Vista - Windows Security Alert

Newbie here. I did a search and didn't find any mention of this situation. I apologize if it's been discussed before.

On starting up my Dell notebook today I got an alert from Windows Security Center that there were multiple issues with my computers security. When I opened the Security Center Alert it was indicating that my firewall was off and also that it could not detect any anti-virus software on the computer. The computer came with McAfee Security Center and when I open that it indicates that I'm totally protected. It of course has a firewall and anti-virus, etc.

Any ideas on why Vista (Windows Security Center) is not recognizing McAfee? I'm pretty sure McAfee is working properly. It is doing a system scan as I type this message.

Any help is appreciated.

Go to start
control panel
security
check there and see what it is telling you

I did that and then went to Security Center and it's telling me the same thing as the alert - same window to be exact.

Firewall - Off (McAfee has a firewall and my understanding is that only one should be on)
Automatic Updating - On
Malware Protection - Check settings (The settings indicate no anti-virus software found)
Internet Security Settings - OK

McAfee still appears to be running and up to date.

I am having the same problem. Does anyone have a solution?

This sometimes happens when your security software updates one or more of its core programs. This is not the same as the normal definitions update. To resolve this problem, simply restart your PC.

That isn't the problem. I've restarted multiple times. I contacted the original individual who posted the problem, and it still exists for him, too.

I had the same problem. McAfee is running perfectly, up to date, scanned multiple times, but still says no anit-virus protection in my windows security center. Just started doing it this weekend and when it happened it also said my firewall was down but I hit turn on and it worked fine. So now I'm left with McAfee running perfectly along with SUPERantispyware and hijack this on my laptop but the security center says no antivirus protection.

Just because security center claims you're unprotected, doesn't mean that you are... In the end it's just a piece of software. If you trust McAfee to keep you safe, just disable the check for antivirus.

I suggest that you replace McAfee with something more efficient though... Take a look at this;
August 2008

I clicked the link and there is an error. Old url or something. But besides that it is the fact that Vista does not recognize the anti-virus that I think is annoying us. I like to be reassured that my anti-virus is working for my expensive laptop with many important files on it.

oops, they dont like direct linking

Go to AV-Comparatives

The correct page is #19 in the "Comparatives" section..