Antivirus question

[catnapper]

I keep getting a popup on the bottom of my computer screen from Windows Security Center saying my virus defnitions are out of date. Odd, because my MacAfee supposedly automatically updates whenever a new update is available. So then I manually check for updates, it runs its little thing and MacAfee tells me my virus definaitions ARE up to date, that there are no updates to download. Now who do I believe? The Windows Sevcurity Center or my MacAfee? Why would one contradict the other?

Anyone else get this message? What do I do? I TRY to be proactive about viruses and spyware, so I do run a lot of scans and updates... so this is confusing me, and definately causing me some concern.

[Craftlady]

I use Norton Anti Virus (If MacAfee was the only anti virus out there I'd do without, hate that software). If you uninstall and re-install it should fix the problem, I've had it happen a couple times even with Norton. I personally think it was because something tried to hack my system.

[Jessika]

Microsoft likes trying to take over everything on your computer. Sometimes it THINKS its helping when really its not. MAKE SURE you have McAfee set as your default virus program on your computer and that Windows knows that lol

To do so go to your control panel and then to the security center. You can turn off options there or even turn off options for windows to try to automatically update your virus program, especially if your virus program updates itself on its own.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

It's possible you actually have a virus. I was getting a similar pop up (I also use McAfee) and when I would check my program, it was always disabled. I would go enable it and it would almost immediately disable again. I updated everything then did a complete virus scan and it found one. Only one, but it was in several places. It was actually a virus that disables your antivirus software. So try running the virus scan and see what it finds. Once I found the virus and cleaned it, I've had no problems with any popups.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh, and after re-reading your post, do what Jessika said and make sure you've told Windows that McAfee is your antivirus software of choice, but also be sure to check for any Windows updates. Windows is constantly sending out updates which are different from your McAfee updates, so maybe that's what it's trying to tell you.

[smokey the elder]

Be careful. There are hackers out there that spoof the Windows anti-virus updates and will load a virus on your machine. To be safe, it's best to stick with McAfee and cross-reference for any other updates.

[catnapper]

I tried what Jessika suggested, and it took me right back to the widow that was already open that said my virus protection was out of date.... I can't see anywhere here to set which is the default?

I'm lost on this one!

Attached is the pop-up that I got when I went to control panel

[lizbud]

Could the McAfee anti-virus contract have expired? Maybe it means it's time to renew? This is really puzzling.

[Jessika]

If you haven't already, go to Microsoft's website and download Microsoft Anti Spyware and run it on your machine. IF, as someone above me suggested, it is spyware causing this to popup, Microsoft AntiSpyware may be able to detect it.

And while on the topic of good antivirus and spyware detecting programs, no computer should ever be without the following:

- SpyBot Search & Destroy
- AdAware
- Microsoft AntiSpyware

I have and run more than these three programs (if you'd like to know my whole setup, pm me ) but these three programs run every few days on your computer should help out immensly with the threat of malware

[catnapper]

I have all three on my computer. I HATED the Microsoft one -- it was causing all sorts of issues with my design program for work. Considering I spent $2500 just for the design program, and Microsoft's free Beta program was making the program inoperable, I uninstalled it. Not only that, it never once found even one piece of spyware. The Adawre and spybot do a great job.

[Jessika]

The Adawre and spybot do a great job.

Oooh I agree there but sometimes people think "ohh its microsoft it MUST work/be good!!" so I recommend it just in case. Not to mention no one knows your OS better than Microsoft so *sometimes* it has its perks. But you're right I personally prefer Adware and Spybot ♥♥♥