MSE Ranks as Best-Performing Free Antivirus

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Microsoft Security Essentials Ranks as Best-Performing Free Antivirus



Anti-malware testing group AV-Comparatives.org not only gave Microsoft Security Essentials a top rating for malware removal, but now they've given it their best ranking in their performance test as well. AV-Comparatives.org ran a series of real-world tests running through common scenarios like downloading, extracting, copying, and encoding files, installing and launching applications, and they also ran through an automated testing suite as well. Once the dust had settled, it became clear that not only is MSE one of only three products that both blocks and removes malware well, but it's also very light on system resources.
Out of all the products tested, Microsoft Security Essentials was the best-performing free antivirus solution, and one of only two that received "very fast" on each of the real-world tests, earning it their top award: an "advanced+" ranking. We've been telling you for a while that you don't need to pay for Windows security, and now with MSE ranked alongside the top paid apps in both malware removal and performance, you might want to consider making the switch.
Hit the AV-Comparatives link for the full report in PDF form, or check out the PC Mag story for the overview—if you can deal with some irritating in-text ads.


FULLSTORY

Microsoft Security Essentials Ranks as Best-Performing Free Antivirus - Malware - Lifehacker
 

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Windows 7 ultimate 32bit OEM 6.1 Build7600Core 2 Duo CPU E7400 2.8GHz2 GB RAMNVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS
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Windows 7 ultimate 32bit OEM 6.1 Build7600
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500 GB
MSE has really developed since its first beta release.
 

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Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit Version 6.1 (build ...Intel Pentium Dual CPU T2390 @ 1.86GHzSiS Mirage 3 Graphics SiS627 series
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Windows 7 ultimate 32bit OEM 6.1 Build7600Core 2 Duo CPU E7400 2.8GHz2 GB RAMNVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS
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Windows 7 ultimate 32bit OEM 6.1 Build7600
CPU
Core 2 Duo CPU E7400 2.8GHz
Motherboard
Mercury PIG31T
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2 GB RAM
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NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS
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VIA HD
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 2033
Screen Resolution
1600*900
Hard Drives
500 GB
I do not think that everyone should drop their current A/V to try MSE, if they are happy with their current choice. I know I'm not dropping mine. However, at the point that any windows user is looking for an A/V, the first choice should be MSE. Not because it is the best or because of good reviews, but because it was made specifically for Windows and its free. Other manufacturers have to adjust their A/V to keep everyone happy, MS has just to keep Window users happy.
 
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Windows 10, Home Clean InstallIntel Core2 processsor Q8200(2.33Ghz 1333FSB)...6 gbATI Radeon 256MB HD3650
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PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell XPS 420
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Windows 10, Home Clean Install
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Intel Core2 processsor Q8200(2.33Ghz 1333FSB) Quad Core Tech
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Dell
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6 gb
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ATI Radeon 256MB HD3650
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Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
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Dell SP2009W 20"
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640 GB Serial ATA Hard drive
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Fan
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Dell USB Keyboard
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Dell Premium Optical USB
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DSL 2.85
MSE is a good product, but personally I think it users are going to try a free AV, I would suggest Avast version 5. Just my opinion though, but I like it better than MSE. Better interface, more options and more configurable.
 

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Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bitIntel Core2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.40 Ghz8GB RAMATI Radeon HD 4600
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HP
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Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
CPU
Intel Core2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.40 Ghz
Memory
8GB RAM
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ATI Radeon HD 4600
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HP w2007
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1680 x 1050
Hard Drives
700 GB
Awesome, I droped AVG for MSE. As soon as I installed MSE it found 3 viruses so I kept it.
 

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Home Premium x64Intel e7400 2.8GHz Dual Core, OC @ 3.36GHz4GB DDR2 1066Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT
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Home Premium x64
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Intel e7400 2.8GHz Dual Core, OC @ 3.36GHz
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Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L/S3L
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4GB DDR2 1066
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Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT
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Realtek Surround Onboard.
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ASUS VW224, 22 Inch and Samsung SyncMaster 713v
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Main Screen @1680x1050, Secondary @ 1280x1024
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Western Digital WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
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Thermaltake Purepower W0100RU 500W
Case
Rosewill R5601-BK Screw-less
Cooling
Two 120mm fans and Stock CPU fans
Keyboard
Old Dell Keyboard my neighbor gave me.
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Logitech MX518
Internet Speed
6Kbps
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Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speakers
Nothing new there :p
 

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W7 RTM Ultimate x64Intel Q8400 @ 2.66GHZ4GB DDR2-800Gainward GTS 450 GLH 1GB Edition
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
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W7 RTM Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q8400 @ 2.66GHZ
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EG45M-UD2H
Memory
4GB DDR2-800
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Gainward GTS 450 GLH 1GB Edition
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Integrated 8 Channel
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AOC 23.6 Inch Widescreen LCD
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1920x1080
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Seagate 500GB Internal
Western Digital 1TB Internal

Hitachi 1TB External
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Apevia Java Power 500W
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Cooler Master HAF 922 Black
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Stock Intel CPU Fan
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HP SK-2960 Multimedia Keyboard
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Logitech M350 Wireless Gaming Mouse
Internet Speed
1.5MB
As soon as I read about MSE here in the forums I decided to drop KIS temporarily and try it but then my bios got broken, the MB has been at maintenance since last Monday, so I haven't really tried MSE yet.. But I will certainly give it a full try as soon as my MB is back..
 

