Let me just clarify...this is our old Microsoft beta anti spyware program dressed up with a new name and perhaps some new features...or is it an entirely different product?  I couldn't quite tell from looking over the web site. Sorry to be so dense...:smileyindifferent:

A few months ago, Microsoft announced that Microsoft AntiSpyware would eventually be renamed Windows Defender.  With the release of beta 2, the name change is official.  This is the same program, but updated with a different look, and better detection capabilities.  The interface has been significantly simplified, with far less pop-up windows.  The latter was a complaint from many users, so Microsoft reduced them.

Thanks very much!!  :smileywink:

I downloaded the smaller version of this program and it seems to be very simplistic. It says the that the definitions have not been updated but when I press for updates it doesn't do anything. It also does not install an icon on the desktop, but asks me for a program to open it with when press on the short cut. Should I have installed the longer "64" version. I think I'll search out and reinstall the Beta 1 unless I can figure it out.

The program runs hidden in the background MSASCui.exe. (Task manager)

To open the program, I just placed a shortcut on my desktop.

I don't know what the problem is.

"C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" in your shortcut??

Message Edited by msil217 on 02-14-2006 06:54 PM

I found this program in the processes in Task Manager...not sure how much is going on...would have to assume that it is  the real time protection process. There is an icon on the desktop and when that is pressed it brings up the Installation Wizard. Once you get through that a scan starts and it also looks for updates (if online). It seems that it has to install each time it is run, rather than just run...not sure if I originally installed it correctly.  It also seems that the search for updates is automatic and cannot be done manually. I did a full scan last night...it went over 700,000 files...more than any other scan I have seen. I liked the beta 1 interface and function better, but since this is a product still in development, and free...I can't complain. :smileyvery-happy: