Removing Win Defender

My Win Defender has stopped downloading updates and as I have other's doing more or less the same job (Adaware, SpyBot, ZoneAlarm, System Mechanic) I feel I could survive without the MS version. However, Windows won't let me, not from Ad/Remove or even from explorer. How do I get round its own protection?

 

Try Safe Mode.... or maybe a 3rd party un-installer.

 

Oops, I forgot to refresh this page, I was looking for other threads for help with schoolwork: I haven't got any experience of devices like digital cameras or projectors, what are common problems with them (in conjunction with PCs) - let alone how to solve them! I'm a bit of a noob with computers anyway, as you can see.

I will try this advice, hopefully it will solve the problem.

 

I did a search on MG for Windows Defender.

First - I don't even know what this program fully does. It cme pre-installed (surprise, surprise) on my new Toshiba Satellite laptop (with VISTA - I wanted XP but that's not the purpose of this thread)

1. So - if I load Anti-Vir and Zone Alarm - does that replace Windows Defender

2. MUST I remove Windows Def so it doesn't conflict with other programs (like you're not to have 2 anti-viruses on a pc, etc.)

Thanks for your help