Experiences with Windows Defender (beta 2)?

Question

Windows Defender (beta 2) is really getting pounded in the private Microsoft newsgroups set up for this program.  I realize most of the people who post to newsgroups are those having trouble, not those with systems running smoothly.  However, I am surprised at the number and intensity of the complaints.  Some are even reverting back to MS AntiSpyware (beta 1).  The biggest complaint seems to be trouble with updating.        Myself, I've only noticed one minor glitch with Windows Defender, regarding the listings in the History section.  On the positive side, I've found the updating process smoother, and I've encountered less error messages than with MS AntiSpyware (beta 1.)        I was wondering about the experiences other Dell users have had with Windows Defender?  Good, bad, ugly?

dalem29 · Answer

Once I figured out how it updates it seems to do OK. The prime update is KB915597, and that number doesn't change...another number shows that the update is different from the previous ones. It says it is going out looking on the web looking for updates, but it never finds any, it just updates through the Windows update screen. This is quite confusing when you are used to the ease of working with Beta 1. The way it has downloaded on my computer, it is shows up in Add/Remove programs, but I have to install it from the desktop every time I use it. I have tried downloading the program twice with the same result. I have used the download Wizard as instructed but it just does not seem to work and does not seem to fully install the program. Finally the update KB915517 does not show up in Belarc Advisor or in Add/Remove programs.

So I'm not sure what to call it, but am trending toward UGLY at this point. I have to assume it is a good tool and is doing an efficient scan. Would be happy to have Beta 1 back, but it appears that it is no longer available...after I have made a search for it.

Message Edited by dalem29 on 03-12-2006 11:29 AM

Message Edited by dalem29 on 03-12-2006 11:37 AM

lawnmowerguy · Answer

A poster on the microsoft.private.security.spyware.general NG posted a Filehippo link to download MSAS (beta 1) here: http://www.filehippo.com/download/88f7471049179318fa98d78e1df25a33/download/ Message Edited by Lawnmowerguy on 03-12-2006 02:25 PM

dalem29 · Answer

Thank you sir for the link. I will use Beta 1 as long as it is available, or until the ulitimate final product is getting rave reviews, and is FREE   :smileywink:

Locinvar · Answer

I have gone from MS AntiSpyware (beta1) to Windows Defender(Beta 2) without any problems on either of my systems running XP Media Center Ed.   If I start having problems I'll update the thread   Both versions MS AntiSpyware (beta1) and Windows Defender(Beta 2) are free. Message Edited by Locinvar on 03-19-2006 03:35 AM

Virus & Spyware

Experiences with Windows Defender (beta 2)?

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