MSE Definition Updates

[JD]

I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be ON
at that time.
What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume they
should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it scheduled? If
so, how?
Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have to be
logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be on, and
connected to the Internet?

 

[JD]

I'd like to know whether MSE signature updates work like Windows Defender,
via Windows Update. I was notified that updates were available and I could
download download and install them on demand. Can I forego the automatic
scans, receive updates as available, and run full or quick scans whenever
I'm so inclined?
Herewith are four posts I've read recently regarding MSE updates. The
apparent contradictions leave me asea:
1. Poster's name forgotten: MSE only checks for virus & spyware definition
updates prior to running a system scan, so be sure that the scheduled scan
is realistic.
2. Ron Hirsch: MSE has updates daily, and has a smaller footprint than AVG.
3. Bruce Hagen: It will give you updates as they are available. You can do
Quick or Full scans manually and set a time & day to run scans if you wish.
4. Smirnoff: I have MS updates set to "Notify but not download or install."
However, MSE definition updates install automatically. If I look at "Review
update history" in MS updates under "Source," it tells me that these are
from "Other source" (i.e. not Microsoft update or automatic update"). In my
case, MSE updates daily about 10 minutes after boot up. If it finds a file
that it isn't sure of, it will call for the latest definition updates at ANY
time. There is no need to set MS updates to automatic, I am still only
informed of normal/critical updates as my setting requests.

"JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
newsiAs4yLlKHA.2132@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be ON
> at that time.
> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
> they should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it
> scheduled? If so, how?
> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have to
> be logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be on,
> and connected to the Internet?
>

 

[Smirnoff]

2, 3 and 4 are correct. Weekly auto scan is a default but only takes a few
minutes after initial install scan. Yes, the computer has to be on.

There is also a manual update option but I have not found it necessary to
use it.

"JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
news:eLT5vrNlKHA.4500@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> I'd like to know whether MSE signature updates work like Windows Defender,
> via Windows Update. I was notified that updates were available and I could
> download download and install them on demand. Can I forego the automatic
> scans, receive updates as available, and run full or quick scans whenever
> I'm so inclined?
> Herewith are four posts I've read recently regarding MSE updates. The
> apparent contradictions leave me asea:
> 1. Poster's name forgotten: MSE only checks for virus & spyware definition
> updates prior to running a system scan, so be sure that the scheduled scan
> is realistic.
> 2. Ron Hirsch: MSE has updates daily, and has a smaller footprint than
> AVG.
> 3. Bruce Hagen: It will give you updates as they are available. You can do
> Quick or Full scans manually and set a time & day to run scans if you
> wish.
> 4. Smirnoff: I have MS updates set to "Notify but not download or
> install." However, MSE definition updates install automatically. If I look
> at "Review update history" in MS updates under "Source," it tells me that
> these are from "Other source" (i.e. not Microsoft update or automatic
> update"). In my case, MSE updates daily about 10 minutes after boot up. If
> it finds a file that it isn't sure of, it will call for the latest
> definition updates at ANY time. There is no need to set MS updates to
> automatic, I am still only informed of normal/critical updates as my
> setting requests.
>
> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
> newsiAs4yLlKHA.2132@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
>> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be
>> ON at that time.
>> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
>> they should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it
>> scheduled? If so, how?
>> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have to
>> be logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be on,
>> and connected to the Internet?
>>
>
>

 

[Smirnoff]

Correction: Weekly scans CAN be turned off by de-selecting the option.
However, as stated, they only take a few minutes.

"Smirnoff" <someone@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:eGwd3OOlKHA.5568@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> 2, 3 and 4 are correct. Weekly auto scan is a default but only takes a few
> minutes after initial install scan. Yes, the computer has to be on.
>
> There is also a manual update option but I have not found it necessary to
> use it.
>
> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
> news:eLT5vrNlKHA.4500@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> I'd like to know whether MSE signature updates work like Windows
>> Defender, via Windows Update. I was notified that updates were available
>> and I could download download and install them on demand. Can I forego
>> the automatic scans, receive updates as available, and run full or quick
>> scans whenever I'm so inclined?
>> Herewith are four posts I've read recently regarding MSE updates. The
>> apparent contradictions leave me asea:
>> 1. Poster's name forgotten: MSE only checks for virus & spyware
>> definition updates prior to running a system scan, so be sure that the
>> scheduled scan is realistic.
>> 2. Ron Hirsch: MSE has updates daily, and has a smaller footprint than
>> AVG.
>> 3. Bruce Hagen: It will give you updates as they are available. You can
>> do Quick or Full scans manually and set a time & day to run scans if you
>> wish.
>> 4. Smirnoff: I have MS updates set to "Notify but not download or
>> install." However, MSE definition updates install automatically. If I
>> look at "Review update history" in MS updates under "Source," it tells me
>> that these are from "Other source" (i.e. not Microsoft update or
>> automatic update"). In my case, MSE updates daily about 10 minutes after
>> boot up. If it finds a file that it isn't sure of, it will call for the
>> latest definition updates at ANY time. There is no need to set MS updates
>> to automatic, I am still only informed of normal/critical updates as my
>> setting requests.
>>
>> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
>> newsiAs4yLlKHA.2132@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
>>> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be
>>> ON at that time.
>>> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
>>> they should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it
>>> scheduled? If so, how?
>>> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have
>>> to be logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be
>>> on, and connected to the Internet?
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Ask such questions here:

