Microsoft Security Essentials questions & answers

Monitors hidden software installations
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Question by Chris
278 views
March 22, 2017

Since 15.Mar.2017 I've been getting a yellow triangle warning during every Microsoft Security Essentials scan on my Windows 7 laptop. It always shows up whilst the scan is checking =svchost= and remains on screen for the rest of the scan - Quick or Full. Yet, when the scan completes, I get a green tick on the Home tab and nothing in any of the subdivisions of the History tab.


New false positive, or new malware that is somehow suppressing reports of its existence?


[Added 12.May.2017 : Problem disappeared at next monthly update of Windows 7 and has not been seen again since then.]

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Answer by Robert Polubinski

Yes, that is probably a false positive since it disappears. A malware infection will always show in the Scanner regardless if it activates at certain times. Microsoft AntiMalware is designed to detect threats regardless of their behavior.


As an alternative, I recommend scanning your PC with AdwCleaner: https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/


It's an advanced tool that can scan various areas AntiMalware might omit them.

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Question by Guest
407 views
August 25, 2015

How to update Microsoft Security Essentials manually?

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Answer by Sean Hill

The database of Microsoft Security Essentials can be updated manually by following the next steps:

  • Verify what OS is installed (Windows XP, Vista, 7, or 8.1)

  • Make sure you are logged on to Windows as Administrator

  • Download the Microsoft Security Essentials virus and spyware definition update file according to your OS from the following pages:

  • Click "Run" to install the update or "Save" to save it on your computer and run it later. If installing in a Windows Vista or Windows 7 environment you should right-click the file and select "Run as Administrator" and follow the next steps.

  • When the definition update is running, a dialog box showing the extraction progress will appear. After finishing, you can verify the update by opening Microsoft Security Essentials, clicking "Update" and examining the virus and spyware definitions status.

If you encounter any problems you can get more information through the following page: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshooting-update-issues

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Question by Guest
446 views
August 25, 2015
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Answer by Robert Polubinski

When potential harmful content is detected on your computer, then Microsoft Security Essentials will display a window with brief instructions about the file, infection name, and possible actions like:

  • Remove
  • Quarantine
  • Allow

Based on your input, MSE takes the necessary steps in removing or leaving the file in its place. This is the only way MSE alerts you about a possible infection.


For more information access the following URL: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-should-i-do-if-microsoft-security-essentials-detects-malicious-software-on-my-pc

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Question by Guest
592 views
October 6, 2010

Tray icon is not showing in taskbar. How to restore it?

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Answer by a-e

Try running the application from the start panel.

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Question by amado
460 views
October 30, 2009

I can't update Microsoft Security Essentials. Can you help?

Murtuza
Answer by Murtuza

Run your Disk Check
Click Start
Click Run
Type CHKDSK in searchbar
Click OK and run the program
Sometimes running this program will retrieve a lost OS file. You faced such type of file problem in your firefox installation also. Use a good registry cleaner too... If this doesn't work re-install your OS properly...

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Question by Billy 4
430 views
October 28, 2010

Microsoft Security Essentials quit working.The icon at the bottom turned red & would not let me click on it,would
just disapear!! I uninstalled it & tried to reinstall it from you're site but computer say's that it timed out & would not permit
the renistall!!! What can I do to get it back,Ilike it a lot!!!!!!!!!!! If you can help.I thank you so much...
Billy

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Answer by Guest

Frist of all, re-install the security essiantail and update the windows xp windows update on start menu...... :)

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Question by Guest
414 views
August 25, 2015

Does Microsoft Security essentials have a special removal tool? Is it built-in?

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Answer by Sean Hill

No, Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't have a special removal tool. It is usually uninstalled using Control Panel's "Add or Remove Programs"/"Programs and Features" tool in Windows.

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Answer by Sean Hill

You can download a context menu utility which will allow you to modify the right click menu to your needs. You can add entries as well as modify their names and parameters.

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