Solved Help with Windows Defender

[Grange]

Hello,

I know that someone else is experiencing the Windows Defender problem, it can not be download it because it's already there. Please help me figure out how to get back on track with Defender, because it is a useful tool.

Thank You

Grange

 

[Brink]

Hello Grange, and welcome to Vista Forums.

We would like to help, but we can't unless we have more details about exactly what is wrong with your Windows Defender.


If you installed the free Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), then this will turn off Windows Defender to have MSE be used instead. If you have not, then you might consider giving it a try. It is a lot better than Windows Defender.

 

[djch129]

Hello,

I know that someone else is experiencing the Windows Defender problem, it can not be download it because it's already there. Please help me figure out how to get back on track with Defender, because it is a useful tool.

Thank You

Grange

What exactly is your problem with Windows Defender ?
Please organize your thoughts first, then put them in writing. Read it yourself to see if it meakes sense to you or not. Then post it.

I am sticking me neck out and speculate ......
You received warning that your Winder Defender was not working or not turned on.
You tried to turn it on but failed.
You figured if you uninstalled it and then went to the web and re-install a good copy, but it didn't work because the computer said that you already had that program in the system.
** Windows Defender is part of the Vista operating system. It can NOT be uninstalled.

Windows Defender will get turned off if you have one of the following AV, anti-virus programs, installed :
Norton
McAfee
AVG
Microsoft Security Essentials.
The reason is : those programs have their own defenders. Having 2 defenders running in the same machine will create conflicts.
If the above scenario applies to you, then you don't have any problem. It is normal.

If it does not apply to you, then here is a way to start your Windows Defender again:
Start > in the search box, type services > press Enter key > scroll down to Windows Defender....
under Status column, it should say....... Started
under Startup Type, it should say ....... Automatic.
If it does not say that, right click on Winows Defender > click Properties > on the new window, make the changes.....
Status to ......... Start
Startup type to ... Automatic
click OK
Check if your Windows Defender is back on.

P.S. Sorry for such a LENGTHY reply.

 

[Grange]

Thank You djch129, this is exactly what I am experiencing with Windows Defender and I do have MSE as a defender also.

I did not mind the lengthy explanation, it was as easy as 1, 2, 3 .

This is one concern off my Vista questions list.

Thanks again.