Microsoft Security Essentials

[smurfchops]

After a lot of fiddling about, I have managed to do a quick scan that eventually worked so my computer is Real Time Protected. However the Virus and Spyware Definitions failed. Is it safe to use my computer, or should I use another product, if so which one and should I delete MSE? I am not technical,so easy answers please,thanks all. I would prefer to keep MSE if possible.

[Old_Geezer]

Failed ?
Do you mean failed to update ? If so then the PC isn't as secure as it might be but will still have some protection.

Try to get it to update again.

[Bathsheba]

Blimey O-G, that's not helping smurfy much, is it? She's said she's not technical.
Smurfy, I'm not techy myself, but I'm pretty sure MSE isn't around any more, but I'm sure one of the friendly tekky peeps will be along to help you soon ;)

Baths
x x x

[smurfchops]

Well I now have he litte green house logo with the flag on top instead of the unsafe orange one, so I presume I am secure ???

[Old_Geezer]

If you wish to use another AV then there are plenty about. For what it is worth my woman is using Avast, I am using Kaspersky.

[Prudie]

I use the free version of MSE and it's certainly still around. if it's showing all green then it will be all up to date so looks like you're OK.

[gingejbee]

You should have ditched MSE years ago....it wasn't very good and a name change to Windows Defender hasn't improved it.....see here:

http://www.alphr.com/microsoft/microsoft-security-essentials

If you want "free" security, Avast Free Anti-Virus is regarded as the best...if you don't mind paying, Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 is the one to use.

[diddlydo]

MSE was being silly yesterday. My logo went orange and told me the virus definitions were out of date. I tried to install the updates and it just got stuck part way through. I cancelled it in the end and lo and behold the logo went back to green and told me the virus and spyware stuff was up to date!

[smurfchops]

Thanks all, didlyo seems like we had the same problem x