Windows defender keeps bugging me...

[slughappy1]

Every time I log in, Windows Defender tells me that "This program is turned off". I installed MSE when I first installed 7. MSE is running and Defender keeps bugging me that it's turned off. How can I fix it so Defender will stop telling me that it is turned off?

 

[MWRed]

It is supposed to be turned off/uninstalled automatically when MSE is installed, but it doesn't "always" seem to work that way. Go to "Programs and Features" in the control panel and see if it is still listed there. It shouldn't be, but if it is, uninstall it.

 

[slughappy1]

"Defender" and "Windows Defender" are not in the program list.

 

[antharr]

Is it listed as a running process? Is it running as a service?

 

[MWRed]

Hmmm....ok. How about going into Control Panel\Administrative Tools > Services and disabling in there? Other than that, i'm not sure why it would still pop-up when MSE is installed.

Can also go to msconfig and make sure it is not checked to startup when the comuter starts up.

 

[slughappy1]

I checked and it's not in the running services. I went into Services and Disabled Windows Defender. The next time I booted up I got the same pop up. I've attached a screen shot of the pop up, and the Action Center. There isn't anything in the Action Center to change like it suggests.

 

[manhunter2826]

If you are trying to disable Defender -- and I'm unsure whether u are -- you could try disabling via msconfig perhaps>

 

[slughappy1]

I am trying to disable it. I have MSE that I use instead. I don't see Windows Defender in MSCONFIG.

 

[Brink]

Hello Slughappy1, and welcome to Seven Forums.

You may have had a botched MSE install. See if turning on Windows Defender, then uninstalling and reinstalling MSE again may stop this for you.

 

[rvbfan]

View attachment 71402
Make sure this or anything else pertaining to defender is unchecked.
Had the same problem and it worked for me.

 

[LeeM]

Windows 7 Ultimate Defender

I have just installed Windows 7 Ultimate, and I want to ensure that my PC is protected. When I check Defender it says it is turned off. I keep trying to turn it on and it will fluctuate back and forth between on and off, so I never know if it working or not.

Can someone help me?

Thanks,

LeeM

 

[Capt.Jack Sparrow]

I have just installed Windows 7 Ultimate, and I want to ensure that my PC is protected. When I check Defender it says it is turned off. I keep trying to turn it on and it will fluctuate back and forth between on and off, so I never know if it working or not.

Can someone help me?

Thanks,

LeeM

Hello LeeM !!

I would recommend Microsoft Security Essentials for the best security

- Captain

 

[slughappy1]

Thanks rvbfan, I can't believe I missed that one. Well it worked, so thanks all.

 

[LeeM]

Windows 7 Defender

Thanks Captain Jack.

 

[DarkStar GT]

View attachment 71402
Make sure this or anything else pertaining to defender is unchecked.
Had the same problem and it worked for me.

Thanks rvbfan, I can't believe I missed that one. Well it worked, so thanks all.

That suggests to me that Windows Defender is still there in the Program Files folder.

So MSE did not uninstall Defender properly?

 

[slughappy1]

From what I understood MSE does not uninstall Defender. It is just supposed to turn it completely off. Which it failed to do. What is weird is that fact that MSE did in fact work properly for a while. Defender just randomly started telling me it wasn't started. Then a clean install of MSE didn't fix it either.

 

[Jonathan_King]

Defender cannot be uninstalled. It is built-in to Windows, and can only be disabled.

 

[Capt.Jack Sparrow]

From what I understood MSE does not uninstall Defender. It is just supposed to turn it completely off. Which it failed to do. What is weird is that fact that MSE did in fact work properly for a while. Defender just randomly started telling me it wasn't started. Then a clean install of MSE didn't fix it either.

Hello !!

Try to download the Removal Tool. Download this cleanup tool from Microsoft: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=81699 (this tool is for OneCare but works with MSE also). After the tool runs if it prompts for a reboot please do so

If that fails then follow the below steps

1. Download MSE from the website and save the file on the Desktop.
2. Start Search by typing CMD and select "Run as Administrator".
3. In the Command Prompt console type: CD %USERPROFILE%\Desktop <- Hit ENTER
4. Type: msse <- then hit the TAB button.
mssefullinstall-amd64fre-en-us-vista-win7.exe

6. Now put a space in between the whole line and put /U as seen below:
mssefullinstall-amd64fre-en-us-vista-win7.exe /U

7. Hit ENTER and this should uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials.

After that

1. Type in services.msc in Start menu search box and hit enter. Click continue button if you are prompted with a UAC message.

2. Scroll down the services list to you see Windows Defender name. Right-click on the Windows Defender name and select Properties.

3. Under General tab, set the start up type to “Disabled” and click the Apply button to save the changes.

Then reboot and install MSE.

Hope this helps,
Captain