Expert: James Filmer - 12/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: hi-im a little pass novice. have windows xp home-have updated on regular basis, making sure old programs are taken out. today-  i had 5 virus alerts. my defender says pc is running fine. problem is every time i log on to the internet, i get message stating, that it is closing down for my protection. I can not get on the internet, except throught this web site. i am not sure if it will let me get into my gmail. im stumped. thank you doreena,ps-alternate email-

ANSWER: What is Defender? Please give me the version specifics, is it a free version and what it's supposed to do.

Are you able to reach the Windows Update page through Internet Explorer, view, download and install all critical security updates, if there are any.

What anti-virus, antispyware and Firewall software are you using, and are you able to access your gmail?

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QUESTION: windows defender-detects and removes spyware, quarintines{sp}. it comes with vista and windows xp with service pack 2 or later. downloads programs for sucurity. security updates are automatically downloaded into computer. speaking of which- do i remove the older security updates? or keep in computer.? have antispyware and firewall-which came with the computer. i just installed windows chrome, it took awhile ,but can get online. but-will still give a message every 10 minutes, saying it is shutting down for my protection. defender says all potential problems have been reemoved and everything is working properly. i now am getting warning messages in gmail saying it could be phony. doreena

Answer
You're doing fine, but you'll need to get more detailed. What exactly is the message "shutting down"? Is it a Defender message? A system error? And where is the message about gmail coming from; exactly what does it say. Can you make a screen shot image of the messages and send them to me?