Vista - Windows Defender and Firewall Issues

First off, I'm technologically challenged, so I will very likely end up
leaving out a lot of details that are required for an accurate answer. I
hope someone can help out anyways.

So, this problem only started today after a random shutdown. Everytime
I boot up my laptop, the Firewall and Malware Protection under my
Windows Security Center section are constantly turned off. I can turn
them on manually, but they will occasionally switch back off again. I'm
assuming it's some spyware or something, but all my scans have come out
clean.

Aside from that, another issue in the Malware Protection area is under
the Virus Protection section. It shows me the following message:
"Windows Live OneCare is on but is reporting its status to Windows
Security Center in a format that is no longer supported. Use the
program's automatic updating feature for an updated version."

Yet I've installed all the available updates I can get.

If anyone is able to help, it'd be much appreciated!
Thanks!


Edit: Just now, my Windows Live Communications Platform stopped
working. I'm not sure what to do. All my scans have found nothing as of
yet.


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WhereAmI
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WhereAmI wrote:
With what programs and using what methods did you scan for malware? Were you
as thorough as described in the following link?

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

If not, you have more work to do. Of course, since you are "technologically
challenged" a better course of action might be for you to take the machine
to a competent local computer tech (not a BigComputerStore/GeekSquad type
of place). Your choice, naturally.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

Has this just started? I have been having exactly the same problem
today, as has a friend who has the same system. Clearly it's a generic
problem with Windows Live OneCare, but I have no idea how to cure it. I
would hope that Microsoft ought to be aware of the issue and working to
fix it.


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NigelS
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See this recent discussion:
http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/e...7-ca1b0e30b015
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~PA Bear, MS-MVP (posted via Google Groups)

On Jul 14, 10:39*pm, WhereAmI wrote:

I am having the problem all of a sudden also. I tried system restore OneCareRepair, etc, and that didn't help. Most of the few links I find to the problem are not working?!? I suspect Microsoft screwed up big time and is trying to hide the problem. And this is a subscription service we pay extra for!

David

Thanks a lot for the links!
I'll take a closer look at this problem and take it to a professional
(or at least someone much more knowledgeable than I) if the problem
persists.

As for the scans I did, I used the OneCare one as well as a few online
ones I found on another thread.

I actually uninstalled and reinstalled the program and all the security
things seem to be working fine. Although, my Communactions Platform has
stopped working and my computer has shut down randomly, once more each.


And yes, NigelS, this problem only just begun on Sunday. The first
abrupt shutdown was on Sunday, July 13th, and then the second on the
same day this thread was started. After that, the security issues
began.

Thanks again to everyone who responded!


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WhereAmI
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