Expert: Brian Benosky - 2/14/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian,
 Could my version of MSE possible have an infection? It does some seriously funky things to my computer after I have to manually prompt it to update, like flashing screen and much slower performance and start up icons disappearing. If that's the case can you give me a newer, safer, download of MSE? I still think it's damned good. I'm enclosing a HJT log if it helps. Thanks, Brian.
Jax

ANSWER: Hi Jax

I didn't see anything wrong with your HJT log, and assuming you can update the program manually, you should have the latest version available.  I suggest going directly to the source and try asking for advice in the MSE support forum:

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/mse

Your symptoms to me actually sound like a possible hardware issue.  If these symptoms occur only with MSE, then it is most likely the program causing the errors.  But if you notice other programs affected, then begin by checking your hard drive for possible failure.  I use Sea Tools for Windows:

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools

Another good check-up is PCPitstop.  You can run all the diagnostic tests anonymously online, and it will tell you where you can improve performance and where there are problems, if any.  See below:

http://www.pcpitstop.com/betapit/

Again, try MSE forums if your problem is just with MSE.  If you need further help if the issue is not with MSE, just let me know.

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian,
 I believe you are right, there is no problem with MSE. I'm not anywhere close to knowing all the componets of a computer, but I don't think it's a hard drive problem either. I've noticed for a long time now that windows will not give me automatic updates, even when I go in and select automatic updating or select to have updates installed when shutting down my computer. The best it will do is tell me updates have failed to install. Also, it shows me with the green lights that Windows Defender is turned on, but when I click on it, it says it's not. On trying to install it, I get error code Ox800705b4 or Ox800106ba. I have MSE,Malwarebytes, and HJT installed, and am wondering if one of them runs a cross interference. We've had a lot of connectivity issues lately. The only fix I can find to them is doing a systems restore (only goes back to 02/05/11), and somehow I don't think that's good on a computer.
  Brian, once again, would you please help me? I'd sure appreciate it.

Thank You,
Jax

ANSWER: Hi Jax

Those errors indicate a conflict between MSE and Defender.  You should disable Defender using the method outlined here:

  1. Open Windows Defender by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Defender.
  2. Click Tools, and then click Options.
  3. Under Administrator options, select or clear the Use Windows Defender check box, and then click Save. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

After disabling, restart your system and try running Windows Update.  If the updates do not install, take note of the error code and let me know.

I would also like for you to run Windows System File Checker program.  This will find file errors and replace them with good ones.  

  1. Open an elevated command prompt. To do this, click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
  2. Type the following command, and then press ENTER:
sfc /scannow  
(note the space between the c and the /)

Again, let me know the results.

Brian


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian,
 I can't open Windows Defender following your instructions, or any other method I try. I only get a window that says Windows Defender is turned off...at the very end of the message there is blue lettering that says "Turn on and open Windows Defender". When I click on it I get the following message after about 2 minutes or so, "Windows Defender encountered an error: 0x800705b4. This operation returned because the time out period expired." I can't get to a Windows Defender site that even has a tab for Tools or Options. What should I do now?
Thanks,
Jax

Answer
Hi Jax

According to Microsoft, "Microsoft Security Essentials has its own built-in version of Defender and should automatically disables Vista's version of Windows defender."  So ignore any Defender icons that may show up as the program is not running.  It seems like that's a bug to be worked out in future versions of MSE.  Have you had any luck running those scans I mentioned?

Brian