error 577 when i attempt to turn on windows defender win8.1

Anonymous
2013-10-20T17:43:44+00:00
  • very frustrated with my $1,000 new touch screen computer due to windows 8. i download win8.1 from play store looking for a easier os so could enjoy my new computer. but i have a problem windows defender will not turn on!!!!   i tried all community posted things and replies from microsoft. when i press start it gives this error message:[ERROR 577 windows can not digital verify signture for this file ]etc.... come on guys i never had problems win 98xp i loved useing my computer everyday. it was simple to understand and find the fix for the regular guy. now i HATE Using my NEW  COMPUTER DUE TO WIN8 and WINDOWS 8.1 i thought would make things better. i wish i could put win98 or win7 on this computer so i can enjoy my purchase.  anyone know how to get Win8.1 win defender to work??? or want to buy a $1,000 hp i7 with 2 tb 8 gb paper weight?

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Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2013-12-16T13:09:01+00:00

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_defender-protect_start/windows-defender-not-working-after-upgrade-to/51ff2e69-b7e7-46da-84c9-392bf040ef1e

In the above thread we have seen that OP had same problem as yours and he tried some editing of registry that we normally do not recommend but it worked for him. You may want to give it a try. All you have to do is to:

  1. Press Win key + R. This will open Run.
  2. Type "regedit" and hit enter.
  3. Navigate to these keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender 4. Change value of 'DisableAntiSpyware' and 'DisableAntiVirus' from '0' to '1'. 5. After changing the values go to 'C:\Program Files\Windows Defender' and open 'MSASCui.exe' file.

Hope this will fix the problem.

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Anonymous
2013-10-20T18:55:38+00:00

This error seems to be of Windows rather than of Windows Defender. Please post a question in Windows 8.1 forum, they can help better.

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Anonymous
2013-12-30T14:44:15+00:00

I have seen some more cases like this and I think the problem is specific with Windows Defender only. I want you to try this:

Turn off Windows Defender by going to Settings --> Administrator and unchecking "Turn on this app" and clicking "Save Changes". After turning off Windows Defender, open Registry Editor (in Start menu search for regedit.exe and open it). After opening Registry Editor, navigate to this registry key:

KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services and change values of 'Start' and 'Type' entries according to the following:

WdBoot -->

Start: 0

Type: 1

WdFilter -->

Start: 0

Type: 2

WdNisDrv -->

Start: 2

Type: 1

WdNisSvc -->

Start: 2

Type: 16

WinDefend -->

Start: 2

Type: 16

Example:

Note: Incorrect editing of registry can cause serious damage to system. And you are doing edits in very sensitive area of registry. So be very careful. If you didn't understand anything then stop and ask it. I will explain in simpler words.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-10-28T14:12:53+00:00

    @Rick95:

    The answer to your dislike is Windows 10. Microsoft took the best parts of Win 7 & Win 8.1 and combined them (+ improved them) to produce Windows 10. The Start button is back in Win 10. I have Windows Defender AND McAfee Security Suite both running on my Win 10 systems. :-)

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-10-28T12:45:45+00:00

    I have been researching this problem for weeks and I don't know if you have resolved your problem already?

    I just received a post from Microsoft Community and it seems to be that if you have any Anti-Virus or Spyware program besides Windows Defender running it will automatically disable it or shut it off!  I just purchased a new Dell computer with Windows 8.1 and they always use McAfee Anti-Virus and Spyware which when installed will disable Windows Defender automatically which I didn't know?  I have used Avast Anti-Virus for 12 yrs!  No Problems!

    The post told me to download the McAfee Products Removal Tool then reboot the computer and confirm that Windows defender is enabled then update Defender's definitions in the PC Status tab Update.

    In your case I don't know what make computer you have or anti-virus you have but maybe you can disable the anti-virus for 10/15 minutes and try to start Defender on the Task Bar under Services.  I tried that but mine was completely BLOCKED because of McAfee.  Yours might be different?

    I had Avast on my old computer and I could run Windows Defender every day without any problems!  Defender is a WONDERFUL tool to use.  The SECURITY on the new computers is more difficult to work with.  I don't like Windows 8.1 and they removed the START MENU!

    If your problem is solved already all this information is useful to remember!  You Never Now?

    This a list of malware removal tools:  Good Luck!.............Mike

    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/wiki/mse-protect\_start/list-of-anti-malware-product-removal-tools/2bcb53f7-7ab4-4ef9-ab3a-6aebfa322f75

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