Can't enable Windows Defender

TriedandTested · 27 Mar 2007 at 22:21

That's it really! Have had a popup warning me about a security issue - found it is disabled (?!) but when trying to reenable it tries to update its definitions, says none can be found, then goes back to where i started.

Any ideas?

The_KiD · 27 Mar 2007 at 23:32

Click START > RUN > Services.msc > OK - and find the Windows Defender service, is it actually stopped in there or not?

If it is and wont start in the services list then your best of uninstalling Windows Defender from the Add/Remove programs list, then running Windows update again to get it back.

TriedandTested · 28 Mar 2007 at 08:17

Service is running. Can't see Windows Defender on the uninstall list though.

The_KiD · 28 Mar 2007 at 08:19

If the service is running then Windows Defender is running and doing what it should.

What exatly is failing?

You may have to click "Show Updates" in the Add/Remove programs list.

TriedandTested · 28 Mar 2007 at 08:22

The security centre is saying it is disabled. If i attempt to 'turn it on' it then looks for definition updates, says there are none, and remains disabled.

The_KiD · 28 Mar 2007 at 08:25

Is this vista or XP?

something daft already!! · 28 Mar 2007 at 12:00

I had this issue and resolved it. The numbers may have changed now, but give this a try:

Heres the solution which worked for me:

Go to Windows update. Click on change settings (on the left). Check
"never check for updates." Remove any other checks (Recommended update and
any other). Then go back to Defender and run the Updates again. Version
downloaded should read 1.15.2336.7. It will also download a couple of
Windows updates. After, don't forget to go back to Win updates and change
back to auto setting.

TriedandTested · 28 Mar 2007 at 18:36

Didn't solve the issue, howiepoohs.

same as before.

bledd · 28 Mar 2007 at 18:47

what version does it say you're running

they updated it recently, think this pc has the newest one on..

Windows Defender Version: 1.1.1593.0

i think the old one was 1592, maybe download it again from MS

TriedandTested · 28 Mar 2007 at 18:51

Currently: 1.16.2428.7 created 26/03/07

This is annoying me, i don't want to have to install another piece of software when i have this.

Tried downloading it from MS again, when installing it said i don't need to as vista comes with it.

bledd · 28 Mar 2007 at 19:17

ahh

i'm on xp