MS Anti Spyware Problems

[computerfreak]

recently, i installed the autimatic updates from microsoft. The update was a security center for blocking viruses, which is good. The bad part is that it blocked some things like AIM, yahoo messenger, and WinMX. i dont know how to get rid of the security center or get my programs to work again. Any suggestions?

Thanx in advance

[llbbl]

security center .. I don't think i have heard of that product.

Are you talking about their anti spyware?

http://forums.designtechnica.com/showthread.php?t=6534

[computerfreak]

ya, microsoft loaded it from the automatic updates on XP

[ECA]

1. goto control panel and TURN OFF auto updates...
Check them 1 time amonth and you should be fine.

[computerfreak]

ok thanx ECA

[ECA]

I dont have XP, and havent had this problem..
Under control panel, ADD/remove program/ select windows installation/ THERE SHOULD be a selection to STOP that program..

I will say it should be a good program..as MS bought out GIANT, and there products.

[computerfreak]

ok, thanx again

[llbbl]

AIM, yahoo messenger, and WinMX

If MS anti spyware deletes those programs I imagine they are going to have a lawsuit on their hands the respective companies. On the other hand AIM does come with a lot of garbage.

[llbbl]

I haven't done windows update since MS spyware was released. It is scary that they are pushing their beta version of this product to everyone.

[llbbl]

i changed the title

[computerfreak]

ya, i bet that someones gunna sue microsoft, but it wasnt only AIM that it blocked which is what i cant understand. it also blocked yahoo messenger and winMX

[llbbl]

Yea but the AIM version from AOL sucks so who cares if it blockes that :)

[dang]

i got it through an update, but havent been able to find where they put it.

Anyways, computerfreak, it sounds like you got SP2, which brings down a tool to check to see if you have anti-virus installed, and does some updates to the xp firewall. My guess is that XPs firewall is blocking those applications.

You can get to the Security Center in XP via Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Security Center.

From there, you can configure you security settings, including adding exceptions to the firewall.

OR, you can go to the Control Panel (Start Menu -> Control Panel) and open Windows Firewall from there.

I wouldnt recommend turning off automic updates. Instead, I would have it set to check nightly, and only download (not install) the updates. That way, when a new update is available it will download it and then notify you that you have updates. You can then choose to install them or not. Not doing automitic updates leaves the updating in your hands, which you could easily forget to do on a regular basis. Plus, sometimes updates are often released, you wouldnt want your computer vulnerable for a month. Thats just asking to get infected with something.

As for the spyware app. I had an automatic update come down for that, but after installation I couldnt find where the hell I can access it from. Frustrating. Although I havent seen it doing anything anyways.

[nightowl]

There should be a little Icon near the clock called Windows Sercurity Alerts. Click that and it opens up..........Jim

[ECA]

AND beWARE of auto update..
It likes to AUTO UPDATE your hardware...MOST times with the wrong Versions... Iv seen it happen to many times.

[computerfreak]

i figured out how to get rid of the security center, by using system restore. However, system restore wont run unless i am on the administrator account. I thought my account, the only one on the computer besides guest, was the administrator but it says that im not. Do i have an administrator account and if so, how do i access it?

[dang]

Uh oh, that would be a problem. You can check to see if you are an admin by going to control panel -> User Accounts. In fact, I think if you can even access it then thats a good sign. In User Accounts, it'll list the user accounts and their permissions. (computer administrator, guest, etc)