Microsoft Security Essential problems

[twickers]

I know it's a bit of a cheek asking as i'm not exactly a prolific poster on AOS but i was wondering if any computer savvy people might be able to help.

During a recent update attempt failure for MSE it advised on the microsoft website to remove and then try to reinstall.(something wrong with the registry).

After various fix-it app attempts it no longer appears in the program list but it still appears to be running when i click on the safety centre symbol.

Recent attempts to reinstall haven't worked. Any ideas chaps?

Regards
Paul

[johnwhit]

You may need to remove it manually and re-install:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2435760

John

[twickers]

Thanks for the link.

Tried it earlier to no avail. :scratch:

Haven't a clue what's going on with it. Still getting same error.

[NRG]

Have you tried a manual update of MSE?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971606

[walpurgis]

The Windows uninstaller is not the greatest. Try a more comprehensive free one like Revo Uninstaller from download.com

This will tell you what remnants of MSE are left on your computer and highlight them for checking and removal.

While you're at download.com you can get AVG free antivirus to keep your computer safe and tide you over until MSE is up and running properly.

Have you tried a 'system restore' back to a point prior to your problems? (you'll find it in 'accessories' under 'system tools').

[johnwhit]

I'm not sure AVG is still free, I switched to Avast some time ago and it seems much better (less memory intensive)

John

[twickers]

I tried a manual update previously Neil, and got error code 0x8004FF84 which led me to the microsoft website and the suggestion of removal/ reinstallation.

I also tried the revo uninstaller( cheers walpurgis) along with the fix-it uninstaller
and there are no signs of MSE. I tried a system restore previously but it wouldn't update. I followed the steps online to remove all the registry keys that may remain manually whilst trying not to fook eveything up. The security centre still reports it's active?

I've now downloaded avast but it reports two AV programs are running but one is up to date and protecting the computer. Man this making my head hurt:eek:

I'll just have to leave it at that and see how it goes.

Cheers
Paul

[johnwhit]

Just a thought, have you tried stopping MSE through Task Mamager before uninstalling? Some components may still be resident. I have on occasion used Registry Mechanic to resolve some problems, good app but unfortunately not free.

John

[NRG]

Hmmmm, I would be inclined to start from the bottom, run a chkdsk /f on your boot drive and then an SFC on the file system...

After which I'd run ccleaner on the registry and then try a reinstall.

[twickers]

I seem to recall one of many things i tried, was to stop MSE in the task manager John, but it wasn't there. I'll have another look as i printed it out from the microsoft website.

Already run ccleaner Neal. I'm pretty much out of my depth on the rest of it.

It seems MSE is now haunting my laptop.......Bloody thing:steam::lol:

[.mus]

Sorry to hear of your plight, Paul - these problems can be so frustrating.

A suggestion:

Reboot into Windows, and go to the Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL), select the 'Processes' tab, make sure the 'Show processes from all users' box (at the bottom) is selected, and look through the list - do you see 'Msseces.exe' and/or 'MsMpEng.exe'? If so, select them and click 'End Process', then try the installation.

[twickers]

I found Msseces.exe previously Tom, and fixed that problem. I found also MSMSGS.EXE? ( i left it alone).

Avast AV is running scans/updates so i think i'll just stick with things as they stand. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.:thumbsup:

Regards
Paul

[walpurgis]

I found Msseces.exe previously Tom, and fixed that problem. I found also MSMSGS.EXE? ( i left it alone).

Avast AV is running scans/updates so i think i'll just stick with things as they stand. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.:thumbsup:

Regards
Paul

That's a sensible option Paul. I was never too happy with MSE. I'm using AVG as it found and killed a bug the others missed, but Avast should be fine.

Geoff.