Uninstall Windows Defender?

Discussion in 'Software' started by srelt, May 17, 2007.

  1. srelt

    srelt Private E-2

    Using Vista Home Premium, how can I uninstall Windows Defender? It is not shown under the Control Panel's Programs and Features. Under its file in C:/Programs, no uninstall file is shown. What makes me think hard and long about this is that spyware usually has defenses against being deleted or uninstalled. Anyone got any ideas?
     
    srelt, May 17, 2007
    #1
  2. usafveteran

    usafveteran MajorGeek

    There is no "Programs and Features" in Control Panel. Did you go into C:/Programs and manually remove program files for Windows Defender?
     
    usafveteran, May 17, 2007
    #2
  3. Colemanguy

    Colemanguy MajorGeek

    Yes if your using vista there is. Read the complete post before posting please. If anything you can goto start run services.msc then find msdefender and disable it from the list there. Ms defender is a windows antispyware tool though not spyware, if you suspecting spyware visit the malware forum and our experts can assist you there.
     
    Colemanguy, May 17, 2007
    #3
  4. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Please dont answer a question unless you know the answer as yours above is completly WRONG, and shows that you did not read the original post correctly or have used Vista, not the first time I have seen your posts way off the mark.

    In future posts will be deleted.



    Defender is not too bad, not the best but better than no security, as Coleman said it can be turned off if you wish, http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/31d797aa-091d-4d67-a556-dbfaf21bf0dc1033.mspx

    But you will get alerts from Security Center that its off, but you can install a new default application in its place, But I'd be tempted to leave Defender if you dont have a live scanning resisdent malware application.

    This reasoning could also be held up for any security application you install and not just Defender, which is why in the end the main reason for malware getting installed on Vista is

    1. The user turns off UAC
    2. Clicks past a set of warnings UAC gives on an unknown application wanting to be installed without the user checking the background of said application.
    3. User downloads warez and a malware payload is installed as part of the main application.
    4. The malware is new and designed to get around Vista's security, which will happen one day.
     
    DavidGP, May 18, 2007
    #4
  5. usafveteran

    usafveteran MajorGeek

    OK, I have not used Vista. So, is it normal for Windows Defender not to appear in Vista's Programs and Features panel? If Vista's Programs and Features is supposed to show installed programs, as does Windows XP in it's Add or Remove panel, then why does it not appear there in srelt's computer?

    By the way, Halo, if you're a moderator in this forum, why isn't that stated under your forum name? Without the status of moderator being shown, it appears you're just a person with extremely post count that's in here bullying around other members.
     
    usafveteran, May 18, 2007
    #5
  6. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    I've not investigated this myself, but no application that is preloaded with the Vanilla OS shows up in add/remove programs, be it XP or Vista.
     
    Adrynalyne, May 18, 2007
    #6
  7. usafveteran

    usafveteran MajorGeek

    Ah, so it's installed with Vista as part of the OS, as part of the original installation. Can it be removed, or merely disabled?
     
    usafveteran, May 18, 2007
    #7
  8. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    I've seen ways to disable it, but not remove it. I'm pretty sure I know of a way to uninstall it, but one way is brute force...and the other way may have unseen consequences, so I will keep quiet.
     
    Adrynalyne, May 18, 2007
    #8
  9. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    We don't put that info in anyone's titles. If you want to find out if someone is an admin or mod, goto the main forums page (http://forums.majorgeeks.com/ ) and at the bottom of the page click the View Forum Leaders link ( for you convience here it is too: View Forum Leaders). You will see Halo listed under Super Moderators meaning he moderates in all forums. You should view all the names on this page so you are familiar with who's who!
     
    chaslang, May 18, 2007
    #9
  10. srelt

    srelt Private E-2

    Hi all,
    Sorry, I downloaded a program that interfered with my ability to browse or receive email. After a "system restore," I am back on track.

    I appreciate all your comments. After considering them and discussing the matter with MicroSoft, I have decided my best alternative is to keep using Windows Defender but not fully trusting it to do everything by itself. That is why I have downloaded additional protection.

    And Halo, your approach is direct but it is needed. I am glad you look over our shoulders and help out the way you do.
     
    srelt, May 20, 2007
    #10
  11. usafveteran

    usafveteran MajorGeek

    I think you are wise to download additional protection. I don't know what the majority of members of this forum think about Windows Defender but I removed it (Windows XP) because, with the other protection I'm using, it never found anything.
     
    usafveteran, May 20, 2007
    #11
  12. srelt

    srelt Private E-2

    USAFVeteran,
    That is exactly why I thought I would uninstall it. It takes time to download on my slooow, rural modem dialup. The other programs simply did a better job of finding the pc's enemies.
     
    srelt, May 20, 2007
    #12
  13. usafveteran

    usafveteran MajorGeek

    Well, as I understand previous posts here, you can't completely remove it from Windows Vista, but you can disable it. See Colemanguy and Adrynalyne's posts.
     
    usafveteran, May 20, 2007
    #13

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