WU to update the Virus definitions to get the scan to work as scheduled.

I don't use WU for definition updates, i set up a scheduled task to run every 4 hours to check for and install new definitions.
I can help you set that up if you're interested.

But, it doesn't explain the Scan "issue", and i've never seen a problem using the built in MSE Scan scheduler.

 

[DavidE]

Maybe someone else can jump in and help!

Re-reading what i just said, maybe it would be easier to un-install/re-install MSE to try and resolve this ???

Thanks,
David

 

[karlsnooks]

should not be needed.
Show him how to use task scheduler. A snip of the present settings shown by task scheduler might be informative.

karl

 

[patriceltic]

Hmmm - ' tis a conundrum - I kind of thought of re-installing as well but I see a dissenting opinion re this from Karl. I also thought perhaps the security updates from last week might be playing a part in all of this - does anyone else have these mse update probs since the security updates?? I think I will go ahead and re-install and see if that doesn't cure it. If that fails, I will go to plan B whatever that is. I will do reinstall tomorrow -if everything is not working fine by then. Thanks again for all help and comments. Patricia

 

[karlsnooks]

patricia,

I expect no success with Plan A but perhaps I'll be pleasantly surprised.

Win 7 is not eXPired. The updates do not cause problems. Forget that line of thought.

karl

 

[karlsnooks]

David and Patricia,
There is a marvelous article on this topic:
How To Fix Microsoft Security Essentials Virus Definitions Updates

The only shortcoming is that the article references the wrong directory when you browse for the correct directory. I've written to the author, but have not heard back yet. At least one other person also made this point.

correct folder\file is:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Client\MpCmdRun.exe"

 

[DavidE]

Thanks Karl,
That looks nice - i deleted my post as that looks much better !

 

[karlsnooks]

David,
that chap really did nice work. I was going to try and crank something out before I ran across that. I would need to spend hours to get something of that quality.

karl

 

[patriceltic]

Well today the update downloaded automatically but the automatic scan did not run. I will just do a manual scan and keep my eye on the update dates to make sure that is happening. When I have some time, I may try the techie solution as mentioned in Karl's post. Thanks again.

 

[karlsnooks]

Patricia,
See post #16.

Excellent tutorial on scheduling MSE.

The author also responded quickly to the suggestion of a change and that is now in there.

I've scheduled MSE update for every 4 hours since Microsoft will sometimes update 3 times a day.

Glad that we could be of assistance,
karl