Windows Defender Offline definitions out of date

Anonymous
2016-04-24T04:02:30+00:00

Windows 7 64 Bit.  I have been using Windows Defender Offline on a USB thumb drive (4 GB, uses less than 1 GB) for years without problem.  Last week updating Windows Defender Offline definitions to an already working USB thumb drive seemed to install correctly.  When I boot to the USB thumb drive the program boots and runs but I get the message the "definitions out of date", and it will not scan the computer.  I tried formatting USB thumb drive and then installing the whole Windows Defender Offline with definitions instead of just updating the definitions to the already working USB thumb drive.  Everything went correctly, the size of the download appeared to be correct.  I booted to the USB thumb drive and still got the message "definitions out of date".  Since the Windows Defender Offline program started offline, and was installed onto a completely formatted USB thumb drive, it must have downloaded and installed correctly but the definitions are still "out of date".  Are the definitions being updated by Microsoft or has the program been discontinued?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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Anonymous
2016-06-08T20:47:31+00:00

Not sure that matters at this point, the messages appear to be pointing to 2 unrelated failure points.

I have an update.

We have identified the problem and are working on a new Windows Defender Offline release.

Paul...

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-05-21T14:35:47+00:00

    Has there been any further progress diagnosing and repairing this problem?

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-05-20T19:13:14+00:00

    It is difficult to imagine how this problem could be unintentional. The DATE information on the MEDIA USB is updated with each update, as is the version number of the MPAM file, as seen on its PROPERTIES >DETAIL screen. 

    The indication that the definitions are out of date, is much more likely due to an UNCONDITIONAL  branch in the program, than from a real comparison of the date on the USB to the system clock. After all, the USB information is refreshed with each run of the mssstool. From version to version and date to date.

    If Microsoft has decided to discontinue this tool for Windows 7, please alert your users. Your lack of attention to this problem is causing many to waste considerable time and energy. 

    If it has not been discontinued, please offer a solution soon. Many rely upon it in dire situations, and many have machines that will not update to Windows 10.   Pentium 4 for instance.       THANKS

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-05-18T21:09:47+00:00

    Reply to all. I am glad to see that there has finally been some interest displayed for this problem. However, Windows 10 solutions are not relevant. As I understand it the WDO program is handled by the OS in Windows 10. Not so in Windows 7.

    This failure (The definitions are out of date) is occurring on both 32bit and 64bit machines with all different manner of security programs. The same machines that ran this program just fine until recently. As for outside influences affecting its function, the only influence that is different now is the DATA that is downloaded from Microsoft when the MSSSTOOL is run to create the MEDIA USB. As can be seen, the version number of the MPAM-fe file is at the CURRENT level when created on the USB. Although it is not the same as the internal Windows Defender anymore, it IS at least as high or higher.

    Since the system is BOOTED from the USB, only the date WITHIN the USB is available to compare to the system clock. This must be how the program determines the viability of the definitions. The date ON the MPAM file on the USB is CORRECT.  Yet, it still reports that the definitions are out of date. Therefore, the date INFORMATION IN the USB that is used for comparison MUST BE CORRUPTED. Mr. Microsoft Moderator, please consider my conclusions as you define and correct this problem. I apologize in advance if I am all wet.     Thanks

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-05-18T19:00:11+00:00

    I have exactly the same issue and I use Norton

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