Please answer each of the following [admittedly tedious] diagnostic questions in a correspondingly-numbered list in your very next reply - preferably
without quoting my post:
1a. When (approx. date) did you get the computer?
1b. Was it a brand-new computer or a used computer when you got it?
2a. Was Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) originallyoffered & installed via Windows Update or did you intentionally choose to install it?
2b. In Windows Explorer [WinKey+E], navigate to & right-click on
• **C:\Program Files**Microsoft Security Client <=this folder
Select Properties: What is the Created date displayed on the resulting
General tab?
2c. What ANTIMALWARE CLIENT version is currently installed? To find out, open MSE & click on the downward-pointing arrow to the right of HELP then select ABOUT SECURITY ESSENTIALS.
2d. What DEFINITIONS version?
2e. Can you successfully update MSE Definitions manually via the Update button on the Update tab? [Test now, if need be]
- What anti-virus application was installed before you originally installed MSE, was your subscription still current, and did you uninstall it before you installed MSE?
4a. Has a(nother) Norton application or a McAfee application EVER been installed on the computer?
4b. Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial [PICK ONE] come preinstalled on the computer when it was brand-new? (Doesn't matter if it was never used or Activated.)
- Open Add/Remove Programs & make sure the Show Updates box at the top is checked (and leave it checked); then select the
Name option in the Sort by box on the right. Now scroll down & tell me if ALL of the following updates are listed?
(a) KB2925418, KB2929961, KB2930275; KB2909210, & KB2916036;
(b) KB2914368, KB2893294 & KB2892075;
(c) KB2847311; KB2876217 & KB2864063;
(d) KB2393802 and especially Update for Windows XP (KB971029).
Most will be displayed as Security Update for Windows XP followed by the KB number in parentheses.
If IE8 is installed, one (1) will be displayed as Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 followed by the KB number in parentheses.
- Is Firefox, Chrome or any other alternate browser installed?
7a. Is Java Version 7 Update 51 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORERONLY! =>
http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp
7b. Is Adobe Flash Player v12.0.0.77 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORERONLY! =>
http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
- Are you in the habit of using "Registry cleaners" (e.g., Registry Mechanic; RegCure; RegClean Pro; Advanced SystemCare; Registry Booster; McAfee QuickClean; AVG PC TuneUp; Norton Registry Cleaner; PCTools Optimiser; SpeedUpMyPC; PC Doctor; TuneUp Utilities;
WinMaximizer; WinSweeper; Comodo System Cleaner; Advanced System Optimizer; CCleaner
Registry Cleaner)?
- Have you ever had occasion to do a Repair Install or a clean install of WinXP for any reason?
Related references may include:
- Check list for installing Microsoft Security Essentials
[http://experts.windows.com/w/experts\_wiki/89.aspx](http://experts.windows.com/w/experts_wiki/89.aspx)
- Can I install Microsoft Security Essentials [*or any other anti-virus/anti-spyware application*] to clean up my already-infected computer?
[http://answers.microsoft.com/thread/87058857-d181-4019-a723-efd9a49d9275](http://answers.microsoft.com/thread/87058857-d181-4019-a723-efd9a49d9275)
- What is Windows XP end of support?
[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help](http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help)
- The risk of running WinXP after support ends on 08 April 2014
[http://blogs.technet.com/b/security/archive/2013/08/15/the-risk-of-running-windows-xp-after-support-ends.aspx](http://blogs.technet.com/b/security/archive/2013/08/15/the-risk-of-running-windows-xp-after-support-ends.aspx)