Sunday, March 10, 2013

Windows Non-Defender?

 

Wesley Chapel, Florida (high 81, low 55)

 

Yesterday was another busy day, starting out with our usual visit to the gym.  We both tried to hit it a little harder than normal since we’ll be away from it while we’re in the Keys.

After we soaked in the warm therapy pool for a while, we headed over to Mom’s and took her to lunch.   She had the “chatties” and just about talked our ears off during lunch, but it was very nice to see her so energetic for a change. It was like she’d taken a pep pill.  Lunch took forever!  (I can post this on the blog because she never reads it)

After lunch, we took her out and did a little shopping. 

This morning during morning computer/blog time, I decided to double check my anti-virus program since I’ve been getting a lot of Pop-up’s lately.

With my new laptop with Windows 8, it comes with Windows Defender and it supposed to be the latest/greatest virus protection from Microsoft.

I never had any problems before when I was using Windows Security Essentials.

Since I’ve been getting so many pop-up ads, I decided to run a scan.  Every time I try to run either a quick or full scan, I get an error message saying “Windows Defender couldn’t scan your PC.  The program’s service has stopped.  You can start the service manually or restart your computer which will restart the service.”

I tried restarting the computer several times and kept getting the same message.  I finally looked online and it appears many others are having the same problem and Microsoft is aware of it.

So, I’m in the process of downloading and running AVG anti virus software.  I’m not deleting “Defender” so I hope that won’t be a problem.

Have any of you run into this issue?  

I just ran a scan from Malware Bytes and it found quite a lot of malware on my computer.  Scary.  Here I thought I was protected.

15 comments:

  1. I have used AVG for years. Matters of fact, the school district we taught in used AVG on all the computer. I am very happy with it. Hope it works great for you.

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  2. We use Kaspersky and so far so good. But we still have old computers.

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  3. If it isn't from microsoft it's bound to be better. When did you take that GORGEOUS header picture at Flagler beach???

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  4. That's an amazing header photo. (We have Mac computers, and the built in programs do a great job.

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  5. Wow your header photo should be published! Just gorgeous.

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  6. Your header photo is fantastic. I love the crashing surf and, if you look closely, you can see a ship out on the ocean. Great job!

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  7. We don't use any anti virus programs. Haven't for almost six years. Problems? None.

    I know. We're not normal.

    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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  8. Always liked AVG when I had my PC. Now with a Mac for the last 4 years, no anitvirus needed. No problem.

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  9. Spectacular header photo! Good job. I have used a few free virus programs in the past and let's just say...you get what you pay for. I had one very wise hacker cause all kinds of mischief in my computer.

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  10. The scan problem with Windows Defender was definitely a glitch that affected many, but not all Microsoft users. They escalated the problem just yesterday and have apparently fixed it.

    Here is there suggestion if you are still having problems (it was a virus definition file issue):

    Update now and make sure you get a definition verion after 1.145.1490.0. This should resolve the problem. Though not officially confirmed by Microsoft, too many people are reporting that this fixes the issue for it not to be the case.

    As for Malware finding stuff on your computer that's not unusual at all. Most of that stuff is harmless. You could run other malware programs right after Malware and they too would find stuff. If you run an AVG scan, then run Malware, you'll still find more stuff.

    By installing AVG software on your computer, the Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus program included in Windows 8 will automatically be turned off.

    I've used Microsoft Security Essentials, and now Windows 8, on all our computers with excellent results - no viruses and no problems. I regard it as the best Windows 8 anti-virus available.

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  11. Your header picture gave me flashbacks to my Coast Guard days and I started to get seasick! :cO

    I use Vipre as recommended by Geeks on Tour and it's been very reliable. Can't have enough protection on your computers.

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  12. It's a shame so many scummy people have nothing better to do with their computer skills than to make up viruses to wreck havoc on the rest of us! If they put their skills to something productive, maybe they could be successful and make some money at it too.

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    The USA Is Our Big Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com

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  13. Great header photo. I have a paid for protector and they seem to be pretty good at keeping up to date.

    Thought I'd let you know we are heading out to Hawaii in a couple of days. We arrive in Honolulu Thursday morning to be exact. I've set up a separate Blog called Hawaii 2013 which you can find here http://matarangigirl.blogspot.co.nz/ should you want to follow this New Zealand couple abroad. Most of our time in Hawaii will be on Big Island including a few days on a coffee plantation. I'm looking forward to Farmers Markets and many adventures including food ones.

    Blessings

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  14. I use Norton. Our IT man where I worked said the free programs are good, but you get what you pay for. He said Norton is always catching things quicker, in his experience, than the others. It's the only anti-virus program he would use. So that's what I've been using for years, and I've been really happy with it.

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