Grave situation w/virus protection.

[Jack Sprat]

Do I have any alternatives? I began downloading Microsoft Security Exec on a backup PC because it was free. I have Windows XP running on that PC so I thought it was a cinch for compatibility. I uninstalled my existing Virus Protection per Microsoft instructions and began the MSE download. Suddenly a box appeared warning me that the downloading software did not have the Windows logo required by my system and that allowing it to complete the download would jeopardize the possible functionality of my system immediately or in the future.

Has anyone experienced this? I thought Microsoft was Windows so why wouldn't MSE have the Windows Logo? Anyway, it scared me into ending the download. Now, thanks to the uninstall of the former Virus protection, I have Zero virus protection on that PC. I am afraid to open the internet so that I can download Avira or AVG because I'm afraid the trojans will attack as soon as I open IE.

Any suggestion please?

[Randall Flagg]

1. You say "Microsoft Security Exec" and the new MS security system is

MS Security ESSENTIALS. I'm using it on Vista and Seven and it installed w/o a problem.

It (essentials)should install on XP as long as your processor is 500 Mhz or faster.

As long as you have a reliable/safe home page, you shouldn't have a problem going to it and then go here: http://www.microsoft.com/security_Essentials/resources.aspx?mkt=en-us&s=1 to try and download and install it again.

DISCLAIMER; I don't work for Bill, Steve or anyone other than myself. And I don't sell software.

[Jack Sprat]

3. It is a small Celeron processor

but it is 2.2GHz. I was surprised the message said it did not have the Windows logo when it is clearly a Dell Windows XP edition.

You're sure right about it being MSEssentials. I misnamed it. Thanks. I guess I may just override the warning and let it load. I don't know what other options I have at this point.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

2. Is your Windows XP OS 32 bit or 64 bit?

MSE is available for Windows XP 32 bit ONLY and does not support Windows XP 64 bit, although it makes no mention of this on it's system requirements page.:silly:

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/msestart/thread/d06e999b-56f8-418b-911d-2ff1ad78eea5/

See the Security Essentials Resouces page here:

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/resources.aspx?mkt=en-us&s=1#mainNav

Rob

EDIT: I just noticed that page makes absolutely no mention of 64-bit, so yes, this is supported for both Vista and Windows 7. However, Windows XP 64-bit os is NOT supported and likely never will be, though I see that isn't an issue for you.

Edit to add: There is the possibility you may be (unwittingly) using a "pirated" copy of XP:

http://news.techworld.com/security/3203037/microsoft-blocks-pirates-from-security-essentials-antivirus/

Microsoft blocks pirates from Security Essentials antivirus
Free software installs only on legit Windows
By Gregg Keizer | Computerworld US
Published: 10:38 GMT, 01 October 09

Microsoft will block users running counterfeit copies of Windows from installing the free Security Essentials antivirus software, the head of the company's anti-piracy group has said.

Security Essentials, which launched early Tuesday, is basic anti-virus and anti-spyware software that Microsoft touts as suitable for users who can't, or won't, pay for security.

"During installation, you'll be asked to validate Windows running on your PC to make sure that it's genuine," said Alex Kochis, director of Microsoft's Genuine Windows team, in a post to a company blog Tuesday. Genuine Windows is the umbrella label for several of the company's anti-piracy technologies, including product activation and the often-criticised validation and notification components, which regularly determine whether the copy of Windows running on a PC is legitimate

[Jack Sprat]

4. I think the Celeron processor is a 32bit

I will check when I load Windows on it next time.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

10. Not the processor...

but the Operating System.

Right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Properties". Under the "General" tab:

For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.

For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional Version <Year> appears under System.

or Windows XP Home Edition (which is only 32 bit}

[CK_John]

5. While disconnected from the net run a scan with MalwareBytes. Who is the author

of the warning message? To me it sounds bogus.

Have loaded MSE on several machines with no problem or message.

[Jack Sprat]

6. Thanks, I will run the scan. Before your begin

to download, it verifies that you have a genuine Microsoft Windows edition. For whatever reason, it interrupted the download and warned against completing it because my system did not match the Windows Logo. That's ridiculous. It has an old Dell Celeron processor.

[CK_John]

7. It sounds like bad guys trying to prevent installation. I'm shocked, I tell you, shocked. n/t

[Earth Bound Misfit]

8. I agree with CK John's advice. Sounds bogus to me.

If I may ask, what made you decide to switch AV's in the first place?

[Jack Sprat]

9. I had a free CA virus protection as a benefit

of subscribing to that cable company. I am leaving the area very soon and will not have that ISP anymore. The backup PC is rarely used anymore and I thought I might just download this Microsoft Security Essentials after reading on this very forum that it was free and seemed to work well and update well. Since it is more permanent than a free ISP virus protection, I reasoned that I would try it on the old PC and see how well it performed.