Windows Defender Will Not Update - Freezes, Help Needed

Windows Defender will not update. I get the message it is searching for updated to install, but nothing. No error messages, no progress indicators, nothing. I have turned off Antivirus software and firewalls to no avail.

I am running fully patched 32 bit Vista. Any ideas?

Thanks for any help.

 

I had the same problem once. I uninstalled and reinstalled. Simply. I didn't want to fight a long war over it. It's freeware anyway. Actually you don't have to uninstall. Windows Defender will do it all for you. Just click download. I think it will even offer you a repair option. Link here.

 

If this is not enough you could also try Dial-a-fix. It will clear whatever is blocking the updater. But if you were able to download Windows Defender chances for success here are a bit low. Anyway - download here.

1. Double click the blue gear wheel
2. Click "Flush Software Distribution"
3. Check "Fix Windows Update"
4. Click "GO" - bottom left corner
5. Let it run
6. Reboot
7. Try to update Windows Defender
8. If it worked - uninstall/delete Dial-a-fix

 

PS: When it happened to me it turned out that one of my other anti-malwareprograms had eaten one of Windows Defenders essential files. And I deleted it not knowing it was a false positive. I should of cause have checked before hitting the delete button.