How to Troubleshoot MSE
The free Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus software runs in the background of your operating system, scanning the files on your hard drive for malware as your computer accesses them. The program automatically updates its list of viruses, assuring that your system is protected against the newest threats. If you're experiencing problems with MSE, troubleshoot the issue by disabling potential conflicts, restarting the software's update service and, if all else fails, wiping the program from your system and re-installing it.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Uninstall any other anti-virus programs that you have installed on your computer. Even if the other anti-virus software is disabled, its files can create conflicts with MSE. These conflicts can cause MSE to run slowly and prevent it from turning on real-time protection. To remove an anti-virus program click the "Start" menu button and click "Control Panel." Click "Uninstall a Program," then right-click the name of your previous anti-virus software and select "Uninstall." Follow the prompts to uninstall the software, then reboot your system.
-
2
Re-launch the Microsoft Update service. MSE uses Microsoft Update to download new virus definitions and program updates; if this service has stopped running, MSE is unable to update itself. Click the "Start" menu button and type "Services.msc" into the Search box. Press "Enter" to open the list of services. Scroll down to "Windows Update," right-click it and select "Restart."
-
-
3
Download and install Microsoft's Fix It utility for MSE if your previous troubleshooting steps haven't resolved the problem. The Fix It utility completely removes MSE from your computer, allowing you to reinstall a clean copy of the program. Double-click the downloaded file, then follow the prompts to erase MSE from your computer. Download a new copy of the MSE installer file from the Microsoft Security Essentials website, then run the installer to re-install MSE.
-
1
References
- Microsoft Security Essentials: Error “0x8*******” Encountered While Virus and Spyware Definition Updates or Product Upgrades
- Microsoft Security Essentials: Troubleshooting Real-time Protection Issues
- Microsoft Support: How to Manually Uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0.1963 if You Cannot Uninstall It by Using the Add or Remove Programs Item