MSE Support Forums
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/mse

Better yet, do a little reading and see if your questions have already been
answered...

MSE Definitions/Signatures Update FAQ:
http://social.answers.microsoft.com...e/thread/74e507b8-f6da-4eca-8ce7-d1aca7d3f1ba


JD wrote:
> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be ON
> at that time.
> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
> they
> should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it scheduled?
> If
> so, how?
> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have to
> be
> logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be on, and
> connected to the Internet?

 

[JD]

Thanks. I had been unclear that the signature updates are automatic and not
an "option."
"Smirnoff" <someone@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:eGwd3OOlKHA.5568@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> 2, 3 and 4 are correct. Weekly auto scan is a default but only takes a few
> minutes after initial install scan. Yes, the computer has to be on.
>
> There is also a manual update option but I have not found it necessary to
> use it.
>
> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
> news:eLT5vrNlKHA.4500@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> I'd like to know whether MSE signature updates work like Windows
>> Defender, via Windows Update. I was notified that updates were available
>> and I could download download and install them on demand. Can I forego
>> the automatic scans, receive updates as available, and run full or quick
>> scans whenever I'm so inclined?
>> Herewith are four posts I've read recently regarding MSE updates. The
>> apparent contradictions leave me asea:
>> 1. Poster's name forgotten: MSE only checks for virus & spyware
>> definition updates prior to running a system scan, so be sure that the
>> scheduled scan is realistic.
>> 2. Ron Hirsch: MSE has updates daily, and has a smaller footprint than
>> AVG.
>> 3. Bruce Hagen: It will give you updates as they are available. You can
>> do Quick or Full scans manually and set a time & day to run scans if you
>> wish.
>> 4. Smirnoff: I have MS updates set to "Notify but not download or
>> install." However, MSE definition updates install automatically. If I
>> look at "Review update history" in MS updates under "Source," it tells me
>> that these are from "Other source" (i.e. not Microsoft update or
>> automatic update"). In my case, MSE updates daily about 10 minutes after
>> boot up. If it finds a file that it isn't sure of, it will call for the
>> latest definition updates at ANY time. There is no need to set MS updates
>> to automatic, I am still only informed of normal/critical updates as my
>> setting requests.
>>
>> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
>> newsiAs4yLlKHA.2132@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
>>> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be
>>> ON at that time.
>>> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
>>> they should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it
>>> scheduled? If so, how?
>>> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have
>>> to be logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be
>>> on, and connected to the Internet?
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

 

[JD]

Well, as Steve Martin used to say, "Ex-c-u-u-se Me!" I thought that this was
a forum for asking such questions.
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
newsh2qDqOlKHA.3476@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Ask such questions here:
>
> MSE Support Forums
> http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/mse
>
> Better yet, do a little reading and see if your questions have already
> been answered...
>
> MSE Definitions/Signatures Update FAQ:
> http://social.answers.microsoft.com...e/thread/74e507b8-f6da-4eca-8ce7-d1aca7d3f1ba
>
>
> JD wrote:
>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
>> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be
>> ON
>> at that time.
>> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
>> they
>> should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it scheduled?
>> If
>> so, how?
>> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have to
>> be
>> logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be on,
>> and
>> connected to the Internet?
>

 

[Smirnoff]

You're welcome.

By the way, referring to your other thread "Windows Automatic Updates".

Although MSE doesn't need MS Updates set to automatic download and install
to retrieve definitions (Notify is adequate), it does need MS Updates rather
that Windows Update.

"JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
news:era4twOlKHA.1652@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Thanks. I had been unclear that the signature updates are automatic and
> not an "option."
> "Smirnoff" <someone@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:eGwd3OOlKHA.5568@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> 2, 3 and 4 are correct. Weekly auto scan is a default but only takes a
>> few minutes after initial install scan. Yes, the computer has to be on.
>>
>> There is also a manual update option but I have not found it necessary to
>> use it.
>>
>> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
>> news:eLT5vrNlKHA.4500@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> I'd like to know whether MSE signature updates work like Windows
>>> Defender, via Windows Update. I was notified that updates were available
>>> and I could download download and install them on demand. Can I forego
>>> the automatic scans, receive updates as available, and run full or quick
>>> scans whenever I'm so inclined?
>>> Herewith are four posts I've read recently regarding MSE updates. The
>>> apparent contradictions leave me asea:
>>> 1. Poster's name forgotten: MSE only checks for virus & spyware
>>> definition updates prior to running a system scan, so be sure that the
>>> scheduled scan is realistic.
>>> 2. Ron Hirsch: MSE has updates daily, and has a smaller footprint than
>>> AVG.
>>> 3. Bruce Hagen: It will give you updates as they are available. You can
>>> do Quick or Full scans manually and set a time & day to run scans if you
>>> wish.
>>> 4. Smirnoff: I have MS updates set to "Notify but not download or
>>> install." However, MSE definition updates install automatically. If I
>>> look at "Review update history" in MS updates under "Source," it tells
>>> me that these are from "Other source" (i.e. not Microsoft update or
>>> automatic update"). In my case, MSE updates daily about 10 minutes after
>>> boot up. If it finds a file that it isn't sure of, it will call for the
>>> latest definition updates at ANY time. There is no need to set MS
>>> updates to automatic, I am still only informed of normal/critical
>>> updates as my setting requests.
>>>
>>> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
>>> newsiAs4yLlKHA.2132@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
>>>> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be
>>>> ON at that time.
>>>> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
>>>> they should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it
>>>> scheduled? If so, how?
>>>> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have
>>>> to be logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer
>>>> be on, and connected to the Internet?
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Smirnoff]

My mistake, I was confusing it with Windows Server Update Service. Windows
Update should be OK.

"Smirnoff" <someone@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:u2x4F9OlKHA.4872@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> You're welcome.
>
> By the way, referring to your other thread "Windows Automatic Updates".
>
> Although MSE doesn't need MS Updates set to automatic download and install
> to retrieve definitions (Notify is adequate), it does need MS Updates
> rather that Windows Update.
>
> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
> news:era4twOlKHA.1652@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Thanks. I had been unclear that the signature updates are automatic and
>> not an "option."
>> "Smirnoff" <someone@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:eGwd3OOlKHA.5568@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> 2, 3 and 4 are correct. Weekly auto scan is a default but only takes a
>>> few minutes after initial install scan. Yes, the computer has to be on.
>>>
>>> There is also a manual update option but I have not found it necessary
>>> to use it.
>>>
>>> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
>>> news:eLT5vrNlKHA.4500@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>>> I'd like to know whether MSE signature updates work like Windows
>>>> Defender, via Windows Update. I was notified that updates were
>>>> available and I could download download and install them on demand. Can
>>>> I forego the automatic scans, receive updates as available, and run
>>>> full or quick scans whenever I'm so inclined?
>>>> Herewith are four posts I've read recently regarding MSE updates. The
>>>> apparent contradictions leave me asea:
>>>> 1. Poster's name forgotten: MSE only checks for virus & spyware
>>>> definition updates prior to running a system scan, so be sure that the
>>>> scheduled scan is realistic.
>>>> 2. Ron Hirsch: MSE has updates daily, and has a smaller footprint than
>>>> AVG.
>>>> 3. Bruce Hagen: It will give you updates as they are available. You can
>>>> do Quick or Full scans manually and set a time & day to run scans if
>>>> you wish.
>>>> 4. Smirnoff: I have MS updates set to "Notify but not download or
>>>> install." However, MSE definition updates install automatically. If I
>>>> look at "Review update history" in MS updates under "Source," it tells
>>>> me that these are from "Other source" (i.e. not Microsoft update or
>>>> automatic update"). In my case, MSE updates daily about 10 minutes
>>>> after boot up. If it finds a file that it isn't sure of, it will call
>>>> for the latest definition updates at ANY time. There is no need to set
>>>> MS updates to automatic, I am still only informed of normal/critical
>>>> updates as my setting requests.
>>>>
>>>> "JD" <erehwon@example.com> wrote in message
>>>> newsiAs4yLlKHA.2132@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan
>>>>> from Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will
>>>>> always be ON at that time.
>>>>> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
>>>>> they should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it
>>>>> scheduled? If so, how?
>>>>> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have
>>>>> to be logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer
>>>>> be on, and connected to the Internet?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

 

[VanguardLH]

JD wrote:

