MSE scheduled scans and updating problems

[marathon1]

Sorry to cover old ground but I must be too thick to understand other posts about problems with Microsoft Security Essentials! Over the last couple of months, MSE is not doing the (daily) scheduled scans or updating. My computer is usually on at the time of the scheduled scan. In the settings, I have ticked 'Check for the latest virus and spyware definitions...' and 'Limit CP usage to 50%. The other option 'Start the scheduled scan only when my PC is on but not in use' is NOT ticked. The scan chosen is 'quick scan'. However, MSE will obey the instruction to update or scan on demand. Can anyone help, please? Thanks!

 

[BrightBlessings]

My partners pc was doing the same thing, I ended up uninstalling MSE and reinstalling and it has been behaving itself properly since. If you do this, reboot after the uninstall and again after the reinstall. Hope this helps you with your problem.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Did you use the uninstaller ?
http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2483120

Personally I would consider switching to free Avast or free Panda and leave your MSE issue behind
Be sure to disable Windows defender too if you switch.

 

[marathon1]

Thanks, BrightBlessings. When you say 'uninstall' do you mean just that or should I remove it from my computer altogether?

ThrashZone, apart from this issue, I am happy with MSE - but thanks for the tip!

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi
No problem sort of odd you'd be happy with a security suite that does not work properly

 

[BrightBlessings]

Thanks, BrightBlessings. When you say 'uninstall' do you mean just that or should I remove it from my computer altogether?

ThrashZone, apart from this issue, I am happy with MSE - but thanks for the tip!

Yep, uninstall through programmes and features. you can downlaod a new one from here, https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/14210/security-essentials-download do it and save it before you uninstall the current one.

 

[marathon1]

Hi BrightBlessings. Thanks for your advice. Have now uninstalled, downloaded and installed MSE again. Changed scheduled scan to 13:00 (BST) but now 13:18 and no response.

 

[DavidE]

In Task Scheduler Enable All Tasks History

There should be scheduled tasks for MSE scheduled scans and updating.
I don't use MSE now, so i don't know the path to these tasks.
NirSoft TaskSchedulerView can make it easier to find these tasks:
Task Scheduler Viewer for Windows 10/7/8/Vista
It's a great little free portable app for working with scheduled tasks.

After a scheduled task should run, go to Task Scheduler for that MSE task.
Look at the History tab.
Check to see if it ran, and if there are any error messages that might show the problem.

 

[marathon1]

Hello DavidE. Thank you for the advice. I have found the Task Scheduler on my PC but find that there is no record of MSE scheduled scans/updates. I am now at a loss with this problem and have more or less given up trying to resolve it. It is not a disaster though - I can still update and scan manually. Once again, thanks to all who have tried to help.