02-01-2010 09:18 AM
Security Note...
If you use MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) the virus definition files will not update if you put your system into SLEEP, HIBERNATE or STANDBY mode. MSE virus definition files update every day and even sometimes several times a day to keep your system safe from attack.
Microsoft is aware of this problem and have been working on it since November 11, 2009. No fix as yet.
If you are using MSE, make sure you either MANUALLY update the virus definitions every day or SHUTDOWN your system after use. After a shutdown/reboot or restart the definition files update.
I will post to this location once I find out more. More details at: social.answers.microsoft.com/forums
Solved! Go to Solution.
02-19-2010 09:50 AM - edited 03-03-2010 05:45 AM
As promised...an update: Applies to WIndow 7, Vista and XP
New release 1.0.1961.0 ( 2/3/2010), laptops & desktops using hibernate/sleep: problem still not addressed.
N.B.: You can not upgrade to the latest release of MSE by selecting 'UPGRADE' from the dropdown menu beside 'help'. If you want the new version, you have to reinstall MSE all over again, or wait for the upgrade to come down via windows updates.
Temporary Workaround for sleep/hibernate: Reset your power settings to keep your PC awake.
There is a MSE catchup utility that checks your system every 24 hours to see if your virus definitions have updated. Apparently this is the problem. Some users are also experiencing problems with scheduled scans. These are either not running on schedule or not at all.
Temporary Workaround for Updates and Scans:.
Download splinterware scheduler (freeware). Follow these setup instructions:
1. Open a new event.
2. In Application, enter: c:\program files\microsoft security essentials\MpCmdRun.exe
3. In Parameters, enter: SignatureUpdate
4. Go to Schedule, enter: Daily enter a time that suits you.. Save/exit
for scans:
1. Open another event
2. In Application, enter: same as above
3. In Paramters, enter Scan 1 (quick scan) or Scan 2 (full scan)
4. Set your schedule, save/exit
NB: you obviously have to be online for MSE to update.
03-13-2010 07:03 AM
It appears that Microsoft has made some changes in the latest release of MSE, however as they do not provide a change- log for each new release it is impossible to identify what changes they have made or not made.
What appears to have not changed: The 7 day update cycle maintained by the catch-up utility in MSE is still in effect. So if your system has not updated the virus definitions in several days, the MSE icon will turn orange and you will be instructed to update the virus definition files manually (the same time 7 day period applies to scanning your system for viruses).
Automated Updates: If you have set the PC power options to keep your system awake for at least 12 hours you do not need to use the provided scheduler work-around anymore (see previous post). N.B.: Some PC's do not have this option in the power settings so you will have to stay with the workaround.. MSE has not announced that they have a fix for the sleep/hibernate problem as yet, so this is the best work-around for the time being. You can do a registry hack to get the same result, but I would recommend against it.
MSE Settings: In the latest release of MSE, automated updates are now pretty close to the time you set (sometimes an hour before, sometimes within an hour after). I suggest that if you do not care about the updates or scans being automated, just hit the 'UPDATE' button when it suits you. This is a bit of a crap shoot because the bad guys are out there 24/7 and your system can be compromised within seconds. Daily updates are highly recommended.
Here is the recommended MSE Settings for the best protection (Go to the Settings Tab) ...
Scheduled Scans
Open MSE > go to Settings > Put a check in 'Run a scheduled scan on my computer'
Select 'Daily' > pick a time you will be online > select a scan type (quick is recommended)
Put a check in 'Check for latest virus and spyware definitions before running scheduled scans
DO NOT CHECK 'Start the scheduled scan when my computer is on but not in use'
Real Time Protection
Check real time protection and the next 2 items on this setting.
Save
Run a full scan once a week (manually). No need to automate this activity.
Make sure you have Windows Firewall enabled. Do not turn it off.
NB: If you are using Norton or any other heuristics antivirus application (in real time), DO NOT USE MSE. Applications such as Norton have their own firewall so turn off windows firewall as well. If the AV does not have its own firewall you can use windows firewall or a 3rd party firewall.
I'll keep this post updated ( unless you prefer I bug off).
04-30-2010 08:51 AM
04-30-2010 09:01 AM
05-01-2010 04:01 AM
I agree that there are excellent freeware security products out there. Avast comes very highly rated and does an excellent job of keeping your system safe. Along with MSE I have Superantispyware, Malawarebytes and WinPatrol installed. Each of these products perform different functions. However, please take note of the following...
The choice of security products is a very personal one. Thank you for your suggestion.
06-20-2010 06:41 AM
AV Update: I have read that Immunet Cloud Security will run real time with other anti-virus apps. including MSE. This is not in line with conventional wisdom, re: Realtime AVs do not co-exist. It is up to you to decide.
MSE Virus Definition Updates: Though MSE has not made any official statements on this matter, it appears that the SLEEP/HIBERNATE problem has been addressed. If you are logged on during the time you have set to receive MSE updates, you will see them downloading, however, if you are not, you will see them in Control Panel/ Windows Updates as OPTIONAL updates. Do not regard them as optional, and download them ASAP.
07-30-2010 11:39 AM - edited 07-30-2010 11:41 AM
08-01-2010 09:47 AM
emmjay wrote:AV Update: I have read that Immunet Cloud Security will run real time with other anti-virus apps. including MSE. This is not in line with conventional wisdom, re: Realtime AVs do not co-exist. It is up to you to decide.
When making that decision, it might be good to consider if you would want two products on board taking up space and using resources.
The problem with cloud computing is that one needs an internet connection to access the cloud. Nowadays, malware likes to disable on-board resident protection and the internet connection.
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SpywareHammer
10-04-2010 11:14 AM
Microsoft MVPs state that MSE uses Cloud computing to update MSE virus definitions... it is the standard answer to why we do not need daily definition updates (yes they are considered optional downloads !!!) . Frankly, I do not understand your point. Maybe you should elaborate.