> PA Bear wrote ...
>
>> JD wrote:
>>
>>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
>>> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be
>>> ON at that time. What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition
>>> updates. I assume they should be downloaded daily. Is this process
>>> "automatic"? Is it scheduled? If so, how? Specifically, regarding both
>>> updates and auto scans, does someone have to be logged on at the time
>>> or is it only necessary that the computer be on, and connected to the
>>> Internet?
>>
>> Ask such questions here:
>>
>> MSE Support Forums
>> http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/mse
>>
>> Better yet, do a little reading and see if your questions have already
>> been answered...
>>
>> MSE Definitions/Signatures Update FAQ:
>> http://social.answers.microsoft.com...e/thread/74e507b8-f6da-4eca-8ce7-d1aca7d3f1ba
>
> Well, as Steve Martin used to say, "Ex-c-u-u-se Me!" I thought that this was
> a forum for asking such questions.

And there is a problem with someone telling you where exists a community
more focused on the product with which you are asking for help? You even
got pointed to an article that gave some good details on how the auto-update
process works for MSE.

Geez, you're going to need a hell of a thicker skin on your over-sensitive
ego to survive in Usenet. Don't seek help if it's "that time of the month"
for you.

 

[VanguardLH]

JD wrote:

> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be ON
> at that time.
> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume they
> should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it scheduled? If
> so, how?
> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have to be
> logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be on, and
> connected to the Internet?

MSE had a problem that it did *not* perform its automatic updates. That
means you could be running MSE with outdated signatures. The only way to
ensure that MSE got updates was to schedule a daily scan AND enable the
option to check for updates before doing that scan. That problem existed
and has been reported many times and is a recognized defect in this product.
That problem was known back around mid-October 2009 so I don't know if they
got around to fixing their auto-update yet. Because of this defect, I gave
up on my trial of MSE and haven't bothered retesting it since.

If the problem has not yet been fixed, schedule MSE to perform a *daily*
scan and enable the option to check for an update before starting the scan.

 

[JD]

You're right, of course. Mea culpa, and my apologies to Pa Bear, who has, in
point of fact, been very helpful to me in the past. I plead "stress."
"VanguardLH" <V@nguard.LH> wrote in message
news:himk8b$m29$1@news.albasani.net...
> JD wrote:
>
>> PA Bear wrote ...
>>
>>> JD wrote:
>>>
>>>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
>>>> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be
>>>> ON at that time. What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition
>>>> updates. I assume they should be downloaded daily. Is this process
>>>> "automatic"? Is it scheduled? If so, how? Specifically, regarding both
>>>> updates and auto scans, does someone have to be logged on at the time
>>>> or is it only necessary that the computer be on, and connected to the
>>>> Internet?
>>>
>>> Ask such questions here:
>>>
>>> MSE Support Forums
>>> http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/mse
>>>
>>> Better yet, do a little reading and see if your questions have already
>>> been answered...
>>>
>>> MSE Definitions/Signatures Update FAQ:
>>> http://social.answers.microsoft.com...e/thread/74e507b8-f6da-4eca-8ce7-d1aca7d3f1ba
>>
>> Well, as Steve Martin used to say, "Ex-c-u-u-se Me!" I thought that this
>> was
>> a forum for asking such questions.
>
> And there is a problem with someone telling you where exists a community
> more focused on the product with which you are asking for help? You even
> got pointed to an article that gave some good details on how the
> auto-update
> process works for MSE.
>
> Geez, you're going to need a hell of a thicker skin on your over-sensitive
> ego to survive in Usenet. Don't seek help if it's "that time of the
> month"
> for you.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

No, this is a WinXP-specific /newsgroup/ and if you'd asked about Norton
AntiVirus, I would have suggested you post your questions here instead:
http://community.norton.com/


JD wrote:
> Well, as Steve Martin used to say, "Ex-c-u-u-se Me!" I thought that this
> was
> a forum for asking such questions.
>
>> Ask such questions here:
>>
>> MSE Support Forums
>> http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/mse
>>
>> Better yet, do a little reading and see if your questions have already
>> been answered...
>>
>> MSE Definitions/Signatures Update FAQ:
>> http://social.answers.microsoft.com...e/thread/74e507b8-f6da-4eca-8ce7-d1aca7d3f1ba
>>
>>
>> JD wrote:
>>> I've installed Security Essentials, and changed the automatic scan from
>>> Sunday at 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM because I know the computer will always be
>>> ON
>>> at that time.
>>> What I'm not seeing is any info about the definition updates. I assume
>>> they
>>> should be downloaded daily. Is this process "automatic"? Is it
>>> scheduled?
>>> If
>>> so, how?
>>> Specifically, regarding both updates and auto scans, does someone have
>>> to
>>> be
>>> logged on at the time or is it only necessary that the computer be on,
>>> and
>>> connected to the Internet?