Anyone know what's up with MS AntiSpyware?

As I'm in Australia and we are ahead of you backward lot in the US , it's the 1st of January 2006.

My previous version of Micro$$oft AntiSpyware expired on 31st December 2005.

I have downloaded the latest version (supposedly) from here and from other sources, and when I install it, it's also expired as of 31st December.

It's supposed to be version 1.0.701 which expires on the 31st July 2006.

I have tried uninstalling, upgrading, and removing it from the registry to no avail.

When I check the file version after it's installed, it's 1.0.0.615 and not 1.0.701.

 

Happy New Year to you and everyone else also and thanks for the prompt reply.

I did try uninstalling it, I also tried updating, and also completely removing it, even in the registry.

I will wait to hear from you and others, and thanks again.


(and to answer your question, it won't run because it's expired. It even supplies a MS link for an upgrade in the error message box which doesn't help)

 

Happy new year to you as well.

What I do in situations like this is delete the directory where it's installed, then either (1) run add/remove programs, try uninstalling it from there, and when it complains, delete the entry in the control panel (works for XP) or (2) run a registry cleaner (e.g. Ashampoo WinOptimiser or PC Tools Registry Mechanic), which will then remove the now redundant entries from the registry.

I use PC Tools Spyware Doctor, which is highly recommended by PcPro magazine. FIrewalls such as ZoneAlarm also include antispyware checks.

HTH

 

Thanks for the reply but I did uninstall it etc as my post stated on several occassions.

And to Halo, it won't start at all, it pops up an error box saying it's expired.

http://www.microsoft.com/library/me...s/spyware/howto/64354_263x203_contactMS_F.gif

Only way I can check the file version is to go to the program folder and right-click, then properties on the executable.

 

It was a beta. I didn't find it to be as good as the competition, and just uninstalled it. My suggestions were for if you had problems uninstalling it. Oh and I'm in Pommieland not the US! Tough luck about the Ashes.

 

I'm not a huge fan of Micro$$oft AntiSpyware, but I don't like glitches that's all.

As far as the ashes, you guys only just won, and it's the first time in 18YRS!

Not only that, but Shane Warne had a sore thumb from texting.

(I don't have problems uninstalling it, just installing the latest version)

 

IHTS Shane Warne is a brilliant bowler. And we didn't do as well in Pakistan!

You should try PC Tools Spyware Doctor. After all it's an Aussie product!

 

No problems mate.


And please don't ever say booze is an interference.

Thanks for the input guys, I didn't expect an immediate answer or an answer at all, so I welcome the replies.

And to nedstram, I know it's only Beta, I've been using it since Giant owned it.

As Halo pointed out, that has nothing to do with this problem, this is related to the expiry date only.

I know I could uninstall it, but that's not what I was after.

I run a tight ship, and like to know the reason behind hiccups.

(and I also have Spyware Doctor among others)



I think halo has the answer, booze will fix it, it never fails. It even makes my girlfriend look better.

 

just download today and it works just fine. make sure any other virus programs are turned off when you install it.

 

FYI
Also got the expiration notice. Updated to v1.0.701 following links and it's running o.k.
I didn't alter any firewalls or virus apps prior to updating.

 

this is my idea download a p2p programme like bearshare or morpheus and download an antispyware programme like spyware doctor it will cost you nothing and if you get the serial for it then thats even better if not you will have to download one windows anti spyware sucks anyway this is your best bet

 

uh, that's not legal and that kind of advice is not welcome here.

 

Guys I appreciate the help, but I don't want dodgy software thanks.

Halo and wetrat, thanks for the confirmation. That's exactly what I was after.

Now I know the problem is not the file itself.

I did twice clean the Registry and program folders (before I even posted), completely uninstalling every Giant and Microsoft Antispyware entry, then used CCleaner and RegSeeker before reinstalling.

I even did a repair of Windows, but I didn't hold my breath as that doesn't really fix corrupt or left over registry entries.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to fix the Registry in XP, so I guess I'll have to live with it for the meantime.

Not a big deal, and again, thank you all.

 

I finally fixed it!

In case it helps anyone else, as this is a common problem, what I did was the following,

Uninstalled it, then deleted the program folder.

Downloaded and installed it, but didn't use the default location of C:\Program Files etc.

Instead, I installed it to C:\Microsoft AntiSpyware.

 

Thanks again Halo.

It was obviously the Registry as you suggested and I suspected.

Installing it in a new folder location must have created the correct Registry entries instead of relying on the existing ones.

This is why I like to know the reasons behing things, and not ridiculous suggestions, as it's a valuable learning experience.

 

In a recent PcPro comparison of AntiSpyware software, Spyware Doctor came out top, but they pointed out that no AntiSpyware program caught all - or in many cases even most - spyware, and that the best policy is to run two or more. Look here

 

Believe it or not, Halo actually knows how to use a computer, and is aware of the information you posted.

I don't like AntiSpyware, but not because it doesn't work, but because Micro$$oft removed support for Windows 98 SE etc when it was supported by Giant.

They also removed Claria as spyware from the detection list after they reportedly purchased the company.

However, that doesn't mean it's not an effective program.

I religiously read 4 PC mags from cover to cover every month, and have done for 5+ YRS and I've yet to read a bad review of it.

It's not the only program to use, sadly none of them are, but part of the arsenal needed.