Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc

Anonymous

Hi, I receive this error code when i try to open Windows Defender and it says: An error as occurred, in the program during initialization. If this problem continues, please contact your system administrator. Error code 0x80073afc. And in the Action Center it says that Windows Defender is turned off.

Please help!

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122 answers

Anonymous

2015-03-24T23:32:46+00:00

Norton was installed but it has since been removed. And McAfee was preinstalled on the computer when I bought it.
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Anonymous

2015-03-24T23:31:02+00:00
To answer your questions:
1. I have McAfee installed but it's not activated.
2. I am the administrator to the computer
3. I have made no changes prior to the issue.
I also followed the steps to turn on Windows Defender but I can't find it in the Control Panel.
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Anonymous

2015-03-24T23:27:03+00:00

I tired all of them but it hasn't worked.
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Anonymous

2015-03-24T23:17:14+00:00

Has a Norton application or a McAfee application EVER been installed on the computer since you bought it?

Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial [pick one] come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)
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Anonymous

2015-03-24T22:12:18+00:00

Hi,

I have received the same error code today, and the same message from the action centre. I have worked through all the actions described above but still cannot start windows defender.

Also I cannot find Windows Defender icon within control panel?

Any further help appreciated!

Mike
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