Windows Security Alerts

Recently I keep getting the following Windows Security Alert when I start my computer: "Microsoft Security Essentials reports that it is turned off. Antivirus software helps protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. Click Recommendations for suggested action to take. Note: Windows does not detect all antivirus programs."

Obviously Windows DOESN'T detect all antivirus program because when I open Microsoft Security Essentials AFTER seeing the security alert, my Real-time Protection is "ON" & Virus and the spyware definitions are "up-to-date" (quotes are mine). The security alert icon in the taskbar DISAPPEARS after I run Security Essentials update (even if the program SAYS it is up to date).

Is this something I should worry about? It happens maybe a couple times a week, 2 or 3 days apart. I am running Windows XP, check for Microsoft program updates AT LEAST once a week, and have Glary Utilities PRO installed. I also use SUPERAntiSpyware (version 5.0.1136) and run Stinger (version 10.2.0.395) on a regular basis. Software conflict maybe? Any help/advice would be appreciated.

 

It did it again this morning!! What's weird is the Security Essentials icon in the taskbar is green with a check mark (which is supposed to mean everything is kosher, I assume!). The security alert shield (which is red with an x on it) disappeared after I ran Security Essentials update. To add another wrinkle to this mess, I received a warning alert from good (HA!) old Security Essentials while installing a new program yesterday. So, I guess THAT means real-time protection really IS on, but Windows is being a royal pain in the you-know-what (as usual) and sending me false alerts. Some days I just LOVE my computer. Other days I want to take a sledgehammer to it!! LOL

Thanks for the Panda Cloud recommendation. I'll download the program and check it out! And thank you very much for your help! It is appreciated. It's kind of funny: I can tear apart and rebuild a car engine, including an old carburator, with no problem at all (restoring old cars is a hooby of mine & as my Dad says "Keeps me out of trouble" right, Dad! ha ha) but I can't fix my computer when it misbehaves. Oh well. Life goes on in all its insane mysteries!

 

When you see "definitions: "Up to Date" on the MSE Home tab, it may not be true. MSE updates definitions, several times each day, similar to Malware Bytes ... and Super anti Spyware. You did note the Security Center warning shield goes away, if you do an MSE update. It seems what MSE is reporting up to date is that the latest definition in the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder is installed, not the fact, there is a new update to be downloaded from MS, which is being detected on bootup. It seems running MSE update, once each day, alleviates the issue.
Sometimes the security shield comes on, during bootup, if your realtime AV program is a bit slow getting loaded. I observed this with Avira, IOTA Malware Fighter, as well as MSE. Usually the red shield will clear after the AV finally gets running. If it doesn't clear, then toggeling your AV off, then on, sometimes does the trick. Avira, and AVG, et others, don't easily turn off, though. Even doing a "Quick" scan can help clear the shield.
I hope this is helpful ... Good luck:wave

 

MamaBear - I was having problems, too. Look for my thread title "MSE - Problem?"

What cured it was via CCleaner where I'd ticked something I shouldn't have. A malware checker, I think. You'll see it on that thread.

MSE is working fine now but it has to be checked for updates more than once a day.

Good luck!

 

Sorry. Here's the link http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=247984

 

I was having trouble with MSC reporting MSE as turned off when it was on and found that if MSE missed a scheduled system scan MSC then said that MSE was turned off opening MSE and doing a manual quick scan returned everything to normal