Vista - GreenAV killed windows defender

i had the GreenAV virus and was able to successfully remove it, now my windows defender wont turn on. i get this error message "Security Center cant turn on windows defender. Please try again later". Im running vista ultimate 32bit w/ sp 2.

I don't know too much about viruses, though this thread might do better in the security section.

Umm... Check to see if the service is set to run automatically. Press Win+R, type services.msc and press enter. Scroll down to Windows Defender and double click it. Select Automatic from the Startup type. If needed, press the Start button.

yes it is running automatically

Hello scfross
How did you remove the rogue anti virus?
What "legit" Anti Virus security program are you now running? Is it updated?
Are Windows & Defender fully updated?
I suggest you scan with the free version of Superantispyware & Malwarebytes & see if they flush anything further out.
Post back & let us know how you go.
SUPERAntiSpyware.com | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!
Malwarebytes.org

hello scforce.
heres some info about green av (i know its cut & paste, but is helpful)
Green AV also known as Green Antivirus 2009 is a fake rogue spyware program just like personal antivirus and other old fake antivirus programs. Green AV has attacked recently on thousends of computers therefor i descided to post this message for public awareness about the GreenAV scam. Please do not buy Green AV if its poping up on your screen. it is a scam. you should run an anti spyware program or follow the manual removal steps to remove Green AV virus from your pc. Thanks
For manual removal guide on how to remove Green AV or to download an auto removal tool to remove Green AV, see the page Remove Green AV virus. fake Green Antivirus 2009 (GreenAV) removal guide & tool.how to...
Good Luck and Happy virus free computing