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Windows 7 Ultimate x64AMD Phenom II x4 B502x4 G.skill DDR3 CL9 @1600Powercolor HD 6950 2G GDDR5
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Custom
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Windows 7 Ultimate x64
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AMD Phenom II x4 B50
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GA-MA770T-UD3P
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2x4 G.skill DDR3 CL9 @1600
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Powercolor HD 6950 2G GDDR5
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Built in + Creative T6200 5.1 sub system
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LG FLATRON W1934S
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1440x900
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2 1T WD Blacks (No Raid), 1 2T WD Green
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NZXT HALE90 1000W 80Gold+
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HAF 932
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5 Fans
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Upgrading~
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Upgrading~
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ADSL 2mb

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Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64bit, Windows...Phenom II X6 1100TCrucial Balistic 8gb DDR3-1866 CL9MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
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PC/Desktop
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Home Built
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Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64bit, Windows 7 HP 64bit
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Phenom II X6 1100T
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ASUS M5A99X EVO
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Crucial Balistic 8gb DDR3-1866 CL9
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MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
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On Board
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ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
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1920 x 1080
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Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata III, WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
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Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
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Corsair 400R
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Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
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Logitech K120
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Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
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15MB
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Norton IS 2013, Malwarebytes Pro Beta 2
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IE-11, FF-27
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APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program, Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem. Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer, Epson V300 Scanner
Microsoft Security Essentials Best ???

It may do all you say. However, unless I'm mistaken the report I read said it didn't cover email program?? Does that mean you need 2 AV programs? (Something I understand not recommended) Until that point is cleared I intend to stick with my long term Avast which works for me.
 

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Windows 7
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Windows 7
MSE in action:

Capture.PNG
 

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Windows® 8 Pro (64-bit)Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 2467M (1.60GHz, 3MB...6GB DDR3 System Memory at 1,333MHz (on BD 4GB...AMD Radeon™ HD7550M 1GB DDR3 (Ext. Graphic)
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Samsung NP530U4B-S02IN
OS
Windows® 8 Pro (64-bit)
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 2467M (1.60GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)
Motherboard
Samsung Electronics
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6GB DDR3 System Memory at 1,333MHz (on BD 4GB + 2GB x 1)
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AMD Radeon™ HD7550M 1GB DDR3 (Ext. Graphic)
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Realtek High Definition Audio
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35.56cm (14.0) SuperBright 300nit HD LED Display
Screen Resolution
1366x768
Hard Drives
1TB S-ATA II Hard Drive (5400RPM) with ExpressCache 16GB SSD
Internet Speed
sucks
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Google Chrome (Sync enabled)
Hi, StokesleyLad.

You are correct, definitely do not install two A/V programs. Although you are happy with Avast, which is fine, you may be interested in reading Why you don't need your anti-virus to scan your email - A Cloudeight Information Avenune Tutorial.

Tom Koch MVP states. "And NEVER open an attachment directly from your email. ALWAYS save it to your desktop (or another easily accessible folder) and scan it with your anti-virus program before opening it."
No thank you I will let my Anti_Virus check it on arrival so I don't have to go through three steps to do the same thing. They also state "
One of the biggest problem caused by email virus scanners is corrupted Outlook Express DBX (data) files." I use Thunderbird and wife has Outlook Express and I have NEVER had a DBX file corrupted so I don't see that as a problem. Maybe it is a problem with Outlook Express and MS is just blaming it on "other" software as usual.:cry:
 

My Computer My Computer

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Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64bit, Windows...Phenom II X6 1100TCrucial Balistic 8gb DDR3-1866 CL9MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built
OS
Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64bit, Windows 7 HP 64bit
CPU
Phenom II X6 1100T
Motherboard
ASUS M5A99X EVO
Memory
Crucial Balistic 8gb DDR3-1866 CL9
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MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
Sound Card
On Board
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ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata III, WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
PSU
Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
Case
Corsair 400R
Cooling
Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
Keyboard
Logitech K120
Mouse
Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
Internet Speed
15MB
Antivirus
Norton IS 2013, Malwarebytes Pro Beta 2
Browser
IE-11, FF-27
Other Info
APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program, Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem. Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer, Epson V300 Scanner
Hi, Phone Man.

