I have had Microsoft Security Essentials for a year now and have never had any problems. For some reason in the last month or so I can't seem to update the virus and spyware definitions. I click on the "UPDATE" button and it acts like it is going to update but still shows "Virus and Spyware definitions: Out of Date". I have uninstalled the program three times and reinstalled it...same thing. I have checked for system updates (none available). And I read in a blog that Firefox caused this problem; so, I uninstalled firefox. Still same problem. Is there some way to fix this? Did the definitions actually update and the program is not accepting it? What exactly is my issue? I know how to use the program...like I said I have had it for a year and now all of the sudden this issue has started. I have Windows 7, 64-nit, Toshiba Satellite. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Allen

Hi Allen, See if updating the definitions manually help. How to manually download the latest definition updates for Microsoft Security Essentials: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971606 Ramesh Srinivasan | The Winhelponline Blog Microsoft MVP, Windows Desktop Experience

Hi Allen, See if updating the definitions manually help. How to manually download the latest definition updates for Microsoft Security Essentials: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971606 Ramesh Srinivasan | The Winhelponline Blog Microsoft MVP, Windows Desktop Experience

I believe that the updates are comming from microsoft updates not windows updates, so make sure that microsoft updates are enabled. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/901037 http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate

"Brano Lukic" wrote in message news:e3c8b016-5b5a-4ca6-96ef-db167f6fa993... I believe that the updates are comming from microsoft updates not windows updates, so make sure that microsoft updates are enabled. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/901037 http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate Not so - MSE downloads the files itself. When MSE is installed, it automatically enables Microsoft Updates as part of the install - but this can be switched back to Windows Updates without a problem, and MSE should continue to get updates. All switching back to Windows Updates does, as far as I am aware, is remove the ability to get the update through MU - it cans till be got through the app itself. What the OP's problem may be is that earlier AV's may be interfering and blocking the process. What AV's have EVER been installed on this machine, since the last reformat/reinstall? What other security software is also installed? Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Hi, Here are one article and discussion which may help you. Fix Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Not Auto Update Virus and Spyware Definitions Signature Problem http://www.mydigitallife.info/fix-microsoft-security-essentials-mse-not-auto-update-virus-and-spyware-definitions-signature-problem/ "Virus & spyware definitions status - Out of Date" http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_updating/virus-spyware-definitions-status-out-of-date/0cbfdd06-6580-4e84-8f3d-c42bb0623d6dIvan-Liu TechNet Community Support

Hi, Here are one article and discussion which may help you. Fix Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Not Auto Update Virus and Spyware Definitions Signature Problem http://www.mydigitallife.info/fix-microsoft-security-essentials-mse-not-auto-update-virus-and-spyware-definitions-signature-problem/ "Virus & spyware definitions status - Out of Date" http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_updating/virus-spyware-definitions-status-out-of-date/0cbfdd06-6580-4e84-8f3d-c42bb0623d6dIvan-Liu TechNet Community Support

Hi Allen, See if updating the definitions manually help. How to manually download the latest definition updates for Microsoft Security Essentials: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971606 Ramesh Srinivasan | The Winhelponline Blog Microsoft MVP, Windows Desktop Experience It works, thkx RS. I have XP; update MSE-VirusDefinitionUpdate caused computer hang. I can used PC only without LAN-connection.

I clicked on the links you suggested. It seemed to download something but no box approved. I then pulled up MSE and clicked on update. It still shows a yellow band on top "PC Status: Potentially Unprotected" & "Virus and Spyware definitions are out of date". When I opened my computer tonight I clicked update...it appeared to search, download, and install the new updates; but still shows what I explained above. I'm a little disheartened not knowing for sure whether or not my computer is truly protected. I do thank you for your advise though. Thank you, AllenAllen E. McDaniel

I apologize Noel I'm not understanding the abreviations you are using. I am not computer illiterate but I am far from being a tech of anykind. I don't know what an AV is so I'm not sure if it has ever been installed. This is a new Toshiba w/Windows 7. I bought it a year ago May. I don't have any other security software installed that I know of except "windows defender". I bought it brand new and haven't installed anything except MSE. I do apologize for my ignorance concerning your questions. Please see my response to Ramesh....I'm still having the issue and it is explained what I have done since and still no change. Thank you so much for your interrest and concern for my issue. I am grateful! AllenAllen E. McDaniel

Ivan, I read the articles...lol...I hate to admit but it sounded like Greek to me. I simply didn't understand how to do what the articles were trying to tell me. Thank you for your concern. If you could dumb down a fix I would be grateful! Thank you for your advice! AllenAllen E. McDaniel

I am sorry all....I just restarted my computer and now my MSE is showing up to date. I did what Ramesh said and manually updated. Then I read the articles that Ivan sent and resetted my time and date (another issue this machine is doing...it never keeps the date and time for some reason) but after all of your help it now works. Thank you so much for everyone's concern and help! I am truly grateful! Thank you, AllenAllen E. McDaniel

No problem! :) AV = Anti-Virus. I asked that because installations of many AV's leave large quantities of dross behind - and this can interfere with later installations unless completely removed using a specialist tool. Most computers that are pre-installed with Windows are also pre-installed with a trial version of an anti-virus - and this can (even if never activated) cause major problems later unless fully removed. Check your manual/box/ computer to see if it has anything from Norton, MacAfee, Kaspersky, or AVG (the usual trial offers) If so, go to that manufacturer's website and download their removal tool and follow the instructions for use. Glad MSE seems to be behaving itslef now! Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

No problem! :) AV = Anti-Virus. I asked that because installations of many AV's leave large quantities of dross behind - and this can interfere with later installations unless completely removed using a specialist tool. Most computers that are pre-installed with Windows are also pre-installed with a trial version of an anti-virus - and this can (even if never activated) cause major problems later unless fully removed. Check your manual/box/ computer to see if it has anything from Norton, MacAfee, Kaspersky, or AVG (the usual trial offers) If so, go to that manufacturer's website and download their removal tool and follow the instructions for use. Glad MSE seems to be behaving itslef now! Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth