Windows defender Error code: 0x80073b01

Anonymous
2013-05-13T04:39:35+00:00

So yesterday I was on a site and a flash player update popped up and said that there was an update for "flash". I checked the certificate and it looked legit, so I had just clicked ask me later and then Windows Defender freaks out saying virus detected over and over. I tried clicking on the popup but nothing, then it said that windows needed to be restarted to delete a virus(or malware couldn't remember what it said). so I restarted it and i am not getting the error code. I also received an alert stating that windows could not make a backup because of a bad file or virus.

I have also reverted back to a previous backup and still the same problem.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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Anonymous
2013-05-25T16:13:08+00:00

stunnedjack:

If you have not resolved the problem yet, please note that a possible fix has been posted (by user bhringer) here.

You may wish to try using HitmanPro 3.7 (v3.7.5.198-Beta) with Kickstart 2.2.

A HitmanPro.Kickstart User Manual & FAQ (PDF File) is available here.

"The latest variant of ZeroAccess/Sirefef disables Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender by placing a Reparse Point (Junction/Symbolic Link) on the files of these products. The result is that these antivirus products are disabled by the malware! More info can be found here at KernelMode.info."

"This BETA release of HitmanPro now detects and removes these Reparse Points so that the mentioned AV products will function again."

See original Source.

<EDITED/ADDED>

On june 3, 2013, BETA release of HitmanPro referenced above was RTM'd to final version 3.7.6 Build 201, to include improvements, fixes and "additional repairs of folders and corresponding files in Winsxs folders. In addition, ACL security is reset". See: HitmanPro Release History.

For additional information, see: HitmanPro rescues anti-virus programs from malware attack.

To download the latest version of the tool, please visit HitmanPro 3.7 with Kickstart download site.

HitmanPro.Kickstart User Manual & FAQ (Video & PDF File) is available here.

<EDITED/ADDED>

See probably related/additional information:

Good Luck - Please post back and tell us how it goes.

PD.- David s. cole and Footos29 might wish to give it a shot whilst still awaiting for their disks :-)

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-05-20T16:03:24+00:00

    Hmmmm......

    Could be since we've really seen an uptick in recent days.

    -steve

    Any news on this issue from your contacts, Steve?

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-05-18T04:41:51+00:00

    You are using the Media Center Edition DVD, when you look? 

    I won't know till i call them.  Perhaps you can call them and have them take you tthrough it and report back to the threads.  I only have the reg Win 8 Pro disk which shows the two options.

    I hope they aren't leading me on a wild goose chase. Suoervisor confirmed it was doable as long as you have the right disk that matches the current installation. I was told the setup was the one but no further steps were divulged till I get a copy of the Media edition and i didn't ask for other steps yet.  The right phone number is 1-800- 642-7676 for the win 8 techs not the more general tech phone number and not the Virus Department which transfered me back to Win 8.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-05-18T01:37:44+00:00

    We're in the same situation here I need the Media Center Edition Win 8 Pro. But, in the SOURCES folder what do I click on? Clicking on Setup.exe just give you the option of keeping personal files and full wipe only

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-05-17T23:17:51+00:00

    I posted this on another thread after getting off phone with MS.  My issue has different error code of 0x80073b01 when trying to open defender.  I think what MS tells me below would be able to fix Defender (assuming they are accurate). without wiping out desktop programs.

    An update on this situation.  i spoke with MS and I am being told it can be repaired without wiping out desktop programs, by doing an "inplace upgrade" using the install disk  by opening the install dvd and going to the "sources" folder and running the setup FROM THE SOURCES folder---not the setup that pops up when you insert the disk. which only gives you the save data  and apps option or total wipeout and install..They are saying that there will be additional options to save all desktop programs too, when run from the sources folder.

    HOWEVER--in my case I need the Windows 8 Pro Media center edition, which I had gotten on the  FREE special offer  when I purchased Win 8 Pro from MS website.  I only have the regular Win 8 Pro DVD, thery never sent me any other disk  and i need the disk for the exact Media Center Edition that is installed and they said I can buy a "replacement disk" but they could not tell me a price.  i am assuming it will be very cheap.  That Disk is currently out of stock with the store  department and they are calling me nexrt week to update me on when the disk will be available so they can send it to me.  (no way to download it apparently)

    For those who have the disk. and do not have the upgraded media edition then suppposedly this issue is repairable, as i said by doing this "inplace upgrade" by running setup from the DVD "sources" folder.  (You need product key handy) Supposedly---as per four people at MS including a Win8 Tech Support Supervisor--this will give the option to save desktop programs too.  I hope they are all saying accurate things.  At any rate,, for Media Center Edition Win 8 Pro,  I have to wait to get this disk in the snail mail when they have them in stock to send me. 

    They all agree that it's not a virus hiding---it is a broken Defender after the exposure provided you have run many good virus scanners and No threats are detected.

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