The main thing is that you are taking steps to avoid your computer becoming infected. Based on your comments, I expect you still remain cautious about opening unexpected attachments. After all, even the most up-to-date antivirus program cannot detect everything, whether scanning it coming in the door or after it has arrived.
 

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Windows 7 & Windows Vista Ultimate
OS
Windows 7 & Windows Vista Ultimate
I've been trying MSE out for a few weeks now. Usually i use nod32. Anyway yesterday i done a full scan of my E: drive which took over 2 hours to complete, but after the scan was finished MSE was using 100% cpu and the hard drive light would not go out, and it stayed like that, i had to shut my laptop down and it struggled to do that.

Also recently just noticed if i browse to a folder full of files MSE keeps checking all the .exe files so there is a delay in the actual icons appearing. You have to wait several seconds while the icons update ?

Anyone else notice this at all ?

Running Windows 7 64bit, 4gb ram

Thanks
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

windows 7
OS
windows 7
I've been trying MSE out for a few weeks now. Usually i use nod32. Anyway yesterday i done a full scan of my E: drive which took over 2 hours to complete, but after the scan was finished MSE was using 100% cpu and the hard drive light would not go out, and it stayed like that, i had to shut my laptop down and it struggled to do that.

Also recently just noticed if i browse to a folder full of files MSE keeps checking all the .exe files so there is a delay in the actual icons appearing. You have to wait several seconds while the icons update ?

Anyone else notice this at all ?

Running Windows 7 64bit, 4gb ram

Thanks
Hi there, MSE does scan all the files hence it's taking a long time to show up the icons. However, it does it just once. Not everytime. But I'm not sure about the hard drive light issue.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows® 8 Pro (64-bit)Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 2467M (1.60GHz, 3MB...6GB DDR3 System Memory at 1,333MHz (on BD 4GB...AMD Radeon™ HD7550M 1GB DDR3 (Ext. Graphic)
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Samsung NP530U4B-S02IN
OS
Windows® 8 Pro (64-bit)
CPU
Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 2467M (1.60GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)
Motherboard
Samsung Electronics
Memory
6GB DDR3 System Memory at 1,333MHz (on BD 4GB + 2GB x 1)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon™ HD7550M 1GB DDR3 (Ext. Graphic)
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
35.56cm (14.0) SuperBright 300nit HD LED Display
Screen Resolution
1366x768
Hard Drives
1TB S-ATA II Hard Drive (5400RPM) with ExpressCache 16GB SSD
Internet Speed
sucks
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Google Chrome (Sync enabled)
Tried MSE on my notebook and on my desktop. So far so good. Had Avira on my desktop before, but Windows 7 kept on saying that I didn't have an AV. Got rid of it, but mostly because it had a clunky interface.
 

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Windows 7Intel E67002Gb DDR2HD4850 512Mb DDR3
OS
Windows 7
CPU
Intel E6700
Motherboard
Emaxx AVL-7050 INF
Memory
2Gb DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
HD4850 512Mb DDR3
Sound Card
Realtek Onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
LG 22" W2261V-PF
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung F1 1Tb
PSU
HEC 480w
Case
Antec
I've been trying MSE out for a few weeks now. Usually i use nod32. Anyway yesterday i done a full scan of my E: drive which took over 2 hours to complete, but after the scan was finished MSE was using 100% cpu and the hard drive light would not go out, and it stayed like that, i had to shut my laptop down and it struggled to do that.

Also recently just noticed if i browse to a folder full of files MSE keeps checking all the .exe files so there is a delay in the actual icons appearing. You have to wait several seconds while the icons update ?

Anyone else notice this at all ?

Running Windows 7 64bit, 4gb ram

Thanks
Hi there, MSE does scan all the files hence it's taking a long time to show up the icons. However, it does it just once. Not everytime. But I'm not sure about the hard drive light issue.

Hi Dinesh, yeh you are right, it does the scan just once. Strange i'm sure the other day it was scanning every time i went into the folder ? anyway i'll keep an eye on it. Was not happy about the full scan though. thanks again.
 

My Computer My Computer

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windows 7
OS
windows 7
This is good to hear seeing as how it's what I use for my anti-virus needs. :D
 

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Windows 7 FinalIntel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0Ghz4GB DDR2 @ 800MhzMobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Hewlett Packard / Dv4-1120us
OS
Windows 7 Final
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0Ghz
Memory
4GB DDR2 @ 800Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
1280 x 800
PSU
6-Cell Battery
Keyboard
Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
Synaptics PS/2 Port Touchpad
Internet Speed
Anywhere Between 11.0 and 48.0 Mbps
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