Windows Defender (Beta 2)

Microsoft has renamed Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware and updated the program with new features as part of the new Windows Defender Beta 2 release. With Windows Defender's impending release, Windows AntiSpyware will no longer be updated.

If you have Windows Antispyware prior release of Windows Defender (Beta 2), you'll receive a notification when a new version is available. For more details, see the following link.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx

had to disable it to get my windows auto update to work any idea what box I uncheck to allow auto updates?

Auto-check for updates:

Tools | General Settings
Automatic scanning section (at the top)
[x]Check for updated definitions before scanning
Save button

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Manual check for updates:

Click the down-arrow to the right of the ? mark and select About Windows Defender
Click the Check for Updates button

I read that it actually takes a step backwards in its ability to get rid of spyware. Has anyone tried it yet?

Running good on three of my machines.

The following is a good overview of the differences between Microsoft AntiSpyware and their new Windows Defender upgrade, as well as why Microsoft had to do it.

Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows: Windows Defender Beta 2 Review
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/...nder_beta2.asp

Thanks, good reading, although it sounds to me as if Paul Thurrott is on a Microsoft payroll.
Anyway, do I need to uninstall MSAS before installing defender?

I read that it detects and cleans rootkits. Nice addition.

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Originally Posted by usil

Thanks, good reading, although it sounds to me as if Paul Thurrott is on a Microsoft payroll.

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:) You're welcome.

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Originally Posted by usil

Anyway, do I need to uninstall MSAS before installing defender?

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No, the Windows Defender installation routine automatically uninstalls Windows AntiSpyware.

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Originally Posted by usil

I read that it detects and cleans rootkits. Nice addition.

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Couldn't agree more. :)

Installed. Went smoothly. Lets hope that the rest of the way is as smooth as MSAS has been.

Have both of you looked at the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Antispyware folder? I have WD running on 2 PCs and a manual uninstall and an auto one (via a WD install) leaves that old folder in place.

I did manually move the folder to the desktop on both PCs to see if WD needs it. So far, the answer appears to be no...

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Originally Posted by HAN

Have both of you looked at the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Antispyware folder? I have WD running on 2 PCs and a manual uninstall and an auto one (via a WD install) leaves that old folder in place.

I did manually move the folder to the desktop on both PCs to see if WD needs it. So far, the answer appears to be no...

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Just checked mine and found the Programs\MSAS folder and put on desktop. Thanks for the headsup.
Time will tell?... :rolleyes:

edit: any indication as to how often WD will be updated?

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Originally Posted by poppy4

any indication as to how often WD will be updated?

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No, not really. I assume that it will be similar to MSAS. Which was what, weekly?

I also assume that a fair portion of the Real-time scanner doesn't use the spyware definitions? Wouldn't several of the Real-time scanner sections look for behavior related actions? Like additions to the Startup folder, run keys in the registry and such?

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Originally Posted by HAN

No, not really. I assume that it will be similar to MSAS. Which was what, weekly?

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...sounds right to me....yes weekly.

What are the latest definations?

Windows Defender Version: 1.1.1051.0
Engine Version: 1.1.1185.0
Signature Version: 1.13.1272.4